As the seasons change and autumn arrives, our thoughts turn to warm spices, comforting flavors, and delicious treats. And what better way to celebrate the harvest season than with the humble pumpkin? Not only are pumpkins a symbol of abundance and gratitude, but they also provide us with one of nature’s most versatile ingredients: the pumpkin seed.
With its nutty flavor and satisfying crunch, the pumpkin seed is a culinary chameleon that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. From classic snacks like roasted pumpkin seeds to innovative recipes like pumpkin seed granola bars and pumpkin seed crusted salmon, there are countless ways to incorporate these tasty morsels into your cooking repertoire.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering pumpkin seed recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds and inspire your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a new twist on an old favorite, these recipes will show you the many ways that pumpkin seeds can elevate your cooking and satisfy your cravings.
Stay tuned for our roundup of the best pumpkin seed recipes, coming soon!
Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Transform plain pumpkin seeds into a flavorful snack by roasting them with a spicy kick. This easy recipe is perfect for snacking, adding to salads or using as a topping for soups.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together pumpkin seeds, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until seeds are golden brown and fragrant.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Honey Cinnamon Pumpkin Seeds
Elevate your snack game with this simple recipe that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the richness of honey, all on a crunchy pumpkin seed base. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Add pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the honey-cinnamon mixture.
4. Spread the seeds out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly toasted, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds
Elevate your snack game with this simple recipe that combines the warmth of garlic and parmesan cheese with the nutty flavor of roasted pumpkin seeds. Perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or as a topping for salads, soups, or yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: paprika or dried herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary) for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together garlic and olive oil.
3. Add pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the garlic-olive oil mixture.
4. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy, stirring occasionally.
6. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the roasted pumpkin seeds and season with salt to taste.
7. Serve warm or let cool completely for a crunchy snack.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Seeds
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Sweet and crunchy pumpkin seeds get a delicious boost from a maple glaze in this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Add pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Spread the glazed pumpkin seeds on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized and the seeds are crispy, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoky BBQ Pumpkin Seeds
Elevate your snack game with these addictive Smoky BBQ Pumpkin Seeds! Roasted to perfection and tossed in a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, toss pumpkin seeds with olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.
3. Spread the seed mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until fragrant and lightly toasted.
5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
6. Toss with BBQ sauce until seeds are well coated.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Seeds
Transform ordinary pumpkin seeds into a decadent treat by coating them in rich, melted chocolate. Perfect for snacking or adding a touch of elegance to your holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon shortening (such as Crisco)
– Optional: chopped nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
2. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Remove toasted pumpkin seeds from the oven and let cool slightly.
4. Add shortening to the melted chocolate and stir until combined.
5. Toss cooled pumpkin seeds with the chocolate mixture until evenly coated.
6. Spread the chocolate-covered seeds on parchment paper or a silicone mat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
7. Break into pieces and enjoy! Optional: add chopped nuts, sprinkles, or sea salt before the chocolate sets for added texture.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes toasting pumpkin seeds)
Curry Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
A delicious and addictive snack that combines the sweetness of pumpkin seeds with the warmth of Indian spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, curry powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
3. Add pumpkin seeds and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture.
4. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly toasted.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 1 cup (about 4 servings)
Rosemary Sea Salt Pumpkin Seeds
Elevate your snacking game with this simple recipe for Rosemary Sea Salt Pumpkin Seeds! Crunchy pumpkin seeds get a boost of flavor from fragrant rosemary and flaky sea salt, making them the perfect addition to any snack platter.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tsp dried rosemary leaves
– 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Rinse the pumpkin seeds and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, rosemary leaves, sea salt, and garlic powder (if using).
4. Add the pumpkin seeds to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the mixture.
5. Spread the pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pumpkin Seed Granola Bars
These chewy granola bars are perfect for a quick snack or post-workout treat. The combination of pumpkin seeds, oats, and honey creates a deliciously nutty flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, almonds, and pumpkin seeds.
3. In a separate bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
5. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pumpkin Seed Pesto Pasta
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this unique and delicious pasta dish, featuring roasted pumpkin seeds as the star of the show. This recipe combines the nutty taste of pumpkin seeds with creamy pesto sauce, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a truly seasonal treat.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (such as pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
– 1/4 cup freshly made basil pesto
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine roasted pumpkin seeds, pesto, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Process until smooth.
3. Add the processed mixture to cooked pasta and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pumpkin Seed Crusted Salmon
Elevate your salmon game with this unique and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of pumpkin seeds with the savory goodness of fresh salmon.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together pumpkin seeds and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Dip each salmon fillet into the pumpkin seed mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salmon.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pumpkin Seed Brittle
A sweet and crunchy treat perfect for fall gatherings or as a snack on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup, sugar, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in pumpkin seeds, honey, and salt. Let cool slightly.
5. Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and set.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pumpkin Seed Energy Bites
These bite-sized treats are packed with wholesome ingredients, including pumpkin seeds, oats, and dried fruit. Perfect for a quick energy boost or as a healthy snack to fuel your day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine oats, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until warm.
3. Add the chia seeds to the warm honey and stir to combine.
4. Pour the honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
5. Use your hands or a spoon to shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Place the energy bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! These bite-sized treats are ready in no time!
Pumpkin Seed and Dark Chocolate Trail Mix
A sweet and savory blend of pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, and nuts that’s perfect for a quick snack or on-the-go energy boost. This trail mix is easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and pecans)
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin seeds, nuts, and dried cranberries.
2. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Pour the melted chocolate over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
4. Add the honey and salt, and mix until combined.
5. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None! This trail mix is ready in just a few minutes of mixing and setting.
Pumpkin Seed Hummus
Experience the unique flavor of roasted pumpkin seeds in this creamy and nutritious dip. Perfect for snacking or as a healthy addition to your favorite dishes!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (see note)
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and salt.
2. Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. With the blender running, slowly pour in olive oil and water.
4. Continue blending until smooth and creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Cooking Time: None! Simply blend all ingredients together.
Note: To roast pumpkin seeds, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly toasted. Let cool before using in the recipe.
Pumpkin Seed and Cranberry Salad
A sweet and tangy salad that combines the warmth of pumpkin seeds with the tartness of cranberries, perfect for a crisp fall evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked pumpkin seeds
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin seeds and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the pumpkin seed mixture and toss to coat.
4. Stir in chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pumpkin Seed Butter
Create a delicious and nutritious spread with this simple recipe for Pumpkin Seed Butter. Perfect for topping toast, using as a dip, or incorporating into your favorite recipes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin seeds (roasted)
– 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the roasted pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
3. In a food processor or blender, combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, oil, honey, and salt.
4. Process until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including roasting time)
Pumpkin Seed and Oat Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the nutty flavor of pumpkin seeds with the warm comfort of rolled oats, making them a perfect treat for fall. With only 10 ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for snacking on.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin seeds, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your pumpkin seeds! This collection of 18 delicious recipes offers something for every occasion. From savory to sweet, you’ll find flavors like spicy roasted, honey cinnamon, garlic parmesan, and maple glazed. Elevate your snacks game with smoky BBQ or curry spiced pumpkin seeds. Try using them as a topping for pasta dishes or as a crunchy coating for salmon. Or, indulge in sweet treats like chocolate-covered, brittle, or energy bites. These versatile recipes are sure to bring out the best in your pumpkin seeds!