How to Clean Pumpkin Seeds and Roast Them, Too!

Don’t let those delicious little pumpkin seeds go to waste. Turn them into a healthy snack! We will walk you through how to clean pumpkin seeds and roast and eat them, too!

Original post: October 2018 | Updated: September 2020, September 2021 and October 2024

Why This Recipe Works

About a month before Halloween, we grab a pumpkin carving kit, a few big pumpkins and we start carving away. Then we’re left staring at the globs of gooey orange stuff and stringy pulp sitting on the table next to our Halloween pumpkins, trying to remember how to roast pumpkin seeds!

Allow this post to be your guide, like it is ours every year:

• Roasting pumpkin seeds is one of those Halloween traditions that we do once a year, so it’s easy to forget the recipe details. 
• Pumpkin seeds are easy to roast and they’re such a delicious snack. 
• Not to mention the fact that they’re salty, yummy and impossible to stop eating.
• This great family tradition turns into the perfect snack. 
• I love transforming pumpkin pulp into a nutritious snack. It feels sneaky! 
• Don’t let the process intimidate you! If you can get past touching the gooey guts, we will show you how to clean pumpkin seeds easily so they’re ready to roast… and eat!

How To Clean and Roast Pumpkin Seeds – Your Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Clean pumpkin

Remove the top of the pumpkin using a sharp sturdy knife and by cutting around the stem. Use a large metal spoon to scrape the pulp and seeds from the walls of the pumpkin. Toss the pulp and seeds into a bowl.

Clean seeds

Separate the pulp from the seeds. In order to rinse the seeds thoroughly, place the seeds in a colander and rinse with cold water.

Prepare seeds

Spread the seeds in an even single layer on a piece of parchment paper sitting on a flat work surface. Dry pumpkin seeds by pressing a paper towel over them to dab most of the water off.

Dry seeds will bake more evenly than wet ones. If you need to let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, make the time for this.

Add seasoning

In a large mixing bowl, add melted butter (or olive oil) and sea salt to the cleaned pumpkin seeds and toss gently until well-coated. Transfer the seeds to a large rimmed baking sheet or sheet pan in a thin layer.

Bake ’em up

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and enjoy immediately!

How To Season Pumpkin Seeds

Instead of butter or oil and salt, try these variations!

• Add cayenne pepper to spice them up!
• Garlic powder, garlic salt or minced garlic add a delicious flavor and create the perfect savory pumpkin seeds.
• Throw a mixture of brown sugar and butter together for sweet pumpkin seeds! Maple syrup and honey can provide sweetness, as well.
• Seasoning salt adds a nice touch of additional flavor.
• Chili powder and/or black pepper will provide a unique zingy touch.
• Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice over the tops before roasting.
• Instead of olive oil, use sesame oil, coconut oil or avocado oil for a different flavor.
• Add curry powder for an extra flair!
• Soy sauce or worcestershire sauce will add a salty touch.

What To Do With Pumpkin Seeds

• Add them to your next batch of homemade granola
• Top pumpkin soup or butternut squash soup with them
• Add them to the top of a salad
• Make pumpkin seed butter
• Add to your morning bowl of oatmeal

How To Store Pumpkin Seeds

Leftover pumpkin seeds should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months for best results.

Can You Eat Raw Pumpkin Seeds

While raw seeds are technically safe to eat, consider the fact that they are harder to digest than roasted pumpkin seeds and may cause indigestion. Consumption of raw seeds should be limited to a small handful per day.

Favorite Fall Recipes

• Best Pumpkin Bars make the perfect fall dessert. They are moist, irresistible and full of yummy pumpkin flavor. Great for your next fall gathering.
• Halloween Snack Mix is a great Fall snack to have on hand. It is perfect for a handful on the run or a great snack for kiddos after school! It’s a fun finger food to bring to your Fall and Halloween-themed parties at school!
• Caramel Pecan Bars are a delicious replacement for pecan pie. These bars are packed with caramel and pecans and are easier than pie!
• Salted Caramel Apple Cupcakes are the tastiest way to use up apples! Salted caramel oozes over apple cupcakes that are topped with apple-infused icing. These are irresistible!
• Each bite of these Pumpkin Pie Bars tastes like fall perfection. They are just as delicious as pie but without the extra work.
• Pumpkin puree is a pantry staple in the fall when fall baking is in full force. For a super fresh pumpkin flavor, consider making homemade pumpkin puree!

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