8 Ways to Season and Sweeten Pumpkin Seeds

roasted tajin pumpkin seeds on a flat gray surface
Photo:

Buckwheat Queen

Pumpkin seeds are the unintentional gift of a pumpkin — but many cooks consider them a bit of a problem. Whether you've been carving jack o' lanterns or you've been scooping out sugar pumpkins for pie making, all too often these tiny white nuisances end up in the trash. However, prepping and roasting pumpkin seeds turns them into a shareable snack that will keep your family or guests coming back for more. Roasted pumpkin seeds become incredibly crisp and can soak up a lot of flavors. Here are some ideas.

01 of 08

Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Lindsey

This pumpkin seed recipe by Carol is a safe bet to make with over a thousand positive ratings. By using Worcestershire sauce and garlic salt, the flavor is reminiscent of Chex Mix with an irresistibly crispy texture.

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02 of 08

Maryland Pumpkin Seeds

Maryland Pumpkin Seeds
Scotdog

Channel your inner Marylander by using the state's favorite seasoning: Old Bay. By simply tossing pumpkin seeds in this spicy and salty mixture and then roasting, you'll have a snackable recipe that you will crave year-round. Jolly_holly's recipe calls for rinsing off the seeds, but plenty of reviewers have skipped that step and still had delicious results.

03 of 08

Honey Pumpkin Seeds

honey-coated pumpkin seeds in a fall-inspired dish
Melissa Goff

Make yourself a sweet treat with Tom's recipe for honey-flavored pumpkin seeds. The seeds are coated in a mixture of honey, melted butter, and brown sugar before being baked to the point of caramelizing.

04 of 08

Drunken Pumpkin Seeds

Drunken Pumpkin Seeds
Emily Portis

An incredibly unique recipe, these pumpkin seeds are sure to have no competition at the snack table for your next fall get-together. In this recipe by Guinevere, the seeds are simmered in a combination of whiskey, bacon drippings, and brown sugar for the ultimate sweet and savory combination. By simmering before baking, the pumpkin seeds stay extra plump inside while getting a crispy coating outside.

05 of 08

Mexican-Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

Mexican Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Mike Silas

If you want to get away from just sweet or salty pumpkin seed recipes, then reach for this one by Kristin Cragg. A trio of Mexican spices (cumin, chili powder, and cayenne) give the dish deep savory flavor. These are perfect as snacks, sprinkled atop a pan of enchiladas, or added to soft tacos for a bit of crunch. You can adjust the amount of cayenne used to match your heat preference.

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06 of 08

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds with Sugar and Spice

bowl of Toasted Pumpkin Seeds with Sugar and Spice
mom2sevenmakesdinner

If you're still not over pumpkin spice this season, you're sure to love Jani's recipe for sweetly spiced pumpkin seeds. The simple ingredients list mainly relies upon white sugar and a pumpkin spice blend for a burst of flavor that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

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07 of 08

Buffalo and Ranch Pumpkin Seeds

Buffalo and Ranch Pumpkin Seeds
Soup Loving Nicole

Get geared up for game day by combining crunchy pumpkin seeds with the classic flavor of buffalo wings dipped in ranch. This recipe by Whitneymclain tosses the seeds in buffalo sauce and packaged ranch mix before baking them until crisp.

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08 of 08

Roasted Tajin Pumpkin Seeds

roasted pumpkin seeds with spices
Buckwheat Queen

Shake chili-lime seasoning (like Tajin) over roasted seeds, and sprinkle them over burrito bowls or tacos. But, to be fair, you may end up snacking on them all first.

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