What Do You Do With All Those Pumpkin Seeds?

As we land on that last weekend of October, many of us are gearing up for Halloween by getting our costumes together, putting up those last-minute decorations, and prepping to engage in that age-old autumn tradition of carving pumpkins. As fun family activities go, creating those whimsical jack-o’-lanterns that will grace our doorsteps and greet dozens of trick-or-treaters is up there with trimming the tree at Christmas.

In our household, it’s one pumpkin per person. Occasionally, we have extras for friends, neighbors, or guests. But we’re looking at a minimum of four pumpkins. And four pumpkins can yield hundreds of pumpkin seeds.

But what are we to do with all of those pumpkin seeds?

Oh, there’s plenty!

That generous bounty of pumpkin seeds shall not be tossed aside like the fallen needles of a Christmas tree. Instead of discarding this treasure trove, turn your pumpkin seeds into a snack, a treat, or a nutritious addition to your meals.

So without further ado, let’s explore a variety of creative and delicious ways to make the most of those pumpkin seeds you’ll be extracting from your pumpkins, ensuring that no part of this fall favorite goes to waste.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

This may be the most popular consideration when it comes to using up your pumpkin seeds. Whether you like roasted pumpkin seeds plain, with a little salt, or spiced up, the savory crunch of a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds is oh so satisfying.

Simple Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumkin seeds in a cast iron skillet ready for roasting

Simple roasted pumpkin seeds are as classic as dressing in a vampire costume for Halloween. If you’re aiming for simplicity, start by cleaning your pumpkin seeds under water and pat them dry. If there is some pumpkin flesh residue still on the pumpkin seed, no worries! That just yields extra crispy flavor. Ideally, the seeds will be as dry as possible before going in the oven but it’s okay if they’re a little damp because the oven will take care of that..

Once the pumpkin seeds are dry, spread them out on a cookie sheet or use a 12” cast iron skillet if you prefer that. Drizzle some olive oil over the seeds — just enough to coat the seeds. Sprinkle salt over the seeds, making sure that you don’t overdo it. Err on the side of caution and use less salt than you think you need. You can always add more salt to taste later.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Once the oven is warmed up, slide the cookie sheet in and set the timer to 15 to 20 minutes.

Once the seeds are as golden brown as you like them, remove them from the oven, give ‘em a stir with a spatula, let cool, and scoop in a bowl to serve. We like to keep a bowl of roasted pumpkin seeds on the kitchen counter to snack on all week long.

Next-Level Pumpkin Seeds

If you’re feeling adventurous, take your roasted pumpkin seeds to the next level with a variety of savory seasonings. From spicy to savory to exotic, there is always something new to try. And if you end up pulling a few hundred seeds out of your pumpkins, then try a few different options. The sky is the limit!

Old Bay Pumpin Seeds

Old Bay seasoning is delicious on pumpkin seeds

Having grown up in the Mid-Atlantic area, Old Bay pumpkin seeds are an absolute favorite of ours. Follow the same steps for simple roasted pumpkin seeds but instead of adding salt, sprinkle a healthy portion of Old Bay seasoning on the seeds. Give them a good toss when they’re done roasting to get the seasoning distributed evenly.

Buffalo Pumpkin Seeds

It’s football season, so chances are you might have some Buffalo seasoning lying around the house for Buffalo wings or chicken on the grill. If you love the zesty spice of Buffalo wings, then you may never make a different flavor of pumpkin seed again. We like a trusted name like Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo seasoning, but any Buffalo season ought to do the trick (or treat).

BBQ Pumpkin Seeds

Try adding barbecue seasoning to your pumpkin seeds

If you love the smoky-sweet flavor of barbecue, then barbecue-flavored pumpkin seeds may be just the thing to light your grill. We’re not suggesting actually grilling pumpkin seeds (though we’ll discuss smoked pumpkin seeds in a moment), be we absolutely encourage sprinkling your favorite barbecue seasoning on your pumpkin seeds to add that BBQ flavor. You might already have some in your pantry, but if not, consider grabbing a set of barbecue seasonings like the Spice Lab Grilling Collection so you can try different options and see what you like most. The best part? After pumpkin season has ended, you’ll still have great rubs to try on your favorite cuts of meat.

Smoked Pumpkin Seeds

Not everyone loves smoked foods, but for those that do, smoked pumpkin seeds is definitely something to try. If you own a good charcoal smoker, add a small skillet of seeds the next time you smoke some meat. If you don’t use a smoker and you still want to try smoked pumpkin seeds, a good hack is to hunt down some smoked salt like Maldon Smoked Sea Salt and follow the same steps for simple roasted pumpkin seeds. Just swap out the regular salt for smoked salt.

Tex-Mex Pumpkin Seeds

The next time you and the fam have a taco night, set aside some of that savory Tex-Mex taco seasoning for your pumpkin seeds. That smoky, cumin-y flavor is as good on pumpkin seeds as it is on chicken or beef. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, sprinkle a small handful of Tex-Mex pumpkin seeds over your tacos.

Cinnamon & Sugar Pumpkin Seeds

While sweetly flavored pumpkin seeds are not a household favorite, many sweet-tooth-minded folks adore Cinnamon Sugar pumpkin seeds. For these, just create a simple blend of ground cinnamon and granulated sugar and use some melted butter (to replace the olive oil for roasted pumpkin seeds). Toss the pumpkin seeds in the melted butter, roast them in the oven at 350 degrees, remove when done, and toss them in the cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Pumpkin Seed Trail Mix

This one is pretty self-explanatory. For anyone who likes to make his or her own trail mix for an autumn adventure or long hike through the woods, trail mix is a must-have. This time of year it makes sense to toss a handful of roasted and salted pumpkin seeds with the dried fruit, nuts, sunflower seeds, or chocolate.

Pumpkin Seed Granola

Add pumpkin seeds to your granola for breakfast

Similar to the above-mentioned pumpkin seed trail mix, add pumpkin seeds to any store-bought or homemade granola for an extra dimension to your breakfast or yogurt snack.

Pumpkin Seed Energy Bars

For a great on-the-go snack, pumpkin seeds can be added to any homemade energy bars. For anyone who’s into creating homemade energy bars, try Incorporating your fresh pumpkin seeds along with oats, dried fruits, and honey for a nutritious, on-the-go snack.

Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Yes, this is really a thing. It might sound bananas, but it’s actually pretty good. To make pumpkin seed pesto, grind your pumpkin seeds (roasted or raw) in a food processor with garlic, basil, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a bit of lemon juice. Use it as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or as a dip for veggies.

Pumpkin Seed Crusted Chicken

For this think-outside-the-box take on crispy chicken, grind your dried pumpkin seeds into a coarse powder and use it as a coating for boneless, skinless chicken breast or fish for a crispy and nutty crust.

Pumpkin Seed Milk

Fair warning, we have not tried this, but apparently, it is a thing. And it makes sense if you think about it because there are so many non-dairy beverages made from grains, nuts, and seeds. As with almond or soy milk, you can blend pumpkin seeds with water to make your own pumpkin seed milk and use it as a dairy-free alternative for cereals and smoothies.

Pumpkin Seed Smoothie

Blend pumpkin seeds into your morning smoothie

This one might be the easiest to incorporate out of the bunch of ideas presented. In your next morning smoothie, add a quarter cup or so of pumpkin seeds and blend the pumpkin seeds with your favorite fruits, yogurt, and a liquid (like almond milk or… pumpkin seed milk!) to make a creamy and nutrient-rich smoothie.

Don’t Let Those Pumpkin Seeds Go to Waste!

There are so many creative ways to use all of those pumpkin seeds that get pulled out of your pumpkin, so don’t let that pumpkin seed gold go to waste. And if you’re just not that into pumpkin seeds? Well, then you likely have a neighbor that would love to take them off your hands. We certainly would!

Got another idea for what you can do with all of those pumpkin seeds? We would love to hear from you! Send us a note or reach out on Facebook or Instagram!