Roasting pumpkin seeds is quick and easy. Here’s a reliable method with step- by-step guidance and a few variations so you can tailor the crunch and flavor. Direct answer
- Preheat oven to 300–350°F (150–175°C) depending on how crispy you want them.
- Clean seeds: scoop seeds from a pumpkin, rinse off stringy pulp under cold water, and drain.
- Dry well: spread on a towel and pat dry; the drier they are, the crisper they’ll become.
- Oil and season: toss seeds with a small amount of oil (2–3 teaspoons per cup of seeds) and salt. For extra flavor, add spices like paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cinnamon, or a pinch of sugar for a sweet-salty mix.
- Roast in a single layer: spread seeds on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake and stir: roast for 25–45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so, until golden brown and crisp. Thicker or larger seeds may take closer to the 40–45 minute end.
- Cool before serving: let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes to crisp further.
Tips for best results
- Soak optional: a quick soak (10–15 minutes) after cleaning can help remove some stubborn bits, but it’s not required.
- Dry thoroughly: thorough drying is key to crisp seeds; any moisture will steam them.
- Temperature trade-off: lower temperatures (around 300°F) yield very crisp seeds with longer baking time; higher temps (325–350°F) finish quicker but require closer watch to prevent burning.
- Flavor ideas:
- Savory: olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper.
- Smoky: a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Sweet: a light dusting of brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Garlic-parmesan: oil, salt, garlic powder, grated Parmesan after toasting.
Common timing guides
- Start checking around 20–25 minutes for smaller seeds at 350°F, or around 35–45 minutes for larger batches at 300–325°F.
- If using two baking sheets or a crowded pan, rotate sheets halfway through to promote even browning.
If you’d like, share how you’re seasoning or whether you prefer extra-crispy or more tender seeds, and a precise timing and temperature plan can be tailored to your setup.
