Crispy & Flavorful Everything Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Your Ultimate Fall Snack Guide

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Safeway. All opinions are 100% my own.

Discover the ultimate recipe for perfectly roasted pumpkin seeds, seasoned with a savory blend of sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This versatile recipe works wonders for any winter squash seeds, turning seasonal remnants into an irresistible snack!

As the vibrant hues of autumn settle in, there’s a certain magic in the air, especially around Halloween. While my own celebration this year didn’t feature traditional costumes or trick-or-treating, it was a day filled with cherished moments. My book club, for instance, gathered in person for the first time since March, offering a much-needed connection. We sat comfortably six feet apart around a crackling bonfire, enthusiastically discussing our October read, “Rebecca”—a deeply psychological thriller with just the right amount of autumnal spookiness.

Later, the evening continued with virtual fun as I joined my cousin, sister, and friends for a lively game of Among Us. My partner, M, and I, sips of Pinot Noir in hand, playfully accused each other of being “the Imposter,” phone screens cleverly shielded from view. When darkness fully descended, we embraced a no-contact trick-or-treating approach, placing a platter of healthier alternatives (no candy in sight, a little mischievous, I admit!) on our doorstep. By midnight, half of the nut butter packets and energy bars had vanished!

I couldn’t help but wonder if kids are becoming more health-conscious, or if the glowing street lamps cleverly disguised our wholesome offerings as traditional candy. Either way, it felt like a small win for influencing the younger generation! Now, I hope to influence you to try something equally delightful and surprisingly healthy: these Everything Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. It’s truly my favorite method for transforming humble pumpkin seeds into an incredibly flavorful, savory snack, packed with a symphony of spices and a generous touch of sea salt.

Why You’ll Love This “Everything” Pumpkin Seed Recipe

Have you ever tried roasting your own pumpkin seeds? If not, you’re in for a treat that will quickly become a cherished autumn tradition. Last week, when M and I embarked on our pumpkin carving adventure, we found ourselves with an abundance of seeds—an almost abnormal amount! For weeks, I had been eagerly telling M, a roasted pumpkin seed novice, all about this simple yet incredibly rewarding snack. It’s been a personal tradition of mine for over a decade, and I was thrilled to share the experience with him.

When you’re faced with a pile of pumpkin pulp studded with seeds after carving, it almost feels like a moral obligation to roast them, doesn’t it? It’s a fantastic way to minimize food waste and create a delicious, wholesome snack from something that would otherwise be discarded. This “Everything” blend offers a perfect balance of salty, savory, and subtly smoky notes, making them utterly addictive. Plus, the process is surprisingly simple, making it a perfect activity to do with family or friends.

Crafting the Perfect Spice Blend: Ingredients You’ll Need

My quest for “the best pumpkin seed recipe” led me to adapt a few variations into this unique blend that captures everything I love in a savory snack. It’s easily seasoned, incredibly flavorful, and truly highlights the natural goodness of the seeds. Here’s what you need to create these irresistible roasted pumpkin seeds:

• Fresh pumpkin seeds (from your carved pumpkin or any winter squash)
• Avocado oil (or a similar high smoke point, neutral oil)
• Signature SELECT™ Sea Salt
• OOrganics® Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder 
• Smoked Paprika (optional, but highly recommended for depth)
• Signature SELECT Black Pepper

That’s all it takes to make a truly satisfying snack!

Quality Ingredients from Safeway for Superior Flavor

For this recipe, I proudly used some of my favorite products from Safeway, ensuring both quality and value. The OOrganics Onion Powder comes from my local Safeway store’s exclusive OOrganics® product line. This brand is renowned for its wide assortment of USDA Certified Organic, minimally processed, and often protein-rich products, making healthy eating choices both easy and reliable. Additionally, the Signature SELECT Black Pepper and Signature SELECT Sea Salt are staples from their Signature SELECT™ product line, offering a number of high-quality everyday items exclusively found throughout Safeway’s aisles. Both lines provide shoppers with amazing products at truly affordable prices.

Safeway consistently introduces new, on-trend, plant-based, and protein-rich products that offer exceptional value compared to other national brands. This commitment makes healthy and accessible eating more affordable than ever. I regularly purchase my O Organics and Signature SELECT products at my local Safeway store, but you can also find them exclusively at the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, United Supermarkets, and Carrs/Safeway.

Visit Safeway.com to locate a store near you and explore more essential ingredients for the holiday season and beyond. For added convenience, Safeway also offers Grocery Delivery and DriveUp & Go™ options, making your shopping experience seamless and stress-free.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking. The most challenging, albeit crucial, part of this recipe is separating the pumpkin seeds from their sticky pulp. It requires a bit of patience, but the crispy reward is well worth the effort.

First, rinse your pumpkin seeds thoroughly in a colander under running water to remove all excess pumpkin pulp. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there! I found it much easier with a little help, and M and I stood shoulder-to-shoulder at the sink, bathing and rubbing the seeds, coaxing the stubborn orange clumps to detach and wash away down the drain. This vigorous cleaning helps prevent a gummy texture during roasting. After they’re pristine and pulp-free, pat them dry as much as possible with paper towels or a clean hand towel.

Don’t skip this drying step! Removing as much moisture as possible before baking is absolutely key to achieving those coveted, super crispy pumpkin seeds. Any lingering moisture will steam the seeds instead of roasting them, resulting in a chewier texture rather than a satisfying crunch.

Seasoning and Roasting for Maximum Flavor

Once your seeds are impeccably dry, it’s time to season them with, well, everything! I tossed mine generously with avocado oil, then a delightful blend of Signature SELECT Sea Salt, O Organics Onion Powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Signature SELECT Black Pepper. This combination creates a truly irresistible flavor profile that is slightly salty, wonderfully smoky, subtly garlicky, and deeply savory.

Mix the seeds exceptionally well to ensure every single one is thoroughly coated with oil and that the spices are evenly distributed. A little note on the salt: I leaned a bit heavier on the sea salt in this recipe compared to my usual “pinch” for other dishes. I discovered that a more generous amount truly enhances the flavors of all the other spices, making them pop. Feel free to adjust and reduce the salt to your personal preference, but I highly recommend trying it as suggested for the full “everything” experience.

Next, spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds onto your parchment-lined baking sheet in a single, even layer. It’s important to try and ensure that none of them are overlapping or touching too much. This separation is vital for proper air circulation, which is what helps them get beautifully golden and wonderfully crispy!

Bake the seeds until they are perfectly toasted and crunchy, which typically takes about 12 to 15 minutes. For optimal and even toasting, I strongly recommend stirring them gently every five minutes during the baking process. Keep a close eye on them towards the end, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt quite quickly.

Allow the seeds to cool on the pan for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. The residual heat will continue to crisp them up slightly. Then, transfer the warm, roasted pumpkin seeds to a bowl for immediate enjoyment.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

For the best texture and flavor, it’s important to cool your Everything Roasted Pumpkin Seeds completely before transferring them to an airtight container for storage. This prevents any condensation from forming and making them soft. Stored properly at room temperature, these crispy seeds will keep for up to one week, though they are undeniably best when enjoyed fresh for that ultimate crunch.

Make these Everything Roasted Pumpkin Seeds a new, delicious part of your annual pumpkin carving tradition! They’re not just a snack; they can be a delightful incentive to get your family involved in carving, with the promise of this savory reward at the end of their creative efforts. If you’re craving these roasted seeds but don’t have a pumpkin to carve, fear not! This same incredible seasoning blend works beautifully on butternut squash seeds, acorn squash seeds, or any other winter squash seeds you might collect. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the seasonings – add more of your favorites, or adjust quantities to suit your taste preferences.

Grab a handful as a deeply flavorful and nutritious snack any time of day. Beyond simple snacking, these roasted seeds are incredibly versatile. Try using any leftover seeds as a crunchy, savory topping for your vibrant salad bowls, hearty soups, or plant-based plates. They add wonderful texture and a burst of flavor to almost anything. Enjoy!

If you make these Everything Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Come say hi on Instagram and use #floraandvino. Your feedback is invaluable, so please consider leaving a comment, rating, or review below to help me create more delicious recipes for you.

For more inspiring recipes like this one, be sure to check out my Pinterest page and save your favorites to make later. Looking for other easy roasted snacks? Don’t miss my Easy Maple Spiced Nuts. If you love this post and want to stay updated with all my latest plant-based delights, head over to my homepage and subscribe to get updates delivered straight to your inbox!

XO Lauren

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Photography by Hot Pan Kitchen