How to Roast Perfect Pumpkin Seeds- Delicious Pumpkin Gut Goodness

We have been carving Pumpkins for years! YEARS! It is one of my favorite things to do with my Family around Halloween. 

The first Halloween that I spent with my Little Man and Hubby as a new little “Family Unit,” I reminisced about the times that I had roasted pumpkin seeds with my Parents after having removed all the icky, gooey pumpkin guts so we could get to carving. It was that moment that I decided I was going to roast some pumpkin seeds for us… because I wanted to be THAT mom. 

How hard could it possibly be?! I mean seriously. It’s just as simple as seasoning them with Salt and Pepper and putting them in the oven right? Or so I thought, but when I pulled them out of the oven they were burnt…. VERY burnt.  

I have since perfected the roasting of pumpkin seeds, after lots of trial and error. Now my family loves it when I roast them, and so do I! 

How to Roast Perfect Pumpkin Seeds 

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees

1. Clean the Seeds Well- The first step to perfectly roasted Pumpkin Seeds is perfectly clean Pumpkin seeds. I know, I know… this is the particularly irritating part, as it can be quite annoying to try and get those little buggers clear of Pumpkin guts. I have found the best way to clean them is to fill a large pot with water and add the Pumpkin Seeds, scrub the seeds with your hands. The Pumpkin guts and pulp will sink to the bottom, the seeds will rise to the very top. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the seeds to a paper towel, pat dry to ensure all the guts have been removed.

2. Boil those babies- Yep, Boil them. Place the pumpkin seeds in a pot of salted, boiling water, lower temperature and allow to simmer, uncovered for about 8-10 Mins. Drain and allow to cool otherwise they will stick to the paper towel. Place back on a paper towel… again. Pat dry… again. 

3. Bake those suckers- Place those dry little suckers on a baking sheet and spread them out as evenly as possible. Rub them with some olive oil. You think I am kidding. I am not. Rub those seeds. NOW. Season with whatever you like. I like to use a little salt, fresh ground pepper and Parmesan cheese.  Bake for 10 mins, stir and bake for an additional 8 mins. 

4. Take em out and Chow down- Take those yummy, crunchy treats out of the oven and allow them to cool for 5-10 mins. ENJOY!

What are Your Favorite Things to Season Pumpkin Seeds With?