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Crowd-Pleasing Smoky Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

smoky spiced pumpkin seeds - featured image
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These smoky, spicy, and aggressively crunchy pumpkin seeds are the perfect party snack. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they disappear fast at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups fresh pumpkin seeds (from 1 medium pumpkin)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (plus more for seasoning)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Separate the seeds from the pumpkin pulp. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse under cold water, using your fingers to remove the stringy bits.
  3. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil. Add the seeds and boil for exactly 10 minutes.
  4. Drain the seeds in the colander and rinse with cool water. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them thoroughly dry.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add the dried seeds and toss until every seed is coated.
  6. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.
  7. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through and rotating the pan for even browning. Seeds are done when deep golden brown and crackling slightly.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
  9. Taste a cooled seed and sprinkle with additional kosher salt if needed. Toss gently.

Notes

Don’t skip the boiling step—it ensures even roasting and a crispy texture. Dry seeds thoroughly after boiling to prevent steaming. Watch the oven closely after 20 minutes to avoid burning. Let seeds cool completely before serving for maximum crunch. For best flavor, make a day ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, smoky, spicy, snack, party food, fall, Halloween, easy, gluten-free, vegan

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/crowd-pleasing-smoky-spiced-pumpkin-seeds/