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Smoky Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Best Easy Autumn Snack

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These smoky roasted pumpkin seeds are the snack you didn’t know you were waiting for, and they come together with almost no effort. They’re crunchy, salty, and have a deep, cozy flavor that feels like October in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups fresh pumpkin seeds (from a medium pumpkin)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for sweet-smoky combo)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Separate the seeds from the pumpkin. Scoop out the insides into a bowl and pick out the seeds, leaving some pulp attached.
  3. Rinse the seeds in a colander under cool water to remove big chunks of pulp.
  4. Dry the seeds thoroughly by spreading them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and patting them dry. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes to air-dry.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the dried seeds, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne if using. Stir until every seed is coated.
  6. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.
  7. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through at the 10-minute mark. Look for a deep golden brown color and nutty aroma.
  8. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt if needed.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the seeds thoroughly; damp seeds steam instead of roast. Stir halfway through for even browning. Cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. For best flavor, make a day ahead as flavors meld overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, smoky paprika, autumn snack, easy snack, healthy snack, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://evadinnerideas.com/smoky-roasted-pumpkin-seeds-best-easy-autumn-snack/