25 Creative Recipes to Make With Pumpkin Seeds
Sprinkle 'em on salads, soups, and loaves of pumpkin bread.
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For many people, fall means pumpkin season. That means carving jack-o'-lanterns, decorating the front porch, and baking homemade pumpkin pie. But once the gourd is gutted and you've made your own pumpkin puree, don't toss out those seeds! They make for a delicious healthy snack. (And fun fact: It's one of the reasons that pumpkins are a fruit.)
Eating pumpkin seeds—also called pepitas—are one of Ree Drummond's favorite childhood memories. "My mom roasted them every Halloween," Ree says, "just after we carved our jack-o'-lanterns and just before I dressed up as Miss Piggy or Casper the Friendly Ghost..." And while roasted pumpkin seeds is great, there are so many other creative ways to use them.
Pumpkin seeds add a satisfying crunch to fall salads and cozy meals such as pumpkin soup, pumpkin chili, and creamy pumpkin risotto. Of course, they're also splendid in baked goods. Breakfast cookies sprinkled with them are a quick and easy idea that the whole family will love; or bake a whole loaf of pumpkin bread. You can use the seeds to make cinnamon-spiced granola, zesty poblano pumpkin seed sauce (it's a great topping for tacos!), and a bowl of pumpkin hummus.
Whichever direction you choose, you're going to want to save those seeds from your favorite healthy pumpkin recipes—or just pick up a bag from your local supermarket!
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
Sugar, spice, and everything nice goes into this pumpkin seed recipe! The perfect treat for when you're finished carving, they're coated with a sweet mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Get the Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds recipe.
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Though this savory pumpkin dish filled with fontina and smoked gouda doesn't technically call for pepitas, you can certainly sprinkle some on top to add extra crunch alongside the garlic butter parmesan breadcrumbs.
Get the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe.
Breakfast Cookies
Yes, you can have cookies for breakfast... and feel good about it! These delicious baked goods are packed full pumpkin seeds, oats, dried cherries and make a yummy quick breakfast idea.
Get the Breakfast Cookies recipe.
Pumpkin Risotto
The perfect toppings for this luxurious autumnal risotto? Fried sage, parmesan, crisp bacon... and pumpkin seeds, of course! The crunch of the seeds is heavenly with the creaminess of the risotto.
Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Pumpkin Bread
You can bake this tender, moist pumpkin bread two ways: studded with chocolate chips or topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds! Choose your favorite, or do one of each. After all, the recipe yields two loaves.
Get the Pumpkin Bread recipe.
Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus
Sunny Anderson's easy hummus makes the best after-school snack or fall appetizer. Don't skip the toasted pumpkin seeds on top. You'll want to eat 'em by the handful before they even make it to the hummus!
Pumpkin Chili
Chilly fall days are meant for cooking big pots of chili on the stove. But you haven't had chili like this before! Pumpkin puree gives the version a cooked-all-day thickness in record time. Top with all the fixings: We're talking crunchy pumpkin seeds, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Get the Pumpkin Chili recipe.
Everything Bagel Clusters
Add a little crunch to your favorite salad by making this tasty mixture of nuts, seeds, oats, and everything bagel seasoning. The clusters are also great for snacking on to keep hunger at bay.
Get the Everything Bagel Clusters recipe.
Pepitas
Making pepitas is as simple as adding olive oil and salt, but Ree says you can also add any seasonings you want, such as cayenne or curry powder.
Get Ree's Pepitas recipe.
Pumpkin Soup
Toasted pumpkin seeds will add a surprising pop and crunch to this creamy soup recipe. Plus, they look so pretty mixed in with a swirl of extra heavy cream.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Soup recipe.
Butternut Squash Pizza
There's hardly a more unique way to use pepitas than on pizza! With this recipe, you get a perfect combo of sweet and savory thanks to butternut squash, caramelized onions, apples, and prosciutto. Just top it with pumpkin seeds and sage.
Pumpkin Goat Cheese Crostini
A sprinkle of dried cranberries, fresh sage, and, of course, toasted pumpkin seeds atop a creamy pumpkin, goat cheese, and cream cheese spread make up these autumnal crostini. You won't be able to reach for just one!
Get the Pumpkin Goat Cheese Crostini recipe at Well Plated by Erin.
Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
Get this: You can even make pumpkin seeds in your handy dandy air fryer! After you prep the seeds, you'll boil them, then place them in your air fryer at 350 degrees for four minutes. Last but certainly not least, season them to your heart's desire!
No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars
These candy-like bars are made with puffed rice cereal, chocolate chips, and a combination of flax seeds, chia seeds and pepitas. They're extra-crunchy and chocolatey, while still being healthy!
Get the No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Bars recipe at Isabel Eats.
Kale Salad with Apples and Pumpkin Seed Clusters
If you have extra few minutes on your hands, these crunchy pumpkin seed clusters are worth a try. They're seasoned with cinnamon, sugar, and cayenne pepper for a slightly sweet and spicy flavor.
Get the Kale Salad with Apples and Pumpkin Seed Clusters recipe at The Modern Proper.
Pumpkin Granola
This fall granola uses pumpkin three ways: pumpkin seeds, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice. It's perfect for serving with milk or (dare we say) pumpkin-flavored yogurt!
Pumpkin Seed Butter
This is a great alternative to other nut butters! The pumpkin seeds become a slightly sweet, creamy spread for toast, muffins, or drizzling over oatmeal. You can even add it in your favorite smoothie!
Maple Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Not only does maple syrup help the other seasonings (like cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and sesame seeds) stick to the pumpkin seeds, but it also adds a welcome hint of warmth and sweetness to the healthy snack.
Get the Maple Roasted Pumpkin Seeds recipe at Feasting at Home.
Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin seeds are the perfect topping for a moist pumpkin bread. It'll give a hint at what your serving while also adding a tasty crunch.
Get the Pumpkin Bread recipe at Isabel Eats.
Pumpkin Energy Bites
Stash these healthy bites in the fridge or freezer for easy snacking during the week. They're chewy, sweet, and loaded with good-for-you ingredients.
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