15 Delicious Recipes to Make With Pumpkin Seeds This Fall
Sprinkle 'em on salads, soups, pasta dishes, and more!
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For many people, fall officially kicks off pumpkin season. And that means carving jack-o'-lanterns, decorating the porch, and baking a classic pumpkin pie. But once the gourd has been gutted and you've whipped up a batch of homemade pumpkin puree, don't toss out those seeds. They're a tasty and healthy snack waiting to happen. (Fun fact: Pumpkin seeds are part of why pumpkins are technically a fruit!)
Roasting pumpkin seeds—also known as pepitas—is one of Ree Drummond's favorite childhood traditions. "My mom roasted them every Halloween," Ree says, "Right after carving our jack-o'-lanterns and just before I dressed up as Miss Piggy or Casper the Friendly Ghost..." While roasted pumpkin seeds are always delicious, there are so many other tasty 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!
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
This cozy pumpkin mac and cheese, loaded with creamy fontina and smoky gouda, gets even better topped with toasted pumpkin seeds. Sprinkle some pepitas on top for extra crunch alongside the irresistible garlic butter parmesan breadcrumbs.
Get the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe.
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
Sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-easy to make, these cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds are the ultimate treat after pumpkin carving. A simple dusting of cinnamon and sugar transforms ordinary seeds into an addictive snack.
Get the Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds recipe.
Breakfast Cookies
Cookies for breakfast? Absolutely! Loaded with pumpkin seeds, oats, and dried cherries, these hearty breakfast cookies are a tasty way to start your day and keep you fueled on busy mornings.
Get the Breakfast Cookies recipe.
Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin seeds are the crunchy topping your pumpkin risotto needs. Paired with crispy bacon, fried sage, and a sprinkle of parmesan, these pepitas perfectly balance the risotto’s creamy texture.
Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Pumpkin Bread
This tender, flavorful pumpkin bread can be baked two delicious ways: loaded with melty chocolate chips or topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds. Can’t decide? Good news—the recipe makes two loaves, so you don't have to!
Get the Pumpkin Bread recipe.
Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus
Sunny Anderson’s roasted garlic and pumpkin hummus is a tasty after-school snack or fall party appetizer. Toasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top add just the right amount of crunch...if you can resist snacking on them first!
Pumpkin Chili
When the weather cools down, it's chili time! This pumpkin chili recipe features hearty pumpkin puree for a thick, comforting texture. Top it off with crunchy pumpkin seeds, avocado, shredded cheese, and sour cream for the ultimate fall bowl.
Get the Pumpkin Chili recipe.
Everything Bagel Clusters
These everything bagel clusters are packed with crunchy pumpkin seeds, nuts, oats, and irresistible seasoning. Sprinkle them over salads for extra crunch or snack on them straight from the jar.
Get the Everything Bagel Clusters recipe.
Pepitas
Making your own pepitas couldn't be easier. Simply toss pumpkin seeds with olive oil and salt, or get creative with seasonings like cayenne or curry powder, just like Ree does.
Get Ree's Pepitas recipe.
Pumpkin Soup
This velvety pumpkin soup is deliciously creamy on its own, but toasted pumpkin seeds add the perfect crunch. Swirl in some heavy cream, sprinkle those seeds on top, and enjoy every spoonful.
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.
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