If you love snacking on something crunchy with a bold punch of flavor, then this Garlic Pumpkin Seeds Recipe is going to be a new favorite in your kitchen. These roasted seeds bring out the best in simple pumpkin seeds, enhanced with a perfectly balanced blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a subtle hint of sweetness and heat. Whether you’re munching them as a snack, sprinkling them on salads, or adding crunch to your favorite dishes, this recipe delivers irresistible texture and flavor that’s truly addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic here. Each one plays an essential role in creating that perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor that makes this Garlic Pumpkin Seeds Recipe so wonderfully addictive. And the best part? They are straightforward pantry staples and fresh pumpkin seeds that come together beautifully.
- Raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds (1 ½ cups / approx. 135 g): Fresh seeds are best for roasting to achieve maximum crunch and freshness.
- Garlic powder (1 ¼ teaspoons / approx. 3.3 g): The star flavor that gives these seeds their signature garlicky kick.
- Onion powder (1 ¼ teaspoons / approx. 3.3 g): Adds a subtle depth of sweetness that complements garlic perfectly.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon / approx. 1.3 g): Imparts a warm, smoky undertone that elevates the seasoning.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon / approx. 2.9 g): Enhances all the spices and balances the flavor.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon / approx. 0.5 g): Brings just enough heat to keep things exciting.
- Ground mustard (¼ teaspoon / approx. 0.6 g): Adds a slight tang and complexity to the spice mix.
- Light brown sugar (¼ teaspoon / approx. 0.5 g): A hint of sweetness to balance the savory and spicy notes.
- Olive oil spray: Helps the spices stick to the seeds and finishes them with a touch of richness.
How to Make Garlic Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 300°F (149°C). This gentle roasting temperature is essential so the pumpkin seeds dry and crisp evenly without burning. It sets the stage for that perfect crunchy texture we all love.
Step 2: Prepare the Seeds
After removing the seeds from your pumpkin, take care to separate them fully from all the stringy pulp. Rinse the seeds thoroughly under cold water using a colander. This step is crucial for removing any residue that could cause bitterness or sogginess during roasting.
Step 3: Dry and Spread Seeds
Shake off excess water and if the seeds still feel wet, pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Spreading them out in a single layer on a baking sheet ensures that every seed gets enough heat and air to roast evenly, which is key for crunchiness.
Step 4: Initial Roasting
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Halfway through, give the seeds a toss to prevent any uneven cooking. At this stage, we’re drying them out and starting the roasting process without coloring them too much.
Step 5: Mix the Spices
While the seeds are roasting, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and light brown sugar in a small bowl. Mixing the spices ahead helps ensure every seed will be coated with an evenly distributed burst of flavor.
Step 6: Coat with Oil and Spices
Transfer the partially roasted seeds to a medium bowl. Lightly spray with 4 to 5 squirts of olive oil spray. This oil layer is what helps the spices cling to the seeds and adds a subtle richness to each bite.
Step 7: First Spice Toss
Sprinkle about three-quarters of the spice blend over the seeds. Toss thoroughly to coat them as evenly as possible – this ensures every single seed gets that amazing garlicky, smoky flavor in the next roasting phase.
Step 8: Final Roasting
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the spiced seeds in a single layer. Roast at 300°F (149°C) for 20 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through. This slow roast deepens the flavors, crisps the seeds perfectly, and turns them a delicious golden brown.
Step 9: Final Flavor Boost
Once out of the oven, give the seeds another light olive oil spray, then toss them with the remaining quarter of the spice mixture while still warm. This final step locks in the flavor and guarantees an extra punch of garlicky goodness.
How to Serve Garlic Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
These garlicky roasted pumpkin seeds are fantastic on their own or sprinkled as a crunchy garnish. Try them atop fresh salads to add texture and depth, or toss them over creamy soups for a flavorful crunch boost. A little sprinkle on avocado toast or roasted veggies also works wonders.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving them as a snack option at a gathering, pair these seeds with a fresh vegetable platter and some creamy dips like hummus or tzatziki. They also make a terrific crunchy side to fall-inspired dishes like roasted butternut squash or hearty grain bowls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your Garlic Pumpkin Seeds Recipe in small ramekins or mini burlap sacks for casual entertaining. You can also mix them with dried fruits and nuts for a homemade trail mix or grind them coarsely as a spicy, crunchy topping for mac and cheese or casseroles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your roasted garlic pumpkin seeds in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature away from direct sunlight, they’ll stay crunchy and flavorful for about 1 to 2 weeks. This makes it easy to have a healthy snack ready whenever cravings strike.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Garlic Pumpkin Seeds Recipe longer, freezing is an option. Place them in a sealed freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To revive their crunch after storage or freezing, simply toast the seeds in a dry skillet over low heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently. Alternatively, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for 5 minutes. This refreshes their toasty aroma and crispy texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shelled pumpkin seeds in this Garlic Pumpkin Seeds Recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-shelled seeds work just fine and can save preparation time. Just make sure they are raw and unsalted for the best roasting results and spice adherence.
Is it necessary to use olive oil spray, or can I use another oil?
Olive oil spray is convenient and adds a nice subtle flavor, but you can substitute with any neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed oil. Just use sparingly to avoid sogginess.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The cayenne pepper adds a gentle warmth but it is quite mild overall. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your palate—less for mild, more for a kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan since it uses only pumpkin seeds, spices, and olive oil. Just ensure that your spices are labeled gluten-free if you have sensitivities.
What’s the best pumpkin to use for fresh seeds?
Fresh seeds from sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins are ideal since they tend to have a sweeter flavor and are easier to clean compared to large carving pumpkins.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you find this Garlic Pumpkin Seeds Recipe as deliciously rewarding as I do. It’s a simple snack that feels special every time—full of bold garlic flavor, a hint of spice, and that perfect crunch. Give it a try and keep a batch handy for snacking, garnishing, or anytime you want a savory boost!
