How to Bake Pumpkin Seeds

By Kelli Robinson on October 31, 2010

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The senses come alive as the leaves start to turn with the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of autumn. Families trek through fallen leaves to pumpkin patches in search of the perfect gourds to decorate their homes. What front porch or window isn't complete on Halloween without the eerie glow of a hand-carved jack-o'-lantern? The fun doesn't end when the carving is complete. Baked pumpkin seeds have been a family treat for generations. Pumpkin seed recipes can highlight the traditional ingredients and provide tasty new twists.

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2

Scoop seeds through hole in top of carved pumpkin, separating them from the inner pulp.

Step 3

Rinse and drain seeds; place them on paper towel to dry for a few minutes.

Step 4

Mix seeds with butter or oil in bowl.

Step 5

Spread seeds evenly on cookie sheet, sprinkling with seasoning.

Step 6

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before eating.

About the Author

Based in North Carolina, Kelli Robinson has written for many online and print publications, including "Charlotte Parent,""A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers II,""Lake Norman Magazine," Jobweb.org, ModernMom.com, and MomsLikeMe.com. She contributes to three Media General newspapers in the Charlotte area. Robinson earned her B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.Ed. from Penn State University.

Ingredients

Pumpkin seeds

Colander

Paper towels

Medium sized bowl

Cookie sheet

Melted butter or oil (canola, olive, vegetable)

Seasoning (salt or other)

References

recipetips.com

Tips

Recommendations for the shelf life of baked pumpkin seeds vary from two days to two weeks. Recipetips.com suggests refrigerated seeds will last up to two months at peak freshness. Don't let seeds stay at room temperature for longer than two days.

When selecting pumpkins, choose ones that are firm and do not have soft spots or bruises.

Separate and discard moldy or darkened seeds from others before roasting.

Don't bake the seeds at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time, or they will burn easily.

Try different seasonings to give the seeds a unique flavor. Consider the following ideas to spice up your pumpkin seeds treat:

Cinnamon and sugar

Garlic salt

Cajun seasoning

Worcestershire sauce