There’s a simple, satisfying magic in transforming humble pumpkin seeds into a delightful treat. These Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a satisfying crunch that makes them incredibly addictive. The golden hue they achieve during roasting is a visual promise of the warm, nutty flavor and crisp texture that awaits.
They are my go-to for a quick, healthy snack when I need a little something to power through a busy afternoon. They also make a wonderful addition to salads or yogurt parfaits. Plus, they store beautifully, making them perfect for batch prepping.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s wonderfully easy, especially on busy weeknights. The flavor is just divine—that perfect sweet and salty kiss is so addictive!
- So Simple: Even on my busiest days, I can whip these up fast.
- Delicious Flavor: The sweet honey and salty crunch are a match made in heaven.
- Healthy Choice: They make such a satisfying and wholesome snack.
- Super Versatile: Enjoy them solo or sprinkle them on salads and yogurt bowls.
- Basic Ingredients: You likely have everything you need right in your pantry.
Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Ingredients
The beauty of these Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds lies in their simplicity. It lets the natural goodness of the seeds shine with a touch of sweetness. This is a wonderfully straightforward combination that yields fantastic results. You’ll find the exact measurements in the printable recipe card below.
- Pumpkin Seeds: These are the stars, offering a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Make sure they are super clean and dry for the best texture.
- Pumpkin Seed Oil (or Olive Oil): This helps the honey stick. Plus, it promotes even roasting. It ensures a beautiful golden finish.
- Runny Honey: Honey adds a lovely sweetness. It also helps create a slightly caramelized coating.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Salt enhances all the flavors. It provides a delightful textural contrast, too.
Substitutions and Tips:
For a different flavor, try maple syrup instead of honey. A pinch of cinnamon adds warmth. Cayenne pepper offers a little kick. If you don’t have pumpkin seed oil, olive oil is great. Melted coconut oil works beautifully, too. For extra crispiness, ensure your seeds are totally dry. This is key before mixing with the oil and honey.
How to Make Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Step 1: Prepare Your Pumpkin Seeds
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Carefully cut open your pumpkin. Scoop out all the seeds. Then, remove as much pulp and stringy bits as you can. Pat the seeds thoroughly dry with a kitchen towel. Making sure the seeds are completely dry is crucial. It leads to that perfect crispy texture we love for roasted pumpkin seeds.
Step 2: Toast the Seeds
Grab a large, wide skillet. Warm the pumpkin seed oil or olive oil over medium heat. Add your dried pumpkin seeds to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3 minutes, stirring now and then. You want them to turn lightly golden. This first toasting step really helps their nutty flavor before roasting.
Step 3: Coat with Honey and Roast
Now, add the runny honey to the skillet. Pour it over the lightly toasted seeds. Stir everything with a rubber spatula. Coat the seeds evenly with honey. Carefully place the skillet into your preheated oven. Roast for about 20 to 30 minutes. Remember to stir the seeds every so often. This stirring prevents burning. It truly ensures great Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.
Step 4: Check for Crispness and Season
After 20 minutes, taste a seed. Check if it is done. You want them crispy all the way through. There should be no soft spots. If they aren’t crispy yet, roast them a bit longer. Check frequently. Once crispy, remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the seeds quickly to a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper first. Sprinkle them with flaky sea salt while they are still warm.
How to Store Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Once your tasty Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For even longer storage, you can freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to three months. Always ensure they are completely cool before sealing.
Tips for Success
- Dry seeds thoroughly for ultimate crispiness.
- Stir seeds every 5-7 minutes during roasting. This prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
- Taste a seed for doneness before removing from the oven. You want them perfectly crispy.
- Cool completely before storing to maintain their delightful crunch.
- Adjust the honey amount to your personal sweetness preference.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes all the difference. It simplifies the process for making these delicious Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.
- A large skillet is perfect for toasting.
- A trusty rubber spatula helps coat the seeds.
- A baking sheet holds the seeds for roasting.
- Parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze.
- Measuring spoons ensure the right honey ratio.
- A sharp knife is for safely opening pumpkins.
Serving Suggestions
These Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic snack on their own.
- Enjoy them as a simple, standalone healthy snack.
- Sprinkle them over your favorite salads for added crunch.
- They’re also a delightful topping for yogurt or oatmeal bowls.
- Serve them alongside a warm bowl of fall soup.
- Pair them with a crisp glass of apple cider for a perfect autumn treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pumpkin seeds for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! If you don’t have fresh pumpkins, you can use raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds from the grocery store. Just ensure they are thoroughly dried before proceeding with the recipe for the best roasted pumpkin seeds.
How can I make my honey roasted pumpkin seeds extra crispy?
The key to extra crispy Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds is ensuring they are completely dry before coating and roasting. Also, don’t be afraid to taste-test towards the end of the cooking time; a few extra minutes can make all the difference.
Can I add other spices to my honey roasted pumpkin seeds?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. These additions can create delicious variations on the classic Honey Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.
PrintHoney Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe for making delicious honey-roasted pumpkin seeds, perfect for a healthy snack or topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin seeds (about 2 small pumpkins), cleaned
- 2 tsp pumpkin seed oil or olive oil
- 2 tbsp runny honey
- flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325 F.
- Cut open your pumpkins. Remove the pulp and stringy bits from the seeds and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Make sure that there is no remaining moisture.
- In a large wide skillet, warm the oil over medium heat and saute the pumpkin seeds until lightly golden, about 3 minutes.
- Add the honey and stir with a rubber spatula.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally so that they do not burn.
- Taste one of the seeds. You want them crispy throughout, and not soft in the center. Continue to cook if necessary.
- Remove to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with flaky salt.
Notes
- Ensure pumpkin seeds are thoroughly dried to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Stir the seeds occasionally during roasting to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust roasting time based on your oven and desired crispness.