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Savory Cajun Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Easy Homemade Snack

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These savory Cajun roasted pumpkin seeds are a crunchy, spicy snack made from fresh pumpkin seeds coated in a bold Cajun seasoning blend. Perfect for fall gatherings, game days, or a healthy homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (freshly scooped or store-bought, hull-on)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Clean the seeds: If using fresh pumpkin seeds, separate them from the stringy pulp. Place in a colander and rinse under cool water, using your fingers to break up clumps.
  3. Soak the seeds: Transfer rinsed seeds to a bowl and cover with water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and let soak for 10 minutes.
  4. Dry the seeds thoroughly: Drain seeds and spread on a clean kitchen towel. Pat dry with paper towels, pressing gently to absorb moisture. Let air-dry for 5 minutes if possible.
  5. Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme (if using). Stir with a fork.
  6. Coat the seeds: Place dried seeds in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and toss to coat. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over seeds and toss until every seed is coated.
  7. Spread in a single layer: Pour seasoned seeds onto prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
  8. Roast for 20-25 minutes: Bake for 10 minutes, then stir seeds with a spatula. Return to oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
  9. Cool completely: Remove pan from oven and let seeds cool on baking sheet for at least 10 minutes.
  10. Break apart and enjoy: Once cool, break up any clumps with your fingers. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Don’t boil the seeds; soaking is gentler and gives better texture. Dry seeds thoroughly to avoid chewiness. Watch the oven closely as seeds can burn quickly. Stir halfway through for even browning. Let cool completely for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun roasted pumpkin seeds, spicy pumpkin seeds, homemade snack, fall snack, gluten-free snack, pumpkin seed recipe

Find it online: https://cookyep.com/savory-cajun-roasted-pumpkin-seeds-easy-homemade-snack/