Pumpkin seeds are the unsung heroes of fall snacking.
Don’t just toss those seeds after carving your fall pumpkins!
With a simple roast and the right seasonings, you can create delicious, nutritious treats that satisfy any craving. Here are 10 fantastic flavor combinations to try with your next batch of roasted pumpkin seeds.
1. Classic Salt and Pepper
Sometimes simplicity wins. A generous sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper creates a timeless snack that never disappoints.
The natural nuttiness of the seeds shines through while the pepper adds just enough warmth. Perfect for munching during movie night or adding to salads for extra crunch.
Pro tip: Use flaky sea salt for better adherence to the seeds and a more interesting texture.
2. Smoky Paprika and Garlic
This Spanish-inspired combination brings smoky depth and savory notes to your pumpkin seeds. The rich red paprika coats the seeds beautifully while garlic adds a punch of flavor that makes these impossible to put down.
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Serve these alongside a cheese board or enjoy them straight from the bowl.
Pro tip: Add a pinch of cayenne if you want to kick up the heat level.
3. Maple Cinnamon Sugar
Sweet meets nutty in this irresistible treat. The maple syrup creates a sticky, caramelized coating while cinnamon and sugar transform these seeds into a dessert-worthy snack.
These seeds make an excellent topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream.
Pro tip: Add the maple coating during the last few minutes of roasting to prevent burning.
4. Spicy Buffalo
Craving wings but want something lighter? These buffalo-coated seeds deliver that signature tangy, spicy flavor in a much more portable package.
The heat level is customizable, and they pair perfectly with cooling blue cheese dip or ranch dressing.
Pro tip: Toss hot seeds with the buffalo sauce right after roasting for the best flavor absorption.
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5. Rosemary Parmesan
This Italian-inspired combination is sophisticated yet simple.
Fresh rosemary’s piney aroma pairs beautifully with nutty parmesan cheese, creating a savory snack that’s equally at home at a dinner party or as a pantry staple. Try them sprinkled over creamy soups for added texture.
Pro tip: Use a microplane to get super-fine parmesan dust that coats the seeds evenly.
6. Curry and Coconut
Transport your taste buds with this tropical twist. Aromatic curry powder and toasted coconut flakes create a complex flavor profile with sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
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A squeeze of lime brightens everything up. These seeds make an excellent garnish for butternut squash soup or coconut rice.
Pro tip: Toast the coconut separately before mixing with the seeds to ensure it doesn’t burn.
7. Dill Pickle
If you’re a pickle fan, these seeds are your new addiction. Tangy, herbaceous, and slightly garlicky, they capture that perfect dill pickle flavor in a crunchy, snackable form.
They’re particularly good tucked into sandwiches or sprinkled over potato salad.
Pro tip: Use actual pickle juice in your seasoning mix for the most authentic flavor.
8. Mexican Chocolate
Sweet meets heat in this unexpected combination. Cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a hint of chili create a complex flavor reminiscent of Mexican hot chocolate.
These seeds make a surprising and sophisticated dessert garnish or a unique snack that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
Pro tip: Balance the bitterness of cocoa with a small amount of sugar or coconut sugar.
9. Everything Bagel Seasoning
The beloved bagel topping works magic on pumpkin seeds too.
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The iconic mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt creates a flavor-packed snack that’s hard to stop eating.
Try them sprinkled over avocado toast or mixed into cream cheese for an amazing spread.
Pro tip: Make extra to store in an airtight container—they disappear quickly!
10. Soy and Wasabi
This Japanese-inspired combination delivers umami richness from soy sauce with wasabi’s distinctive nose-tingling heat. The glossy, dark coating makes these seeds as visually appealing as they are delicious. Serve them alongside sushi night or as a zesty salad topper.
Pro tip: Start with a small amount of wasabi and adjust to your heat preference.
