30 Creative Ways to Savor Pumpkin Seeds That Go Beyond Simply Roasting Them

Pumpkin seeds are a healthy and delicious snack to munch on year-round, but especially in the fall when everyone can't get enough of all things pumpkin.

And why buy them when you can easily make your own? You can add many different flavor profiles to roasted pumpkin seeds from maple sugar to something hot and spicy and luckily for us, pumpkin seeds are easy to prepare.

Related: 35 Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipes

What you might not realize is that pumpkin seeds are actually quite versatile to use in various recipes. You can enjoy pumpkin seeds in obvious ways such as trail mixes and soup toppings, but no need to stop there.

Pumpkin seeds are a great alternative to tree nuts in recipes such as nut-free pesto, nut-free vegan parmesan and nut-free pumpkin seed butter.

What Is the Difference Between Pepitas and Pumpkin Seeds?

Pepitas are a type of pumpkin seed. Unlike traditional pumpkin seeds, pepitas grow without a shell. Pepitas grow inside Styrian or Oil Seed Pumpkins. So yes, there is a difference between pepitas and pumpkin seeds, however, they are used in the same manner.

Are Pumpkin Seeds Healthy?

Pumpkin seeds have many health benefits. Pumpkin seeds are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, but be forewarned: they are also high in calories. So while pumpkin seeds can be healthy to snack on, they should be consumed along with a balanced diet.

Now that I'm certain you've got a craving for pumpkin seeds, why not try a new-to-you recipe that showcases this crunchy treat? In this collection of 30 best pumpkin seed recipes you'll find everything from dessert truffles, energy bites, crunchy salads and even pumpkin seed pork chops!

Related: Best Pumpkin Soup Recipes

Best Pumpkin Seed Recipes