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Smoky Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Easy Smoked Paprika Recipe

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These Smoky Roasted Pumpkin Seeds with Smoked Paprika are a warm, smoky, slightly spicy snack that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for fall gatherings, they’re a crowd-pleaser that will disappear in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds, rinsed and dried
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more for boiling water
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Olive oil spray (for the baking sheet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Clean the pumpkin seeds: Separate seeds from pumpkin guts, rinse under cold water, and drain well.
  3. Boil the seeds: Place cleaned seeds in a medium saucepan, cover with water by about an inch, add 1 tablespoon of salt, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Drain and dry thoroughly: Pour seeds into a colander, let cool, then spread on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  5. Mix the spice blend: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
  6. Toss the seeds with butter and spices: Place dried seeds in a medium bowl, pour melted butter over them, toss to coat, then sprinkle spice mixture and toss again until evenly coated.
  7. Spread on the baking sheet: Pour seasoned seeds onto prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  8. Roast for 20-25 minutes: After 10 minutes, stir seeds with a spatula. Return to oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and faintly popping.
  9. Cool completely: Remove from oven and let cool on the sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack or leave on the sheet.
  10. Taste and adjust: Once cool, taste and add more salt or cayenne if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the boil—it ensures even roasting and perfect crunch. Dry seeds thoroughly to avoid steaming. Watch the oven closely as seeds can burn quickly. Let cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or avocado oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, smoked paprika, roasted pumpkin seeds, fall snack, easy snack, gluten-free, low-carb

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/smoky-roasted-pumpkin-seeds-easy-smoked-paprika-recipe/