21 Pumpkin Seed Recipes You Can Make Anytime of Year

Often associated with fall festivities, pumpkin seeds (and pepitas!) can be used in much more than just fall recipes for entertaining. From healthy breakfasts that jumpstart your morning to easy fall dinner recipes that can be whipped up in no time, pumpkin seeds lend a delightful crunch and rich flavor to a wide array of dishes. These little gems are more than just a seasonal treat; they offer a plethora of health benefits including protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like magnesium and zinc. Whether you're looking to impress guests with innovative pumpkin recipes or simply want to add a nutritious twist to everyday meals, pumpkin seeds are your go-to ingredient for culinary creativity and wholesome nutrition.

Before we dive in to our favorite recipes that use pumpkin seeds, start with an easy way to roast your own at home. When you're craving crispy pumpkin seeds in a hurry, look no further than your trusty air fryer. The circulating air ensures the seeds get nice and toasty. Season them with salt and pepper, or try your favorite seasonings.

This recipe offers a nutritious twist on the traditional challah by incorporating pumpkin seeds. The blend of seeds, including pumpkin seeds, not only enhances the bread's flavor and texture but also adds a healthy mix of vitamins.

These Pizza Pumpkin Seeds are roasted to crispy perfection with Italian seasoning, garlic powder and grated Parmesan, delivering all the savory flavor of pizza in a crunchy snack. Perfect for fall munching or a game-day treat!

This Pumpkin Seed and Dried Cherry Trail Mix blends sweet and salty with toasted seeds, tart cherries and a hint of spice for a wholesome, energizing snack. Great for hikes, lunchboxes or anytime munching!

Pumpkin seeds tossed in a brown sugar and bourbon glaze are positively irresistible on their own. But when paired with smoky grilled zucchini and crumbled queso fresco the final dish is one you’ll want to have on rotation all summer long.

Pumpkin loaf is a seasonal fall favorite for many, now available in convenient muffins for snacking on-the-go. These spiced treats are sprinkled on top with crunchy pumpkin seeds for a nice crunch.

A great-tasting and healthy cracker is possible, and easy, with the help of some seeds and a little maple syrup. These gluten-free crackers are packed with hearty ingredients like raw pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and rolled oats.

Pumpkin seeds and pipits are commonly found in Mexican cuisine. This pumpkin seed salsa marries a fresh and vibrant mix of vegetables with golden roasted chicken for a delicious meal any time of year.

Roasting a raw pumpkin may seem like a lot of work to prepare a batch of waffles, but we promise the results will be worth it. These fluffy waffles are topped with a trail mix combination of pumpkin seeds, almonds, sunflower seeds and dried cherries.

It’s normal to find yourself a bit fatigued on typical turkey recipes. This turkey chili is sure to change your tune with its zesty blend of spices, peppers and unsweetened cocoa powder.

Start your day off right with earthy pumpkin pancakes full of warm spices. A handful of toasted pumpkin seeds adds a bit of texture to complement the airy nutmeg-scented whipped cream.

There’s no store-bought granola that can compare to a batch of homemade. For the perfect treat that’s good for a morning meal or afternoon snack, this version is packed with pumpkin seeds and infused with classic pumpkin pie spices.

The best kind of cookies are the kind that are full of nutritious ingredients to keep you from feeling too guilty after having two (or ten). These cookies have quinoa, oats and roasted pumpkin seeds along with a healthy dose of pumpkin puree.

Adding pumpkin puree to classic banana bread adds a warm autumnal flavor to the beloved pastry. A showering of pumpkin seeds on top add a nutty crunch that complements the soft, cakey bread.

Some root vegetables get all the fame, though the less known options (parsnips, turnips, celery root) are just as satisfying if prepared right. This recipe combines a few hearty root vegetables with a fragrant spice blend and tops it off with a handful of crisp roasted pumpkin seeds.

These little bite-sized caramels are studded with crispy pumpkin seeds for added texture. There’s a bit of pumpkin puree in the caramel as well, for the ultimate treat that’s totally giftable.

Not all pumpkin seed recipes have to skew towards fall flavors. Pumpkin seeds make a tasty kale pesto that goes great on some cooked linguine with a side of seared chicken.

This sweet, creamy pumpkin dip is great for fall entertaining. The dip itself is made with pumpkin puree and cream cheese but the crunchy candied pumpkin seeds are what makes it truly shine.

A simple pumpkin seed brittle can make the perfect topping for a classic pumpkin pie, or you could always just make the brittle sans pie. Using just two ingredients (sugar and pumpkin seeds), the brittle is a tasty treat that you won’t want to stop eating.

If you’re starting with a whole pumpkin, this recipe will help you make the most of all those seeds. Simply, separate the pumpkin pulp and flesh from the seeds, then give them a roast in the oven. You’ll have a healthy, crunchy snack that you don’t have to feel guilty about in no time.