Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Recipe by
Diletta Secco

Baked pumpkin seeds are a beloved snack in Italy, especially during the fall. When pumpkins are all over the place and everyone’s busy making soups and risottos—super tasty. And look, instead of tossing those seeds, Italians have found a pretty simple way to turn them into something more interesting and a lot tastier. These seeds aren’t just crunchy, they’re golden with a nutty flavor that gets even better with a sprinkle of your favorite spices or herbs. Folks in places like Emilia-Romagna might add rosemary and a touch of garlic, while others go for a hint of salt and some tangy paprika. The best part? It fits right into the Italian zero-waste mindset. It's really about turning what you have into something healthy—so it’s not just a snack, but a way to avoid waste and enjoy your veggies.

People love tossing these oven-baked pumpkin seeds on top of salads or creamy soups to add a crispy crunch. Or, you know, just munch on them straight from a bowl while hanging out. Some even use the leftover stringy bits of pumpkin for fritters or broths—nothing goes to waste. In some parts of Italy, families swap tips for seasoned pumpkin seeds, mixing in local flavors like chili flakes, dried oregano, or even a bit of pecorino cheese. These are snacks that can be as simple or as wild as you want—so so versatile. They’re always a little moist in the middle when they first come out of the oven but cool down to become perfectly crunchy. Seriously good.

The idea of how to roast pumpkin seeds pops up whenever people talk about healthy eating or making food at home that’s actually fun. And you know, it’s cool how such a basic thing can turn into something everyone grabs by the handful. Whether you’re following pumpkin seed recipes from your grandma or just tossing in whatever seasonings sound good, these snacks fit right into the whole vibe of sustainable, tasty eating that’s so popular in Italian kitchens. So next time you carve up a pumpkin, remember those seeds are pure gold! Perfect for adding a bit of Italy to your snack time.

You might also like:

• Pumpkin cream
• Vegetable Peel Chips
• Bruschetta with Broccoli Cream
• Hummus with Artichoke Stems
• Roasted pumpkin