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Best Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

crispy garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds - featured image

These crispy roasted garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds are salty, savory, garlicky, and have that parmesan crust that makes everything better. The secret parboiling step guarantees every single seed snaps when you bite it, making them way better than store-bought.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups fresh pumpkin seeds
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for sprinkling
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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 the seeds from the pumpkin guts. Place them in a colander and rinse under cold water while rubbing them gently with your fingers to remove any stringy pulp, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Boil the seeds: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt to a rolling boil. Add the pumpkin seeds and boil for exactly 10 minutes.
  4. Drain and pat dry: Pour the seeds into the colander and let them drain well. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them thoroughly dry. Let them sit for 5 minutes to air dry if you have time.
  5. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in the minced fresh garlic, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let it sit for a minute so the garlic infuses the butter.
  6. Toss the seeds: Place the dried seeds in a mixing bowl. Pour the garlic butter mixture over them and toss well with a spatula until every seed is coated. Sprinkle in the ¼ cup of grated parmesan and toss again.
  7. Spread on the baking sheet: Pour the seasoned seeds onto the prepared baking sheet and spread them into a single, even layer.
  8. Roast for 15 minutes: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack. Roast for 15 minutes, then remove and stir the seeds with a spatula. Spread them back into an even layer and return to the oven.
  9. Roast for another 10-15 minutes: Keep a close eye on them after the 10-minute mark. You’re looking for a deep golden brown color. Total roasting time is usually 25-30 minutes.
  10. Cool completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the seeds cool on the pan for at least 15 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
  11. Final sprinkle: Once cooled, sprinkle with a little extra grated parmesan if desired. Give them one last gentle toss and transfer to a serving bowl.

Notes

Don’t skip the boil—it’s the secret to crunch. Dry seeds thoroughly after boiling to prevent steaming. Watch the garlic closely as it can burn; using garlic powder alongside fresh garlic helps prevent this. Stir halfway through roasting for even cooking. Cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. For an air fryer, cook at 325°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.

Nutrition

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