It’s been a minute since I’ve carved a pumpkin, if I’m being honest. Living in a small New York City apartment, it just wasn’t something I’d think to do every year. Now that I’m living in North Carolina, though—in a bigger apartment, of course, but also one with outdoor space—setting a few carved pumpkins on my porch for the month of October seems like a great idea. That is, until I get stumped on what to do with the pumpkin seeds that get scraped out during carving. Then enter: pumpkin seed recipes.
I’ve roasted pumpkin seeds in the past, but… then what? Usually they end up sitting in a jar on my shelf for months and months, getting tossed haphazardly into bowls of oatmeal or on top of salads because I’m at a loss for what else to do. And honestly, this challenge of not knowing what to do with pumpkin seeds has kind of taken the fun out of decorating pumpkins. Kind of.
This year, though, I’m going to be better. There are so many more deliberate ways to use up a bunch of pumpkin seeds—from granola to energy balls to pesto. The following pumpkin seed recipes are creative and healthy(ish) and run the gamut from snacks to desserts to dinners.
Because, while I can’t help you figure out how to carve a pumpkin in your tiny apartment without making a total mess, I can help you get inspired to use all those leftover seeds that come spilling out.
Pumpkin Seed Recipes to Try This Fall
Brown Eyed Baker.
Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Want a sweet, snackable treat that you can take to go or savor on the couch? This easy brittle checks both of those boxes, and has plenty of fall flavor.
Julia’s Album.
Maple Butternut Squash, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Pumpkin Seeds and Cranberries
Pumpkin seeds add hearty bite to this veggie-packed side.
Leelalicious.
Healthy Pumpkin Granola
Start the day off right with this nutrient-packed granola that’s got tons of flavor (and relatively little added sugar).
One Little Project.
No-Bake Pumpkin Breakfast Bites
Whether you’re looking for an on-the-go breakfast of for a snack that’ll hold up in your bag all day, these cute bites are perfect.
Feast on the Cheap.
Pumpkin Seed and Spinach Pesto
Carve a pumpkin, then roast the leftover seeds and whip them into a pesto that you can use on pasta and sandwiches all week long.
Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Spiced Pumpkin Seed Cranberry Snack Bars
More of a bar person than a ball person? No problem, pumpkin seeds can do that, too.
A Virtual Vegan.
Vegan Pumpkin Bread With Cranberries and Pumpkin Seeds
There’s no milk or egg in this bread, but there are plenty of pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries.
A Clean Bake.
Dark Chocolate Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Bark
This quick bark is gorgeous but simple, which means it’s great as a hostess gift—or even a low-key holiday present.
Bless This Mess.
Honey-Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Stop buying bagged almonds. Save some cash and roast your own pumpkin seeds instead. This sweet version is simple and super tasty.
Foodtastic Mom.
Bourbon Bacon Pumpkin Seeds
Want to up the ante a little bit? Throw bacon into your roasted seed mix for next-level flavor.
Mexico in My Kitchen.
Pumpkin Seed Sauce Enchiladas
This recipe uses blended pumpkin seeds as a sauce for delicious enchiladas, and definitely deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.
Half-Baked Harvest.
2-Ingredient Pumpkin Pasta
OK, so the pasta itself is actually made with flour and canned pumpkin, but the brown butter sauce comes together with help from some roasted pumpkin seeds.
Fit Mitten Kitchen.
Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Butter
Nut butter obsessed? This one’s for you.
One Green Planet.
Raw Pumpkin Seed Crackers With Spinach
You need to be open-minded to give this super green recipe a try, but if you do, you won’t be disappointed. Try spreading a cracker with some of the pumpkin seed butter from the recipe above.