If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozying up any afternoon, the Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful treat transforms humble pumpkin seeds into a savory, garlicky, cheesy delight that is both simple to make and endlessly addictive. Whether you’re snacking on the couch, entertaining friends, or looking for a nutritious nibble, these roasted seeds strike the perfect balance of zest and comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each element plays a key role, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that turn basic seeds into a crave-worthy snack.
- Raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds (1 cup / 120g): The star of the show, these seeds provide a satisfying crunch and a mild, nutty base that’s ready to soak up flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon / 15ml): Helps the seasonings stick to the seeds while roasting and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon / 1.5g): Delivers warm, fragrant notes of garlic without overpowering the natural seed flavor.
- Kosher salt (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the other ingredients’ flavors and balancing the richness of the Parmesan.
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup / 25g): Adds a nutty, savory layer that melts lightly on the warm seeds for a creamy finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Clean and Separate the Seeds
Starting with fresh pumpkin seeds, gently squeeze out small handfuls of pulp, brushing off large clumps carefully. It’s important to avoid leaving any pulp attached because it can turn bitter when roasted. Taking your time here ensures that the seeds will roast up perfectly clean and flavorful.
Step 2: Dry the Seeds Thoroughly
Spread the cleaned seeds on a large baking sheet in a single layer and let them air dry for at least 30 minutes. This drying step is crucial if you want that perfect crunch after roasting. The seeds should feel dry and free of moisture before proceeding.
Step 3: Coat the Seeds with Oil and Seasonings
Drizzle the tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil evenly over the dry seeds. Sprinkle the garlic powder and kosher salt generously according to your taste and mix thoroughly using your hands or a spatula. This ensures every seed is evenly coated, so each bite bursts with flavor and crispness.
Step 4: Roast for Golden Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into a preheated oven and roast the seeds for around 25 minutes. Be sure to stir every 5 minutes to promote even roasting and prevent any sticking. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely golden brown and fill your kitchen with that irresistible roasted aroma.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese for the Finishing Touch
Once roasted, nudge the seeds closer together on the baking sheet and sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan all over them. The residual heat will gently melt the cheese, coating each seed with a rich, savory finish that elevates this snack from simple to sensational.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh dimension, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika over the seeds before serving. This not only brightens the look but layers in a bit of herbaceous or smoky flair that works beautifully with garlic and Parmesan.
Side Dishes
These savory pumpkin seeds are fantastic on their own but also shine as a crunchy topping on salads, soups, or creamy mashed potatoes. They bring a wonderful texture contrast and flavor boost that turns an ordinary dish into something memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these seeds in small rustic bowls or spread them on a wooden board alongside cheeses, olives, and sliced meats for an impressive snack platter. You can also toss them into a mixed nut bowl to surprise guests with a garlicky, cheesy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any remaining Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds Recipe to an airtight container once fully cooled. Stored at room temperature, they stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making them perfect for quick snack attacks later on.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the seeds in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature—though a brief re-toast in the oven will revive their crispiness nicely.
Reheating
To bring back that just-roasted crunch, spread the seeds out on a baking sheet and warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to watch closely so they don’t burn. This is a simple trick to refresh your Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds Recipe anytime.
FAQs
Can I use salted pumpkin seeds instead of raw ones?
While salted seeds can work, the extra salt might throw off the balance of flavors. It’s best to start with raw, unsalted seeds so you can control the seasoning perfectly.
Is garlic powder the only option for garlic flavor?
Garlic powder is ideal here because it evenly coats the seeds and roasts well without burning. Fresh garlic might burn and become bitter, but if you love fresh garlic, you could experiment with roasting the seeds first and tossing them in a light garlic-infused oil afterward.
Can I substitute Parmesan with another cheese?
Yes! Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, saltier kick, while nutritional yeast is a great non-dairy alternative that adds cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How crunchy do the pumpkin seeds get after roasting?
If dried properly before roasting and roasted evenly, these seeds become wonderfully crunchy—perfect for snacking or topping dishes.
Are these seeds suitable for people with nut allergies?
Absolutely. Pumpkin seeds aren’t tree nuts, so they’re a fantastic allergy-friendly snack option. Just be sure to check your other ingredients if serving to guests with allergies.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds Recipe means treating yourself to one of the most delicious and easy-to-make snacks out there. It’s a simple way to savor pumpkin seeds in a new, irresistible way that’s bursting with garlicky goodness and cheesy richness. I guarantee once you try it, these seeds will become a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds are a perfect snack or salad topper. These roasted pumpkin seeds are coated with olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and finished with finely grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, crunchy treat that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup (approximately 120g) raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon (about 1.5g) garlic powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- ¼ cup (about 25g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Separate the Seeds: Take small handfuls of pumpkin pulp and gently squeeze to release the seeds. Brush off any large clumps of pulp. Avoid significant clumps of pulp to prevent bitterness. Continue carefully until all seeds are extracted.
- Dry the Seeds: Spread the cleaned seeds in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Let them dry for at least 30 minutes until they are dry to the touch and free of moisture, which is essential for a crunchy roast.
- Season the Seeds: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the dried seeds. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon garlic powder and kosher salt generously to your taste. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spatula to evenly coat every seed for consistent flavor and texture.
- Roast the Seeds: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven. Roast the seeds, stirring every 5 minutes to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking. Roast until seeds turn golden brown and emit a roasted aroma, approximately 25 minutes. Monitor color and aroma closely for doneness.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Push the roasted seeds a little closer together on the baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese over the seeds. The cheese will melt slightly from the residual heat, adding a savory, rich finish. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Ensure seeds are fully dried before roasting to achieve the best crunch.
- Stir seeds frequently while roasting to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and melting.
- Store cooled seeds in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust garlic powder and salt to your taste preference.
