If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying snack, try cajun pumpkin seeds. They’re not only crunchy but also easy to make, turning your leftover pumpkin seeds from Halloween decor into a flavorful treat.
This recipe tackles the challenges of blandness and uneven roasting often found in traditional pumpkin seed preparations, offering delicious Cajun flavor and texture.
I used to struggle with getting the seasoning just right, leading to bland bites. But after some practice, I’ve discovered a balance that brings out the bold flavors while still letting that delightful pumpkin seed taste shine through. It’s a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or when friends pop by unexpectedly.
This recipe delivers crunchy, zesty pumpkin seeds in just about an hour. At 350°F, your kitchen will fill with the delicious aroma of roasting seeds, and trust me, they’ll be ready to enjoy in no time.
If you’re in the mood for more pumpkin goodness, check out my Copycat Pumpkin Spice Latte for a cozy drink to pair with your snack!
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is gluten-free as it contains pumpkin seeds, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning only.
- The recipe is dairy-free because none of the ingredients include milk or milk-derived products.
- This recipe is vegan as it contains no animal products or by-products in the listed ingredients.
- The recipe suits keto and low-carb diets since the main components are seeds and seasonings with negligible carbohydrates.
- This recipe is nut-free, containing only pumpkin seeds and spices without any tree nuts or peanuts.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Profile The Cajun seasoning adds a warm, spicy kick that perfectly complements the nutty taste of the pumpkin seeds. It’s a fun way to spice up a classic snack!
- Crunchy Texture Roasting the seeds creates a satisfying crunch that makes them hard to resist. You’ll love how the crispy texture contrasts with their hearty flavor.
- Simple Preparation With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is approachable for all skill levels. Rinse, season, and roast for a quick and easy snack!
- Seasonal Enjoyment Enjoying Cajun pumpkin seeds is a tasty way to celebrate fall. Whether for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends, they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite.
How to Make Cajun Pumpkin Seeds
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 55-70 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A flavorful recipe for Cajun Pumpkin Seeds, perfect for a crunchy snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (approximately 100 g) raw pumpkin seeds, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 tbsp (14 g) melted butter
- 2 liberal dashes Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- 1 scant teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the pumpkin seeds thoroughly under cold water, removing as much pumpkin pulp as possible. Some tiny pumpkin pieces that stick to the seeds will not cause any issues and can add a bit of extra flavor. Use paper towels to pat the seeds dry quickly to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to blend. Add the pumpkin seeds, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and salt. Toss or stir until the seeds are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Spread the coated pumpkin seeds in a single layer on the rimmed baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
- Step 4: Place the baking sheet in the oven. Roast at 300°F (149°C) for 45 to 60 minutes. Stir and turn the seeds every 20 minutes to promote even browning and prevent burning. The seeds are done when they are nicely browned and crunchy.
- Step 5: After 45 minutes, check the seeds. They should be crunchy and emit a roasted, aromatic smell. If they are not crunchy enough, continue roasting, checking every 5 to 10 minutes to avoid burning.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Once cooled, place seeds in an airtight container, store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep away from moisture.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days to maintain crispness.
- Freezing: Wrap seeds tightly with plastic wrap and seal in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- If seeds are chewy, extend roasting time by 10 minutes and continue stirring every 20 minutes for even cooking.
- For spicier seeds, increase Cajun seasoning to 1 teaspoon during seasoning step and adjust to personal heat preference.
- If seeds start to burn, reduce oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) for the last 15 minutes of roasting; check every 5 minutes.
- To ensure even flavor coating, let roasted seeds cool for 10 minutes before serving; this allows spices to settle.
- Always spread seeds in a single layer on the baking sheet to achieve uniform roasting and crunchiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Not specified in source
- Sugar: Not specified in source
- Sodium: Not specified in source
- Fat: Not specified in source
- Saturated Fat: Not specified in source
- Unsaturated Fat: Not specified in source
- Trans Fat: Not specified in source
- Carbohydrates: Not specified in source
- Fiber: Not specified in source
- Protein: Not specified in source
- Cholesterol: Not specified in source
Ingredient Notes
- Pumpkin seeds: Use raw, hulled pumpkin seeds for the best crunch. Look for fresh ones that are light in color and free of any blemishes.
- Cajun seasoning: A good quality Cajun seasoning blend adds that signature kick. You can make your own or opt for brands like Tony Chachere’s for consistent flavor.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil works best here. It helps the spices stick and provides a rich flavor; look for one that’s smooth and fruity.
- Garlic powder: Use a fine garlic powder for a subtle flavor boost. Fresh garlic can be too intense; the powder mixes evenly and enhances the overall taste.
- Onion powder: It adds a sweet and savory depth to your seeds. Opt for onion powder, as it blends seamlessly without overpowering the Cajun flavors.
- Pumpkin seeds: Use raw, hulled pumpkin seeds for the best crunch. Look for fresh ones that are light in color and free of any blemishes.
- Cajun seasoning: A good quality Cajun seasoning blend adds that signature kick. You can make your own or opt for brands like Tony Chachere’s for consistent flavor.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil works best here. It helps the spices stick and provides a rich flavor; look for one that’s smooth and fruity.
- Garlic powder: Use a fine garlic powder for a subtle flavor boost. Fresh garlic can be too intense; the powder mixes evenly and enhances the overall taste.
- Onion powder: It adds a sweet and savory depth to your seeds. Opt for onion powder, as it blends seamlessly without overpowering the Cajun flavors.
Recipe Tips
- If the pumpkin seeds are chewy, extend roasting time by an additional 10 minutes, stirring after every 20 minutes for better evenness.
- When seasoning feels sparse, increase Cajun seasoning to 1 teaspoon, adjusting to personal heat preference during the initial mixing stage.
- If seeds are burning, lower the oven temperature to 275 degrees for the final 15 minutes, checking every 5 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- For uneven flavor, allow the roasted seeds to cool for 10 minutes before serving, which helps spices fully settle onto the surface.
- If seeds lack crunch, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring even heat distribution during roasting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cajun pumpkin seeds with fresh veggies or a simple green salad for added crunch. Pair them with creamy dip or guacamole for a flavorful contrast.
Add to mixed nuts for a hearty snack or use in granola for breakfast. Creates a delicious topping for baked goods or warm soups.
Top with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a zesty kick. Try a dusting of nutritional yeast for added umami flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use raw or roasted pumpkin seeds for Cajun pumpkin seeds. Add 1 scant teaspoon Cajun seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon paprika for flavor. Either melted butter or olive oil works well. Double the ingredients to serve more.
- Add extra heat by mixing 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper with the Cajun seasoning in the Foundation Recipe. Either Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can provide umami. For a larger batch, multiply the seasoning accordingly.
- You can try smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to add smokiness to your Cajun pumpkin seeds. Either butter or avocado oil helps spices coat evenly. Scale up to 3 cups of seeds for parties.
- Either seasoned salt or garlic powder can replace salt in the recipe to vary flavor. Add 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon butter. Increase all quantities proportionally when roasting 2 or 3 cups of seeds. This pairs well with Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your cajun pumpkin seeds fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Place cooled seeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep away from moisture.
Refrigeration: Store seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 7 days. This helps keep them crisp longer.
Freezing: Wrap seeds tightly with plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
- Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Buffalo Chicken Stromboli
- Gluten Free Chocolate Pudding
If you enjoyed this Cajun Pumpkin Seeds or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
