If you want to snack on some garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds, you’re in for a treat! These crunchy bites are bursting with savory garlic flavor and cheesy goodness, making them the perfect snack for any occasion.
This recipe addresses concerns of unclear steps, nutritional insights, and flavor variety, appealing to both beginners and health-conscious snack enthusiasts.
I remember the first time I tried making roasted pumpkin seeds. They didn’t quite turn out as crispy as I hoped. After a few tweaks to the recipe, I figured out how to get that satisfying crunch without the chewiness that sometimes happens. Now, I love whipping these up for a quick snack or for something special when friends drop by unexpectedly.
This recipe is quick, taking just about 35 minutes from start to finish, and it produces results that really impress. You’ll enjoy the wonderful aroma of garlic and baked cheese filling your kitchen, and trust me, they’ll vanish before you know it!
If you want a sweet treat to complement your savory snacks, be sure to check out my Three Ingredient Peach Cobbler.
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is gluten-free as it contains no wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing ingredients.
- The recipe is not dairy-free due to the Parmesan cheese included in the ingredient list.
- This recipe is vegetarian because it uses Parmesan cheese, which is derived from milk but contains no animal flesh.
- The recipe is not vegan because Parmesan cheese is an animal-derived product and not plant-based.
- This recipe is nut-free and low-carb, with pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and spices providing suitable nutrients.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Scrumptious Flavor Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds pack a punch with their savory garlic notes and cheesy richness. The combination of these flavors takes the humble pumpkin seed to a whole new level.
- Awesome Texture Roasting pumpkin seeds creates a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the nutty interior, making them an ideal snack.
- Health Benefits Pumpkin seeds are nutrient-rich, packed with minerals like magnesium and zinc. Incorporating them into your snacks not only satisfies cravings but also supports your overall health.
- Simple Prep Making garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds is quick and straightforward. With just a handful of ingredients and only a little bit of prep time, you can whip up a gourmet snack in no time.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pumpkin Seeds
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A straightforward method to create garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds with clear instructions ensuring crispiness and flavor balance.
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
- Step 1: 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. Proceed carefully until all seeds are separated.
- Step 2: Spread the cleaned seeds in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Let them dry for at least 30 minutes. The seeds should look dry to the touch and free of moisture, which is essential for getting a crunchy roast.
- Step 3: 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 ensure every seed is coated evenly for consistent flavor and texture.
- Step 4: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven. Roast the seeds, stirring every 5 minutes to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking. Continue roasting until the seeds turn golden brown and emit a roasted aroma, approximately 25 minutes total. Check the color and smell carefully as indicators of doneness.
- Step 5: Push the seeds a little closer together on the baking sheet. Sprinkle ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the seeds to ensure every bite is flavored. The cheese will melt slightly from the residual heat, adding a savory and rich finish.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispness.
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator to retain freshness and texture for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Wrap seeds in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- If seeds are not crispy enough after 25 minutes, extend baking time by 5-minute increments, monitoring closely for the desired crunch.
- Stir the seeds every 5 minutes during roasting to prevent clumping and to promote even browning.
- For uneven seasoning, sprinkle Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking so it melts evenly over the seeds.
- If seeds taste too salty, rinse them briefly under cold water before drying to help balance flavor.
- To promote even browning, check seeds at around 15 minutes and rotate the baking sheet as needed.
- Pair with celery sticks or cucumber slices for a crunchy snack.
- Serve alongside a green salad or roasted asparagus to balance flavors.
- Use as a component in savory snack mixes or as a crunchy topping for soups.
- Add to quinoa bowls or grain salads for extra nutrition.
- Optionally, finish with a sprinkle of chili powder, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a squeeze of lemon juice, or fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: [Data Not Provided in Source]
- Sugar: [Data Not Provided in Source]
- Sodium: [Data Not Provided in Source]
- Fat: [Data Not Provided in Source]
- Saturated Fat: [Data Not Provided in Source]
- Unsaturated Fat: [Data Not Provided in Source]
- Trans Fat: [Data Not Provided in Source]
- Carbohydrates: [Data Not Provided in Source]
- Fiber: [Data Not Provided in Source]
- Protein: [Data Not Provided in Source]
- Cholesterol: [Data Not Provided in Source]
Ingredient Notes
- Pumpkin seeds: Go for raw, unsalted seeds for the best crunch. They soak up flavors beautifully while roasting. Avoid pre-seasoned or flavored ones.
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil works well to enhance flavor and helps the seasonings stick. Don’t skimp on this; it matters!
- Garlic powder: This ingredient adds a deep garlic flavor without the acidity of fresh garlic. Look for a brand that has a strong aroma for the best results.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated or finely shredded is key for fullness of flavor and texture. Avoid the pre-packaged stuff; you’ll notice the difference!
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives a nice kick. Adjust based on your spice preference, more for heat, less if you want a milder flavor.
- Pumpkin seeds: Go for raw, unsalted seeds for the best crunch. They soak up flavors beautifully while roasting. Avoid pre-seasoned or flavored ones.
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil works well to enhance flavor and helps the seasonings stick. Don’t skimp on this; it matters!
- Garlic powder: This ingredient adds a deep garlic flavor without the acidity of fresh garlic. Look for a brand that has a strong aroma for the best results.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated or finely shredded is key for fullness of flavor and texture. Avoid the pre-packaged stuff; you’ll notice the difference!
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives a nice kick. Adjust based on your spice preference, more for heat, less if you want a milder flavor.
Recipe Tips
- When your garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds aren’t crispy enough, extend the baking time by an additional 5 minutes, checking for the desired crunch.
- If the seeds seem to stick together, stir them every 5 minutes during roasting to promote even cooking and prevent clumping.
- For uneven seasoning, add the parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking, ensuring it’s evenly distributed while subsequently melting over the seeds.
- If your seeds taste too salty, try rinsing them briefly under cold water before drying them for additional freshness and flavor balance.
- When the seeds aren’t browning, check them at 15 minutes into baking and rotate the baking sheet for even toasting and color development.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with celery sticks or cucumber slices for a crunchy snack. Pair them with a green salad or roasted asparagus for balance.
Use to make savory snack mixes or as a crunchy topping for soups. Add to quinoa bowls or grain salads for extra nutrition.
Top with a sprinkle of chili powder or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh herbs.
Recipe variations
- You can use raw or roasted pumpkin seeds for garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds. Roasted seeds require less baking time, while raw seeds need about 25 minutes at 300°F to crisp fully.
- Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper alongside ½ teaspoon garlic powder for a spicy garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds version. Adjust the salt as needed depending on spice levels.
- Either extra virgin olive oil or melted unsalted butter can coat the pumpkin seeds. Butter offers a richer flavor that complements the parmesan cheese well without overpowering the garlic.
- If using 2 cups of pumpkin seeds, double the Parmesan to ½ cup and increase olive oil to 2 tablespoons. This scaling matches seasoning for maintaining flavor clarity.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store garlic parmesan pumpkin seeds in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days to maintain crispness.
Refrigeration: Place seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep them fresh up to 7 days while preserving flavor and texture.
Freezing: Wrap seeds in plastic wrap or aluminum foil; put them in a freezer container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Toasted Coconut Marshmallows
- Puff Pastry Apple Rosettes
- Rhubarb and Strawberry Tart Recipe
- Chocolate Peanut Clusters
If you enjoyed this Garlic Parmesan 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!
