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14 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Pumpkin Seeds

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September 11, 2015

It’s almost time to start thinking about pumpkins and Halloween. I love carving Jack-O-Lanterns with the kids. It’s a fun, fall activity that we look forward to each year. If you enjoy it too, make sure you’re not tossing the seeds you scoop out of the pumpkin when you prep for carving.

What to Do with Pumpkin Seeds

Your first thought may be to toss the pumpkin seeds in the trash or the compost when you’re carving but STOP! There are so many different things you can do with them instead. Pumpkin seeds are high in antioxidants that make them a very healthy snack.

  • Roast them. Clean and rinse the seeds. Spread them on a cookie sheet. Mist lightly with olive oil and roast at 325F for 10 minutes. Flip and roast until lightly browned.
  • Add them to granola. Homemade granola is easy to make and much better than store-bought.
  • Sprinkle seeds on top of a garden salad. They add a crunch like croutons but have much less fat and calories.
  • Stir into Greek yogurt along with fresh fruit. Vanilla Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries and pumpkin seeds is delicious!
  • Stir into baked goods instead of nuts. They are wonderful in blueberry muffins!
  • Add a handful to your favorite soup or stew. I enjoy them on split pea soup!
  • Top your ice cream. Pumpkin seeds are an excellent change from chopped nuts.
  • Share them with the birds! Birds love pumpkin seeds so if you don’t eat them, share them!
  • Add to peanut brittle. Yum!
  • Make pumpkin seed butter. It’s made just like peanut butter and is a great nut free treat.
  • Bake cookies. Pumpkin seeds are delicious in chocolate chip cookies and homemade brownies!
  • Stir into scrambled eggs. Trust me. It’s amazing!
  • Add to trail mix. We make a batch with chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, pretzels, dried cranberries, and mixed nuts.
  • Add to a smoothie. This is an excellent way to get the kids to enjoy a healthy treat. Just add a handful of pumpkin seeds to the ingredients and blend. They’ll never even know they’re in there!

The next time you get ready to carve a Jack O Lantern for Halloween or carve up a pumpkin for a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, make sure that you save the pumpkin seeds to enjoy as well.

How do you eat pumpkin seeds?

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