The Best Smoked Pumpkin Seeds

There is absolutely nothing that I love more than carving pumpkins in the fall with my two boys. Picking out carving templates, watching them scoop out the gooey guts and make faces. And of course, roasting pumpkin seeds in the smoker!

How To Remove Pumpkin Seeds For Roasting

Remove the Lid:

• Lift off the lid of the pumpkin and set it aside.

Scoop Out the Seeds:

• Use a large spoon or an ice cream scoop to scrape the insides of the pumpkin. Start at the top and work your way down, loosening the seeds and stringy pulp as you go. Be thorough in cleaning out the inside of the pumpkin.

Collect the Seeds:

• As you scrape, collect the seeds and pulp in a bowl. Try to separate as much of the pulp from the seeds as possible. You can use your hands to help separate them.

Further Clean the Seeds :

• If you want to roast the seeds, you’ll need to further clean them. Place the collected seeds and pulp in a colander or strainer. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, using your fingers to help remove any remaining pulp. Continue rinsing until the seeds are clean.

Now, you have removed the pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin and can proceed with roasting or using them in your favorite recipes!

Ingredients for Smoked Pumpkin Seeds:

• 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds, cleaned and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions For How To Smoke Pumpkin Seeds:

1. Clean and Rinse the Pumpkin Seeds:
   Start by cleaning the pumpkin seeds. Remove them from the pumpkin, separate them from the pulp, and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Preheat Your Smoker:
   Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C). Use your choice of smoking wood chips (such as apple, hickory, or mesquite) for flavor.
3. Season the Pumpkin Seeds:
   In a bowl, toss the cleaned and dried pumpkin seeds with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Ensure the seeds are well coated with the seasonings.
4. Smoke the Pumpkin Seeds:
   Spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds evenly on a smoking tray or a shallow, heatproof pan. Place the tray in the preheated smoker.
5. Smoke and Stir:
   Smoke the pumpkin seeds for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even smoking. The seeds are ready when they turn a slightly darker color and have a smoky aroma.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
   Remove the smoked pumpkin seeds from the smoker and let them cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool down. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. Enjoy your flavorful smoked pumpkin seeds as a snack or as a crunchy topping for salads and soups!

Other Variations of Smoked Pumpkin Seeds

Certainly! There are many creative ways to vary the flavor of your smoked pumpkin seeds. Here are a few delicious variations you can try:

1. Sweet and Spicy Smoked Pumpkin Seeds:

• Toss the cleaned seeds with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a touch of sea salt before smoking. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors creates a delightful contrast.

2. Savory Herb Smoked Pumpkin Seeds:

• Season the seeds with a blend of dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, and a hint of garlic powder. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after smoking for an extra savory kick.

3. Curry-Infused Smoked Pumpkin Seeds:

• Mix the seeds with curry powder, ground turmeric, a dash of cumin, and a pinch of salt. The warm, aromatic spices will give your pumpkin seeds an exotic flair.

4. Honey and Cinnamon Smoked Pumpkin Seeds:

• Drizzle the cleaned seeds with honey and sprinkle them with ground cinnamon and a touch of salt. The combination of sweet honey and warm cinnamon creates a comforting, dessert-like flavor.

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and find the combinations that best suit your taste preferences. The versatility of pumpkin seeds allows you to create a wide range of flavors, making them a popular and enjoyable snack for any occasion.

Print Pin

Smoked Pumpkin Seeds

Smoked Pumpkin Seeds are a great seasonal treat around Halloween time.

Course Snack

Keyword pumpkin

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups raw pumpkin seeds cleaned and rinsed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste for spice
• Salt to taste

Instructions

• **Clean and Rinse the Pumpkin Seeds:**
• Start by cleaning the pumpkin seeds. Remove them from the pumpkin, separate them from the pulp, and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
• **Preheat Your Smoker:**
• Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C). Use your choice of smoking wood chips (such as apple, hickory, or mesquite) for flavor.
• **Season the Pumpkin Seeds:**
• In a bowl, toss the cleaned and dried pumpkin seeds with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Ensure the seeds are well coated with the seasonings.
• **Smoke the Pumpkin Seeds:**
• Spread the seasoned pumpkin seeds evenly on a smoking tray or a shallow, heatproof pan. Place the tray in the preheated smoker.
• **Smoke and Stir:**
• Smoke the pumpkin seeds for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even smoking. The seeds are ready when they turn a slightly darker color and have a smoky aroma.
• **Cool and Enjoy:**
• Remove the smoked pumpkin seeds from the smoker and let them cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool down. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. Enjoy your flavorful smoked pumpkin seeds as a snack or as a crunchy topping for salads and soups!

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Some people enjoy a spicier kick, so you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add your favorite hot sauce for an extra punch of heat. Happy snacking!