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You can make a surprising number of things with pumpkin seeds, from simple roasted snacks to homemade pesto, granola, and even beauty treatments.
If you’ve been scooping out a pumpkin and wondering what you can make with pumpkin seeds, you’re in luck because those little green gems are far more versatile than most people realize.
They can be roasted, blended, ground, and sprinkled into all kinds of recipes, and the possibilities go well beyond just snacking.
In this post, we’ll cover the best things you can make with pumpkin seeds, how to prep them first, and a few clever ideas you probably haven’t tried yet.
Let’s get to it.
What Can You Make With Pumpkin Seeds?
What you can make with pumpkin seeds really depends on whether they’re still in the shell or already hulled.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options:
1. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
The simplest thing you can make with pumpkin seeds is a batch of roasted seeds.
Toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, spread them on a baking sheet, and roast at 300°F until golden and crunchy.
You can go sweet with cinnamon and sugar, or savory with garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
This is the classic way to make pumpkin seeds and it never disappoints.
2. Pumpkin Seed Pesto
If you’re wondering what else you can make with pumpkin seeds, try swapping pine nuts for pumpkin seeds in your next batch of pesto.
They blend up creamy and add a mild, nutty flavor that works beautifully with basil, garlic, and parmesan.
It’s a budget-friendly twist that lets you make pumpkin seed pesto in under ten minutes.
3. Pumpkin Seed Butter
You can make pumpkin seed butter by blending hulled seeds in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
It takes a bit of patience as the seeds go from crumbly to buttery, but the result is a rich spread perfect for toast or smoothies.
4. Homemade Granola
Pumpkin seeds make a fantastic addition to homemade granola.
You can make pumpkin seed granola by mixing them with oats, honey, and dried fruit before baking.
The seeds add crunch and a boost of protein that keeps you full longer.
How to Prep Pumpkin Seeds Before You Make Anything
Before you make anything with pumpkin seeds, you need to clean and prep them properly.
Fresh seeds straight from the pumpkin are covered in pulp, so rinse them well in a colander and pick out any stringy bits.
If you’re using seeds in the shell, pat them dry before roasting.
If you want hulled seeds for pesto or butter, you’ll need to shell them, which takes a little effort but is worth it.
Once cleaned, you can make pumpkin seeds right away or store them in the fridge for later use.
Creative Ideas for What to Make With Pumpkin Seeds
Beyond snacks and spreads, there are plenty of creative ways to use pumpkin seeds in the kitchen.
Here are a few fun ideas:
1. Pumpkin Seed Energy Bars
You can make pumpkin seed energy bars by combining the seeds with dates, oats, and a little honey.
Press the mixture into a pan, chill, and slice into bars for a grab-and-go snack.
2. Salad Toppers
Toasted pumpkin seeds make a crunchy topping for salads, soups, and roasted veggies.
Just sprinkle them on right before serving for a satisfying texture boost.
3. Pumpkin Seed Milk
Yes, you can even make pumpkin seed milk by blending soaked seeds with water and straining the mixture.
It’s a creamy dairy-free alternative that’s packed with nutrients.
4. Pumpkin Seed Face Scrub
Believe it or not, you can make pumpkin seed oil into a gentle exfoliating scrub by mixing ground seeds with a little honey and olive oil.
The natural oils and texture make it a lovely homemade beauty treatment.
So, What Can You Make With Pumpkin Seeds?
You can make pumpkin seeds into roasted snacks, pesto, butter, granola, energy bars, milk, and even a face scrub.
The options are surprisingly wide for such a tiny seed.
Whether you’re craving a crunchy snack or looking for a creative kitchen project, pumpkin seeds deliver.
Hope this post has helped you discover what you can make with pumpkin seeds and inspired you to put those leftover seeds to good use.