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Hi friends! It’s Molly from my name is yeh here! The other day I did something I haven’t done in forever: carve a pumpkin. I even threw a party about it! My friends and I noshed on cheese and grapes, sipped Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and made pumpkin terrariums. We filled them with flowers and herbs from my garden, as well as little succulent clippings. Some of my friends even made little flower crowns for their pumpkins and they were the cutest. Afterwards, we had a ton of pumpkin seeds on our hands. The answer? Curry spiced toasted pumpkin seeds! Once you get past the sliminess of the seeds, they’re super simple to make and they’ll make your kitchen smell wonderful!
Why Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Make the Best Fall Snack
There’s something so satisfying about taking what would normally be tossed from a pumpkin and turning it into a crunchy, golden snack. Toasted pumpkin seeds check all the boxes: they’re nutty, salty, and just the right amount of crispy. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—you can go savory with curry or chili powder, or sweet with a little cinnamon and sugar. They also happen to be packed with nutrients, which means you get a wholesome boost along with that addictive crunch. And let’s be honest: nothing feels more fall than a big bowl of freshly roasted pumpkin seeds to munch on while sipping wine and admiring your newly carved pumpkins.
How to Clean and Prepare Pumpkin Seeds for Roasting
Cleaning pumpkin seeds might sound intimidating at first (hello, slimy mess!), but it’s easier than you think.
- Start by scooping the seeds out of your pumpkin and placing them in a strainer.
- Rinse under cold water, using your hands to remove any clinging pumpkin flesh. Don’t worry if they’re a little sticky—that’s totally normal.
- Pat them dry with a towel or let them air dry for a few minutes.
- Once your seeds are cleaned and mostly dry, you’re ready to toss them with oil, spices, and salt before roasting.
Taking the time to prep them properly is key to getting that perfect crunchy texture we all love.
Flavor Variations for Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
While curry-spiced pumpkin seeds are a personal favorite, the possibilities are endless. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Cinnamon-Sugar – Sweet and cozy, perfect for an autumn snack.
- Chili-Lime – A little heat with a zesty kick for those who love bold flavors.
- Garlic Parmesan – Savory and umami-packed, great for pairing with wine.
- Smoked Paprika & Sea Salt – Adds a subtle smokiness and depth.
- Maple & Cinnamon – Sweet and nutty, ideal for breakfast or dessert-style snacking.
- Simple Salt & Olive Oil – Classic, light, and lets the natural pumpkin flavor shine.
The best part? You can mix and match spices to create your own signature version, making roasted pumpkin seeds a snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Curry Spiced Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Recipe Type:
Snack
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Servings:
6
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin seeds
- 2 teaspoons canola or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- A large pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Place your pumpkin seeds in a strainer and rinse them under cold water. Use your hands to remove any flesh. Strain them, and pat them dry as best you can. Place them in a large lidded container (or a large ziploc bag), sprinkle in the oil, curry powder, and salt. You can even add a little cumin or other spices that you'd like. Shake the container to coat the seeds evenly. Spread them out on the pan evenly and bake until crispy, 20-30 minutes, tossing or stirring halfway through.
- Let cool slightly and enjoy!
Wine Pairings for Pumpkin Seeds
Crunchy, spiced pumpkin seeds aren’t just a snack—they’re a surprisingly good pairing with wine. For savory or mildly spiced seeds, a glass of Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect match. Its bold berry notes and smooth tannins complement the richness of roasted seeds, while balancing any curry, garlic, or smoky flavors you’ve added.
Explore Kendall-Jackson’s full selection of Cabernet Sauvignon wines to find your perfect match.
If you’re leaning toward sweeter variations, like cinnamon-sugar or maple, a lightly chilled Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay works beautifully. The wine’s bright acidity and subtle fruit notes lift the sweetness of the seeds and keep each bite feeling fresh. No matter which flavor you choose, adding a glass of your favorite Kendall-Jackson makes pumpkin snacking feel festive, seasonal, and a little bit indulgent. Kendall-Jackson offers a full range of Chardonnays to suit every seasonal occasion.
