If you have a couple of leftover pumpkins, you actually have a key ingredient for 33 of fall's best recipes. Though it may not seem like it at first glance, this little seeds are super versatile. They can be blended into sauces, or simply roasted and snacked on throughout the day. Dive into some simple and tasty pumpkin seed recipes to take full advantage of this fall staple.
Some recipes ask for pumpkin seeds, and some call for pepitas. What’s the difference between pumpkin seeds and pepitas? There is technically a difference between the pumpkin seeds you pull out of your pumpkins before
carving Jack-o-lanterns every Halloween, and pepitas, which are smaller and greener in color. Although they are also pumpkin seeds, pepitas come from different pumpkins than the ones you may recognize. There are varieties of pumpkins that grow shell-less seeds, resulting in the pepitas you can buy in the store. But, if you were to remove the hard, white or cream-colored shells from the seeds you pull out from your jack-o-lantern, you’d find pepitas.
Both types of pumpkin seeds make for delicious dishes. Blitz them into pesto. Roast them with spices. Cover them in chocolate. Whether you’re using pumpkin seeds or pepitas, these little guys can make for the tastiest fall-flavored breakfasts, dinners, and desserts. Did we mention they have some pretty great health benefits too? Pumpkin seeds are loaded with magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. Oh, and don't forget about our favorite pumpkin recipes too!
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1
Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Crunchy with just a bit of salt, a bowl of simple pumpkins are autumn's most underrated snack. And if you've made your jack-o-lantern already, you know you have plenty of leftover pumpkin seeds.
Get the recipe for Roast Pumpkin Seeds »
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2
Parmesan-Herb Spiced Seeds
If you're looking for a way to spice up this classic snack, a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese and herbs go a long way.
Get the recipe for Parmesan-Herb Spiced Seeds »
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3
Pepita Guacamole
A little bit of pepita gives your guac an unexpected twist. Don't forget to make a bowl of salsa to go with it!
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4
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds for dessert? When they're covered in cinnamon, we're definitely on board.
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5
Hearty Oat Cookies
If you don't like your sweets too sweet, the dried fruit and grains inside this cookie will be right up your alley.
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6
Buffalo-Ranch Pumpkin Seeds
Just when you think these ranch seasoned sunflower seeds couldn't get any better, there's a side of tangy buffalo sauce to dip in.
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7
Vegan Pumpkin Loaf
Can you believe this moist, chewy loaf is actually vegan? This recipe makes the perfect side dish if there are vegan or dairy free diners at your table.
Get the recipe from the Hungry Blonde »
RELATED: 16 Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Desserts That Everyone at Your Table Will Love
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8
Spicy Southwest Pumpkin Soup
There's no better way to heat up on a cool autumn's day than with a little kick from this Southwestern soup garnished with pumpkin seeds.
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9
Double Pumpkin Cornbread With Red Onion
This cornbread is packed with pumpkin flavor: Pumpkin filling on the inside and crunchy pumpkin seeds on the outside.
Get the recipe for Double Pumpkin Cornbread with Red Onion »
RELATED: 40 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Will Steal the Show
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10
Pumpkin-Cherry Breakfast Cookies
Cookies for breakfast? Its a yes from us, especially because these sweet spiced bites are loaded with crunch from roasted pepitas.
Get the recipe for Pumpkin-Cherry Breakfast Cookies »
RELATED: 55 Quick and Healthy Breakfast Recipes For Your Busiest Mornings
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11
Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Pour spiced caramel on top of pepitas for an addictive three-ingredient sweet treat.
Get the recipe for Pumpkin-Seed Brittle »
RELATED: 25 Easy Fall Desserts That'll Wow Your Dinner Guests
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12
Butternut Mole Enchiladas
Don’t skimp on the pepitas to finish dinner! Sprinkling pumpkin seeds on top of this hearty cooked dish add a little extra texture and makes a huge difference.
Get the recipe for Butternut Mole Enchiladas »
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13
Aztec Chocolate Granola Bark
Sprinkling sweet and spicy homemade granola on top of melted chocolate makes for the ultimate crunchy and decadent dessert.
Get the recipe for Aztec Chocolate Granola Bark »
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14
Wild Rice With Pepitas
The satisfying crunch from this hearty rice dish will convince you to top every side with roasted pumpkin seeds.
Get the recipe for Wild Rice with Pepitas »
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15
Best-Ever Pumpkin Seed Granola
Pepitas are a star of this granola, which can be flavored five different ways.
Get the recipe for Best-Ever Granola »
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16
Pepita Pesto
Slather this on anything from steak and chicken to fish and veggies.
Get the recipe for Pepita Pesto »
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17
Roasted Squash and Pumpkin Seed Mole Bowls
Blending pumpkin seeds with tomatillos and coconut milk adds a hearty earthiness to this delicious sauce.
Get the recipe for Roasted Squash and Pumpkin Seed Mole Bowls »
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18
Brussels Sprouts With Pepitas and Figs
Pepitas add crunch to this sweet and savory fall side.
Get the recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Pepitas and Figs »
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19
Moroccan Carrot Soup
Need a quick soup garnish in a pinch? Pumpkin seeds to the rescue.
Get the recipe for Moroccan Carrot Soup »
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20
Enchiladas With Pumpkin Seed Salsa
Spoon quintessential fall flavor atop spicy vegetable enchiladas with a homemade pumpkin salsa.
