Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe - 6 WW SmartPoints - Housewives of Frederick County (2024)

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Our roasted pumpkin seeds recipe is a family tradition for us every year at Halloween time!

Because of this, I had to post this recipe since most of us are going pumpkin patchin’ and carving pumpkins in preparation for Halloween.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe - 6 WW SmartPoints - Housewives of Frederick County (1)

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Are A Family Tradition

Ever since Terri and I were kids, we’ve always looked forward to not only carving our pumpkins, but also our Mom scooping the seeds out and roasting them in the oven.

I have many memories of getting dressed in my Halloween costume and smelling the wonderful aroma of roasted pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas).

I almost enjoy snacking on the pumpkin seeds better than all the candy I’d get for Halloween.

Who am I kidding? Not really, but close!

Weight Watchers Friendly Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe - 6 WW SmartPoints - Housewives of Frederick County (2)

I found this particular recipe on the Good Housekeeping website.

In addition, for those of us who are on the WW SmartPoints, 1/4 cup serving of these roasted pumpkin seeds = 6 SmartPoints.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe - 6 WW SmartPoints - Housewives of Frederick County (3)

How Long To Bake Roasted Pumpkin Seeds?

Mmmmm! They turned out really good!!

But, I would have baked them probably another 30 minutes if I had more time.

I like them extra crispy, almost burnt.

You just need to make sure that you’re home long enough to keep checking them.

In other words, be patient enough to bake the heck out of them!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe - 6 WW SmartPoints - Housewives of Frederick County (4)

How to Season Them

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe - 6 WW SmartPoints - Housewives of Frederick County (5)

Depending on your taste, you can also season your pumpkin seeds with chili powder, cumin & salt, cinnamon sugar, or garlic salt.

They’re Really Good For You!

Not only are these a yummy snack, but roasted pumpkin seeds are good for you too!

According to Livestrong.com:

  • 1/4 cup of roasted pumpkin seeds contains 169 calories & 4.34 grams of carbs.
  • They serve as a good, vegetarian source of protein with 8.8 grams – 16% of a day’s worth of protein.
  • There are 2 grams of fiber per 1/4 cup serving of pumpkin seeds.
  • Most of the 14.47 grams of fat in one ounce of pumpkin seeds is the heart-healthy unsaturated variety.
  • The American Heart Association notes that choosing foods high in unsaturated fats in lieu of those high in saturated & trans fats can have positive effects on cholesterol levels & overall health.
  • 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds provides 46% of the daily recommended value for magnesium, 29% of iron, 52% of manganese & 24% of copper.
  • Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of zinc, with 17% of the daily recommended value.
  • They’re also high in phytosterols, which are compounds that might help reduce cholesterol levels, enhance immunity & decrease your risk of developing certain cancers, says The World’s Healthiest Foods website.
  • In a study in the “journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” researchers from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University listed the phytosterol content of pumpkin seeds at 265 mg per 100 grams, close to the amounts found in sunflower seeds and pistachio nuts.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe - 6 WW SmartPoints - Housewives of Frederick County (7)

So, as you can see, you really can’t go wrong with good old pumpkin seeds!

Start your own Halloween tradition and roast pumpkin seeds while the kids are suiting up for trick-or-treating.

They will thank you later!

Happy snacking!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe - 6 WW SmartPoints - Housewives of Frederick County (8)

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe – 6 WW SmartPoints

Housewives of Frederick County

Roasted pumpkin seeds are really good for you and so tasty! This recipe is Weight Watchers friendly too!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp canola oil or olive oil

Instructions

  • Scoop out the inside of a medium size pumpkin into a colander.

  • Run cold water over the seeds and discard the pulp and strings.

  • Drain seeds well and dry (I spread them out on a cookie sheet and let them dry out for 24 hours).

  • Toss the seeds with the oil.

  • Spread the seeds out in a single layer onto a cookie sheet.

  • Sprinkle lightly with salt.

  • Bake at 375° F until toasted for approximately 30 minutes or longer until pumpkin seeds are a dark, golden brown.

  • Check and stir every 10 minutes.

  • Cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

6 WW SmartPoints Per Serving

Keyword pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, weight watchers, weight watchers pumpkin seeds, ww, ww pumpkin seeds, ww snack

For more ways to enjoy your pumpkins, check out our posts on:

Great Pumpkin Dessert

WW Pumpkin Smoothie

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe - 6 WW SmartPoints - Housewives of Frederick County (9)
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Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe - 6 WW SmartPoints - Housewives of Frederick County (2024)

FAQs

How many pumpkin seeds should I eat daily? ›

The American Heart Association recommends a quarter cup of daily intake of pumpkin seeds as part of an overall healthy diet, which is approximately 30 g. This amount will provide you with a good amount of protein, healthy fats, fiber, zinc, selenium, magnesium, and other effective nutrients.

How to make pumpkin seeds for weight loss? ›

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 300F.
  2. Wash pumpkin seeds. Place all seeds in a bowl and cover with water. The seeds will float to the top and the stringy pumpkin guts will stay on the bottom.
  3. Dry seeds with a paper towel.
  4. Toss with sea salt and olive oil.
  5. Spread seeds out on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.

What is the healthiest way to eat pumpkin seeds? ›

A common practice is to add light spices and roast the seeds on a cookie sheet on the top rack of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Eating the shells only adds to the seeds' high fiber content, which has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and obesity.

When should I eat pumpkin seeds, morning or night? ›

Before Bedtime: As mentioned earlier, pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan, which promotes restful sleep. Eating them before bedtime can help you relax and get a good night's sleep.

Can you eat too many roasted pumpkin seeds? ›

When eating a single 28g serving of pumpkin seeds, whatever the variety, the fiber content is rarely sufficient to cause any side effects, but if you were to double, triple, or quadruple the serving size by overeating, then this large amount of insoluble fiber can lead to gas, bloating, and in some cases diarrhea.

What is the best time to eat pumpkin seeds for weight loss? ›

Optimal times to eat pumpkin seeds are during the day as a snack or added to meals for nutritional benefits. A moderate daily intake, around a small handful (1-2 ounces), can contribute essential nutrients like magnesium; however, it's crucial not to exceed recommended portions for a balanced diet.

What are the side effects of eating pumpkin seeds everyday? ›

Side effects of pumpkin seeds
  • Digestive issues. Pumpkin seeds can invite abdominal pain if consumed in larger quantities. ...
  • Allergies. Did you know that many people can be allergic to pumpkin seeds. ...
  • Weight gain. ...
  • Not safe for those with low blood pressure. ...
  • Cannot be given to infants.
Jan 19, 2024

What happens to your body if you eat pumpkin seeds daily? ›

Pumpkin seeds are rich in many antioxidants, which protect your cells from disease-causing damage and reduce inflammation in your body. When they have their hulls, they're also a great source of dietary fiber, which can boost this effect.

What organs are pumpkin seeds good for? ›

Pumpkin seeds are a suitable source of healthy fats, magnesium, and other nutrients that enhance heart and bone health. They are also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants such as selenium and beta carotene. Additionally, they are a high source of iron.

How many times a week should I eat pumpkin seeds? ›

The small oval-shaped pumpkin seeds also referred to as pepitas are a powerhouse of nutrients. Rich in magnesium, iron and fibre, the seeds make for a healthy and crunchy snack. The American Heart Association recommends having a quarter cup (30 grams) of pumpkin seeds every day as a part of a healthy diet.

How much pumpkin seeds should I eat daily for weight loss? ›

While some people may be able to fit 1/2 cup (72 grams) of shelled pumpkin seeds into their diet, others may need to restrict themselves to a smaller serving size. To minimize added calories and sodium, choose raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds, with or without their shell, to best complement a healthy weight loss diet.

Can too many pumpkin seeds be bad? ›

If you eat too many, you may experience gas and bloating. Fiber helps bulk up stool and prevents constipation in the long run, but eating a lot of pumpkin seeds at once may actually cause constipation. As you snack on pumpkin seeds, keep in mind they're high in calories and fat.

Should I chew or swallow pumpkin seeds? ›

You should always chew seeds.

When eating pumpkin seeds do you eat the whole thing? ›

Yes, you can eat the shell of a pumpkin seed. The shells add a nice crunch to this nutritious snack. They're also loaded with fiber. Pumpkin seeds with shells pack twice the fiber content of those that have already been shelled.

Are pumpkin seeds good for your liver? ›

Heart and Liver Health

As pumpkin seeds are dense in nutrients such as fats, omega 3s and fibres they can be a fantastic savoury, satisfying snack. Research published has found that pumpkin seeds when combined with flax seeds protect the liver from a high cholesterol diet as well as lowering the blood pressure.

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