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Cozy Baked Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt and Chili Lime

Cozy baked pumpkin seeds with sea salt and chili lime - featured image

These cozy baked pumpkin seeds are salty, a little spicy, bright from the lime, and somehow both crunchy and comforting. Perfect for cozy nights, movie marathons, or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), fresh from a pumpkin or store-bought raw unsalted
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 whole fresh lime (zest and juice)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. If using fresh pumpkin seeds, separate them from the pulp, rinse in a fine-mesh strainer under cool water, and rub gently to remove remaining guts. If using store-bought raw pepitas, skip this step.
  3. Dry the seeds thoroughly: spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat completely dry. Let air dry for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Zest the lime (about 1 teaspoon zest) and juice it (about 1 tablespoon juice). Set aside.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the dried seeds, olive oil, sea salt, chili powder, lime zest, and optional garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.
  6. Spread the seasoned seeds in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overlapping.
  7. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring at the 10-minute mark. Seeds are done when golden brown and fragrant.
  8. As soon as the seeds come out of the oven, drizzle with fresh lime juice and toss gently. Let cool completely on the baking sheet (they will crisp up as they cool).
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more salt or a pinch of cayenne for heat).

Notes

Don’t skip drying the seeds thoroughly—moisture prevents crunch. Keep an eye on the oven as seeds can burn quickly. Let seeds cool completely before storing to maintain crispness. Double the batch if desired; they keep well for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin seeds, roasted pumpkin seeds, chili lime, sea salt, fall snack, healthy snack, vegan, gluten-free