Learning how to roast acorn squash seeds is a delicious way to use every part of the acorn squash, making a snack that’s not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Perfect anytime, these Roasted Acorn Squash Seeds are a fantastic addition to your snack repertoire, whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking for a healthy munch during your busy day.
I’m a home cook with 30 years of experience, especially in whipping up healthy, tasty treats like these roasted acorn squash seeds. I started cooking young, adapting recipes for my gluten intolerance. On my blog, I focus on all sorts of yummy, good-for-you recipes, perfect for any diet. This acorn squash seed recipe? It’s a winner. Easy, healthy, and even my little one can’t get enough of them.
❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with essential nutrients, these seeds are a great way to boost your daily values in a tasty form.
- Versatile Flavor Options: Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, the various seasoning options like maple syrup, chili powder, or smoked paprika cater to all taste buds.
- Simple and Quick: With a straightforward recipe and common kitchen tools like a baking sheet and a small bowl, these seeds are easy to prepare.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or as a side dish for your dinner, these seeds fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
- Waste-Reducing: Using the seeds from your acorn squash is a great way to minimize food waste and get the most out of your groceries.
- Delightful Texture: Roasted to a golden brown perfection, these seeds offer a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist.
🗝️ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
This roasted acorn squash seeds recipe is not only delicious but also flexible, allowing you to tweak it based on what you have on hand. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and some handy substitutions:
- Acorn Squash Seeds: You can also use any other kind of squash seeds like butternut, carnival, or spaghetti squash.
- Butter or Oil: Regular butter adds a rich, buttery flavor, but you can use dairy-free alternatives or oils like olive or coconut oil for a different twist.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: These add a touch of sweetness. Honey gives a floral note, while maple syrup offers a unique, earthy sweetness.
- Smoked Paprika: This gives a subtle smokiness. Feel free to substitute with regular paprika for a milder flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth. If you don’t have it, try onion powder or a small amount of fresh minced garlic.
- Cinnamon: This adds a warm, spicy note. You can leave it out if you prefer a more savory snack.
- Chili Powder: For a bit of heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, or substitute with cayenne pepper for more kick.
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust according to your preference.
🥣 How to Make Roasted Acorn Squash Seeds
Creating these scrumptious roasted acorn squash seeds is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you snacking in no time:
Preparing the Seeds
First things first, you need to extract the seeds from your acorn squash. Cut the squash open and scoop out the seeds. Rinse them under cold water in a colander or strainer to remove the stringy bits. Pat them dry with a paper towel. If you have time, let them dry overnight – this helps them roast better. I just pop mine on a plate and leave it on the windowsill.
Seasoning the Seeds
Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents the seeds from sticking. In a small bowl, melt your butter or oil. Then mix in your choice of sweeteners and spices – honey or maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir this mixture until it’s well combined.
Roasting to Perfection
Toss the seeds in your buttery, spiced mix until they’re all evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet so they roast evenly and get that desirable crunch. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, giving them a stir halfway through. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
Cooling and Storing
Once they’re golden brown and aromatic, take them out of the oven. Let them cool completely before diving in – they get crunchier as they cool.
🪄 Recipe Notes & Tips
- Squash Varieties: While we’re focusing on acorn squash seeds, don’t forget that you can use seeds from various types of winter squash. Butternut squash, spaghetti squash seeds, carnival squash, and even pumpkin seeds work great with this recipe. Each variety offers a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment.
- Drying the Seeds: Drying the seeds thoroughly before roasting is crucial. Wet seeds steam rather than roast in the oven, which can affect their crunchiness. For best results, pat them dry with a paper towel or let them air dry overnight.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative with your favorite spices. Try curry powder for an exotic twist, a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweet treat, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. See below for my 6 top seasoning ideas!
- Roasting Time: Keep a close eye on your seeds as they roast. Cooking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of the seeds. You’re looking for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Over-roasting can lead to bitter seeds, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
- Can I make these seeds in an air fryer? I tried this recipe in the air fryer but the circulating air just blew the seeds around! As that’s a fire hazard, this method is not recommended.
✨ 6 Seasoning Ideas for Roasted Acorn Squash Seeds
- Sweet Cinnamon Maple: Mix a dash of cinnamon with some maple syrup for a sweet and warming flavor. This sweet variation is great for a cozy snack!
- Spicy Chili Lime: Sprinkle some chili powder and a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy, spicy kick. It’s a zestful twist!
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss the seeds in garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese. This savory combo is irresistible and perfect for garlic lovers.
- BBQ Flavor: Coat the seeds with oil mixed with your favorite BBQ seasoning for a smoky, savory taste. It’s like a barbecue in a bite!
- Honey Mustard: A mix of honey and a bit of mustard powder creates a sweet and tangy treat. This unique combo is surprisingly moreish.
- Taco Seasoning: I always have a batch of my Homemade Taco Seasoning stored in the pantry. It tastes great on these squash seeds with a little butter!
🫙 Storage Instructions
- Cool & Airtight: Before storing, make sure the seeds are entirely cool. This prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess. Store the cooled seeds in an airtight container.
- Room Temperature Works Best: Keep the container at room temperature. There’s no need to refrigerate these seeds.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored, your roasted squash seeds should stay fresh and enjoyable for about a week, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack.
🍽️ What Goes With Roasted Acorn Squash Seeds?
As a Salad Topper
Sprinkle these crunchy seeds over your favorite salads. They add a delightful nutty flavor and extra texture to a simple green salad, squash salads, or a hearty kale and quinoa bowl. Use them in place of croutons for a gluten-free crunch.
In Soups and Stews
A handful of roasted seeds makes a fantastic garnish for creamy soups like butternut squash soup or a hearty vegetable stew. They add a contrasting texture that elevates the dish.
Perfect Snack
These seeds are perfect for a quick and healthy snack. Pack them in a small container for an energy-boosting snack at work or school. They’re ideal for those moments when you need a quick, satisfying bite without reaching for processed snacks.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely! Kids often love the crunchy texture. Just be mindful of any added spices if your child is sensitive to heat or strong flavors. Also, it could pose as a choking hazard so don’t give it to babies and keep an eye on smaller kids.
No, the entire seed, including the outer shell, is edible and becomes nicely crunchy when roasted.
While oil or butter helps with flavor and crunch, you can roast them dry if you prefer, but they might not be as crispy.
😋 More Easy Recipes You Will Love
- Air Fryer Acorn Squash Recipe
- Toasted Coconut Chips
- Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Air Fryer Roasted Walnuts
- Air Fryer Roasted Almonds
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📖 Recipe
How to Roast Acorn Squash Seeds
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup acorn squash seeds or seeds from another type of squash
- 1/2 tbsp butter regular or dairy-free, or oil
- 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp chili powder
- 2 pinches salt to taste
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by removing the seeds from the pulp, rinsing them in a colander/strainer under running water, and then pat them dry with a paper towel. You can do this the night before and allow them to dry overnight.
- Preheat oven to 360°F/180°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave at 10-second intervals, and then add the honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
- Mix the acorn squash seeds with the buttery seasoning.
- Spread the seasoned seeds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes, give them a wee stir, then bake for another 5 minutes.
- Allow the acorn squash seeds to cool completely before eating or storing them in a jar. They get crunchier as they cool down!
Notes
- Squash Varieties: While we’re focusing on acorn squash seeds, don’t forget that you can use seeds from various types of winter squash. Butternut squash, spaghetti squash seeds, carnival squash, and even pumpkin seeds work great with this recipe. Each variety offers a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment.
- Drying the Seeds: Drying the seeds thoroughly before roasting is crucial. Wet seeds steam rather than roast in the oven, which can affect their crunchiness. For best results, pat them dry with a paper towel or let them air dry overnight.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to get creative with your favorite spices. Try curry powder for an exotic twist, a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweet treat, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. See below for my 6 top seasoning ideas!
- Roasting Time: Keep a close eye on your seeds as they roast. Cooking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of the seeds. You’re looking for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Over-roasting can lead to bitter seeds, so it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Storage Instructions
- Cool & Airtight: Before storing, make sure the seeds are entirely cool. This prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess. Store the cooled seeds in an airtight container.
- Room Temperature Works Best: Keep the container at room temperature. There’s no need to refrigerate these seeds.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored, your roasted squash seeds should stay fresh and enjoyable for about a week, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack.