Roasted Acorn Winter Squash Seeds

How many times have you cut open a squash to cook for dinner, scooped out the seeds and extra fibers—and chucked it all into the compost bin?

I used to do that; then I took a closer look at my trail mix. Some of the trail mixes I bought had some sort of squash seeds in them—probably pumpkin—but they were so salty!

All members of the winter squash family have seeds to some degree. And they’re just ready and waiting to be roasted! It’s so simple to do, and so nutritious for you. It’s almost a crime to toss those squash seeds into the compost.

You can make these roasted seeds as sweet or savory as you like. Experiment with the seasonings. Remember, a little seasoning goes a long way. And the roasting process brings out the nutty flavor of the seeds. This is the perfect, portable, healthy snack you can take with you anywhere.

Serve the roasted winter squash seeds on their own or create your own trail mix. Or mix them into your next loaf of banana bread! Or try adding them to our Winter Squash Bread recipe.

If you get a good harvest of different squashes, roast a whole variety of seeds and have a little taste test. Which roasted winter squash seeds taste best to you?

Roasted Winter Squash Seeds

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Roasted Winter Squash seeds are packed with vitamins and minerals. They’re the perfect afternoon snack or as part of a trail mix. Save the seeds from your butternut or acorn squash.

• Author: Norann Oleson
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Makes 1 cup, Serves 4 1x
• Category: Appetizers

Ingredients

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• 1 cup winter squash seeds (butternut, acorn), rinsed with stringy fibers removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Cumin, paprika, or chili powder, optional

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse squash seeds, taking care to remove any stringy fibers.
2. Pat seeds dry on a paper towel.
3. Heat oven to 300 degrees F.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
5. Put squash seeds into a mixing bowl. Coat the seeds with olive oil, salt, and optional spices of your choice.
6. Spread the seeds out on the baking sheet.
7. Put the baking sheet on the center rack of the oven and bake seeds for 15 to 20 minutes.
8. Remove baking sheet from oven when seeds are done and allow seeds to cool before serving.

Squash have been a popular crop for 10,000 years! With our Winning Winter Squash Gardening Guide you’ll have everything you need to know about growing and enjoying squash of many varieties—from planting to eating!

Have you tried roasting winter squash seeds? What kinds of seeds did you use? Please let us know if you have a favorite seasoning for your roasted winter squash seeds.