Give a nod to National Pumpkin Seed Day and transform simple seeds into crave-worthy bites using your everyday appliances!

<p>Most folks either toss pumpkin seeds straight into the trash or just roast them with a little salt &mdash; and that's where the fun usually ends. It's a real shame, because these little seeds are packed with possibilities that go way beyond the basic snack bowl. National Pumpkin Seed Day is the perfect excuse to give them the spotlight they deserve and try something new.</p>
<p>At Built-In Distributors, we love turning simple kitchen moments into something special. Our experts are always dreaming up creative ideas, and we're excited to share some of those tasty tips with you.</p>
<p>
<p><span class="dsg-boilerplate">Disclaimer: Built-In Distributors does not receive any affiliate compensation for these recipes. We just think they sound really tasty and want to share with you!</span></p>
</p>
<p><img alt="A cut up pumpkin with seeds spilling out on a parchment paper table." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/Q4_2025/Appl_pumpkin-seed-appliances/Appl_pumpkin-seed-appliances_1.jpg" /></p>
<h2>Why Pumpkin Seeds Deserve the Hype</h2>
<p>Before jumping into all the creative ways to cook them, it's fair to ask: why are pumpkin seeds even worth the effort? Turns out, these slimy little scraps are actually tiny powerhouses loaded with perks that make them a smart (and tasty) addition to the kitchen.</p>
<ul>
<li>A good source of protein and healthy fats, so snacks feel more satisfying.</li>
<li>Full of minerals like magnesium and zinc to help support overall wellness.</li>
<li>Naturally crunchy and flavorful without needing extra add-ins.</li>
<li>Easy to toss into sweet or savory recipes for a quick nutrition boost.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<figure class="dsg-bg-box">
  <blockquote>
<strong>Pro Tip:</strong>
<br>
Keep a small jar of roasted pumpkin seeds on the counter &mdash; it's an easy way to remember to sprinkle them on everything from morning oats to dinner salads. 
  </blockquote>
</figure>
</p>
<p><img alt="A close-up of a granola mix that includes matcha, pumpkin seeds, and oats." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/Q4_2025/Appl_pumpkin-seed-appliances/Appl_pumpkin-seed-appliances_2.jpg" /></p>
<h2>Range Magic</h2>
<p>Pumpkin seeds might not look like much at first, but your oven can turn them into crunchy, golden bites that make salads, soups, and even cookies way more fun. Roasting them is a cozy, hands-off project that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.</p>
<p>To get the best results:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rinse and dry the seeds really well so they get extra crispy.</li>
<li>Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.</li>
<li>Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt (or try spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or cinnamon sugar).</li>
<li>Roast at about 325&deg;F, stirring them now and then, until they're crunchy and golden.</li>
</ul>
<p>And if you're looking for creative ways to mix it up (though there's nothing wrong with just munching on roasted seeds!):</p>
<ul>
<li>Mix into <strong><a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/267900/pumpkin-seed-granola/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">homemade granola</span></a></strong> before baking for extra nuttiness and texture.</li>
<li>Stir into cookie or muffin batter for a fun surprise bite.</li>
<li>Make a <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/239785/chef-johns-pumpkin-seed-brittle/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>pumpkin seed brittle</strong></span></a> by mixing roasted seeds with melted sugar or honey, then letting it harden into a sweet, crunchy treat.</li>
</ul>
<p>
<figure class="dsg-bg-box">
  <blockquote>
<strong>Pro Tip:</strong>
<br>
Toast them before adding to breads or savory bakes for an even richer flavor. 
  </blockquote>
</figure>
</p>
<p><img alt="A knife spreads pumpkin seed button on a piece of toast." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/Q4_2025/Appl_pumpkin-seed-appliances/Appl_pumpkin-seed-appliances_3.jpg" /></p>
<h2>Blender Magic</h2>
<p>If you've only ever crunched on pumpkin seeds, you're missing out on how creamy and versatile they can be. A blender turns these tiny seeds into smooth spreads and sauces that work on everything from toast to pasta.</p>
<p>For best results, start with raw or lightly toasted seeds (make sure they're completely cooled so they blend smoothly).</p>
<p>And then that's when the fun begins!</p>
<ul>
<li>For a nut-free sauce, make a <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023430-pasta-with-pumpkin-seed-pestohttps://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023430-pasta-with-pumpkin-seed-pesto"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>pumpkin seed pesto</strong></span></a> with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.</li>
<li>Whip up pumpkin seed butter with oil, salt, honey, or cinnamon for a spreadable snack.</li>
<li>Toss a handful into a smoothie to add protein and a subtle nutty flavor.</li>
</ul>
<p><img alt=" Two bowls of pesto pasta rest on a neutral background." src="https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_appliances/Q4_2025/Appl_pumpkin-seed-appliances/Appl_pumpkin-seed-appliances_4.jpg" /></p>
<h2>Air Fryer Fun</h2>
<p>When you're craving a quick, crispy snack, the air fryer is your secret weapon! For the best results, you can follow the same basic steps as the oven: rinse, dry, season, and spread them out in a single layer.</p>
<p>So, you might be asking, if they cook basically the same, why would you choose to air fry instead of using your oven's convection setting?</p>
<ul>
<li>It's faster &mdash; perfect for when you want a snack now.</li>
<li>It saves energy and doesn't heat up the whole house.</li>
<li>The quick cooking time is great for sticky or sweet flavors that might burn in a longer bake! For example, if you want to coat seeds in honey, maple syrup, or a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon, the air fryer's shorter cook time helps caramelize without scorching. Just keep an eye on them during the last few minutes &mdash; sticky coatings can turn from golden to burnt fast.</li>
</ul>
<p>Plus, there's extra fun ways to use them right after they're done:</p>
<ul>
<li>Toss them on salads or grain bowls for a salty, crunchy topping.</li>
<li>Mix them into warm trail mix so the flavors stick together.</li>
<li>Sprinkle over roasted veggies for an extra toasty bite.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Keep the Crunch Going</h2>
<p>Pumpkin seeds might be small, but they open up big possibilities &mdash; from smooth spreads to sweet, crunchy treats. Ready to try something new this season? If your <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="{{store direct_url=" target="_blank">oven</a></span> or other appliance needs an upgrade to keep up with all these creative kitchen projects, we're here to help.</p>
<p>Stop by&nbsp;Built-In Distributors to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="{{store direct_url=" target="_blank">chat with our experts</a></span>, explore the latest appliances, and find everything you need to make the most of National Pumpkin Seed Day (and every cooking adventure after that)!</p>
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Seeds the Moment: 3 Fun Ways to Cook Your Pumpkin Seeds

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Seeds the Moment: 3 Fun Ways to Cook Your Pumpkin Seeds

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