Easy Roasted Pepitas are crunchy, toasty green nutty pumpkin seeds that are perfect for snacking or as a topping for soups, salads, and many recipes.
Easy Roasted Pepitas are the ultimate snack and salad topper
You are just going to love these Easy Roasted Pepitas because in less than 15 minutes and just 3 ingredients you can have a quick and easy game time snack or healthy school snack. You may also like to take a little bag of easy roasted pepitas trial blazing or a use as delicious topping for so many recipes. The options are endless. If you love pepitas, be sure to try our Roasted Pumpkin Seed Butter dipped in apple slices as a healthy snack. For an easy, healthy and delicious meal using roasted pepitas, you may like to try our One Pot Creamy Kale Pesto Pasta.
What's the Difference Between a Pepitas Seed and Pumpkin Seed?
Both pepitas seeds and pumpkin seeds do come from pumpkins but the TYPE of pumpkin is different. They both can be referred to as pumpkin seeds but there is a few general differences.
Pepitas are a type of hull free pumpkin seed. They are flat, green and have a delicious earthy nutty flavor. They are not from a traditional pumpkin that you carve on halloween but come from a Lady Godiva Squash or other similar breeds. The flesh from a Lady Godiva squash is not really good for eating but the seeds are delicious. When you scoop them out of the Godiva squash they will be green and without a shell. These are the types of pumpkin seeds we are using for our Easy Roasted Pepitas Recipe. Pepitas are used a lot in Mexican cuisine. The word Pepita is shortened for the Spanish word “pepita de Calabaza” which means little seed of squash.
Pumpkin seeds grown in Jack O Lantern types of pumpkins that you carve on Halloween, like Howden for example, have an exterior white husk on the seed. These are generally eaten whole with the seeds as it would be super difficult to remove the exterior hull of the pumpkin seed. Our Roasted Cajun Pumpkin Seeds recipe is an example of this type of pumpkin seed.
Autumn is one of our absolute favorite times of the year with the beautiful changing of leaves, the crackling of leaves under your feet, crispness in the air, sweater weather and yes pumpkins. Our family loves to get pumpkins every year and carve them. However, the real reason the boys love pumpkins is so that they can eat Roasted Cajun Pumpkin Seeds. These have the shell on them so they are the full seed with the outer shell and then the seed inside.
Pepitas, on the other hand, are grown without the shell and makes them even more convenient. You can find pepitas in your local grocery, whole foods store or Amazon and they are usually sold raw. The great part about pepitas as they are not a nut but are a seed. If you have a nut allergy, this may be an option for you.
Eating Healthy is so Easy!
Easy Roasted Pepitas are naturally gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, Low Carb, diabetic friendly and Whole30 friendly. In addition, Easy Roasted Pepitas are packed with antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats and high in Magnesium. However, the reason why you are going to love them is that they taste nutty and delicious.
We chose to just keep our pepitas simply dressed with a little olive oil and sea salt. Of course, you can add any herbs or spices you like such as garlic, Cajun, paprika, cayenne or maybe try a little cinnamon. However, you are going to want to keep your pepitas plain because we have a couple of fun recipes coming up that need just lightly salted pepitas.
More Delicious Nuts and Seeds Recipes
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Easy Roasted Pepitas
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C).
- Toss pepitas, olive oil and salt together so well coated. Layer out your pepitas flat on a lined baking sheet (just so easy for cleanup).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. Set your timer for 5 minutes and toss so all sides of the pepitas get toasty.
- Allow Pepitas to Cool and enjoy. Store in a sealed container or zipper bag at room temperature for up to couple of days at room temperature. For storage up to a week, place in the refrigerator. You may also freeze the easy roasted pepitas. (However, we have never had these last more than a couple of days)
Ken says
I love roasted seeds -- pumpkin, sunflower, etc. I am surprised there are so many types
HWC Magazine says
Then you are going to love this recipe... Pepitas seeds are so delicious roasted. Take Care
Barb says
I seen these and had no idea what to do with them.
HWC Magazine says
So glad we could give you some recipe ideas. These easy roasted pepitas are great in salads, topping for soups or just as a quick nutritious snack. Take Care