Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seeds (Thai Chili)

If you’re craving a snack that perfectly balances sweetness with a kick of heat, these Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds made with Thai Chili sauce are just what you need! Not only are they easy to make, but they also pack a flavor punch that leaves you wanting more.

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Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

These easy roasted pumpkin seeds are perfect if you’re looking for a healthy snack to munch on during the day or a unique topping for salads or soups. This thai chili snack will quickly become a favorite!

They’re easy to whip up, as they only require 4 ingredients!

Variations 

Add some spice: Want to add an extra kick? Sprinkle a little bit of powdered cayenne pepper into the mix. You won’t need much, I’d start at 1/8 teaspoon.

Deeper flavors: Add warmth and sweetness to this pumpkin seed recipe to give it a deeper flavor. You can add a little bit of cinnamon, brown sugar (or coconut sugar), or ginger to the mix before you roast the seeds, this will give it a little fall flavor boost.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

It seriously doesn’t get any easier than this recipe.

Mix the sweet Thai chili sauce, oil, and salt and pour over the seeds.

Stir to coat well.

Lay on a parchment paper lined sheet pan and bake. That’s it!

How to Store

This is a small batch recipe but, if you have any extra after snacking here’s what you can do:

Store the sweet and spicy pepitas in an airtight container. A small mason jar works perfectly for this!

The seeds can be stored at room temperature for up to a month. If you want to extend their shelf life, place them in the fridge for up to three months. 

Freezing pumpkin seeds

You can double or triple the batch and freeze them for later. Put the seeds in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 6 months. 

Make sure that the seeds are cool and dry before freezing.

Serving Suggestions

Curious on what to do with these yummy pumpkin seeds. There’s so much you can do (aside from eating them right out of the jar).

• Top your salads with a few tablespoons for some extra crunch.
• Put them on top of soup (like this roasted veggie soup). 
• Make trail mix, this will add a delicious sweet and spicy “oompf”.
• Sprinkle the seeds on top of a grain bowl.
• Add them to your hummus.
• You can even create and sprinkle them over desserts (what a fun twist on pumpkin pie or a cinnamon-based cheesecake).

Health Benefits of Eating Pumpkin Seeds

Not only are pumpkin seeds delicious but they are packed with nutritional benefits. I like to add them to yogurt bowls, salads, and oats!

• Nutrient Rich: For how small pumpkin seeds are, they are mighty in nutrients. They’re a source of magnesium, zinc, iron, and healthy fats (Omega-3s and Omega-6).
• Source of fiber: Pumpkin seeds are a great source of fiber (5g of fiber per 1oz). Eating a diet high in fiber is good for balancing your blood sugar, improving cholesterol levels, bowel health, hormones, and so much more.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: The antioxidants found in pumpkin seeds may help to reduce inflammation within your body (along with other anti-inflammatory foods). Source.

Can I use Store-bought Pumpkin Seeds? 

Yes, you can. If you aren’t planning on gutting a pumpkin anytime soon, or you want to skip the mess, grab some seeds or pepitas from the store to roast. 

What is the Difference Between Pumpkin Seeds and Pepitas? 

Pumpkin seeds and pepitas are usually considered the same thing, but there is a difference.

Pumpkin seeds have an outer shell, and pepitas don’t.

For the sake of this recipe, we’re calling it all pumpkin seeds. I have made this with the shell and without (photos show me doing it with pepitas).

Healthy Snack Recipes 

• Healthy Apple Breakfast Bars
• High Protein Blueberry Muffins
• Baked Carrot Fries
• Herb and Garlic Cashew Dip