Pumpkin seeds are basically fall’s underrated MVP. Sure, they get tossed in the backseat while everyone gushes over pumpkin spice everything, but these little seeds deserve some credit. Whether you’re snacking, baking, or whipping up something savory, pumpkin seeds bring crunch, flavor, and a whole lot of versatility to the table.
Pumpkin Seed Nut Bread
This pumpkin seed nut bread is packed with great texture and flavor. It’s a hearty fall snack that’s perfect for a quick bite or a breakfast on the go. The pumpkin seeds give it a bit of crunch, making it a must-have for seasonal baking.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Seed Nut Bread
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Bites
These pumpkin spice chocolate chip bites are quick to make and great for snacking. The pumpkin seeds add a little crunch, making them the perfect energy boost when you need something fun and fast.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Bites
Pumpkin Herb Cheeseball
A fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer for your fall get-togethers. The pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch, making this cheeseball a great option for any seasonal spread.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Herb Cheeseball
Pumpkin Seed Butter
This smooth and creamy pumpkin seed butter is a great nut-free spread. With a hint of vanilla and honey, it’s perfect for toast, smoothies, or just a spoonful straight from the jar.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Seed Butter
Pumpkin Pie Snack Bites
These no-bake pumpkin pie snack bites hit the spot when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. Pumpkin seeds give them a little crunch and they’re perfect for a grab-and-go snack.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Snack Bites
Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Seeds
These chocolate-covered pumpkin seeds are a great sweet treat with a little crunch. Perfect for snacking or adding to your dessert table during the fall. Plus, they make awesome DIY gifts.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Covered Pumpkin Seeds
Curried Pumpkin Soup
This curried pumpkin soup is loaded with veggies and topped with toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. It’s a perfect cozy meal that comes together easily and makes the most of pumpkin season.
Get the Recipe: Curried Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin Seeds and Blueberries Muffins
These muffins swap out traditional flours and sugars, and instead are packed with pumpkin seeds and blueberries. They’re a great way to start your day, keeping things light and full of energy.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Seeds and Blueberries Muffins
Dark Chocolate with Brazil Nuts and Pumpkin Seeds
A perfect treat for chocolate lovers. This homemade dark chocolate combines brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, sweet-and-bitter bite. It’s a great snack to keep around when you need a chocolate fix.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate with Brazil Nuts and Pumpkin Seeds
Crispy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (8 Flavors!)
Pumpkin seeds are the perfect fall snack, especially roasted. This recipe gives you 8 flavor options, so you’ll never get bored. Keep them on hand for snacking throughout the season.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (8 Flavors!)
Rosemary Fig Crackers
These rosemary fig crackers are twice-baked for a nice crispy texture, and the addition of pumpkin seeds makes them perfect for your fall cheese boards or just snacking on their own.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Fig Crackers
Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup with Bacon and Pumpkin Seeds
This soup is made in the Instant Pot, which means it’s quick and easy. The bacon and pumpkin seeds bring a bit of crunch, making this the perfect fall soup when you want something filling.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup with Bacon and Pumpkin Seeds
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos
These tacos are great for weeknight dinners, with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans that come together in about 30 minutes. Top them with pumpkin seeds for an extra bit of crunch.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos
Homemade Pumpkin Flax Seed Granola
This homemade granola is perfect for breakfast or snacking. It’s packed with pumpkin seeds and flavored with real pumpkin and maple syrup. A great way to start your fall mornings!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pumpkin Flax Seed Granola
Warm Chia Pudding
Warm chia pudding is a great option when you want something comforting and healthy. The pumpkin seeds add a little crunch, and it’s perfect for a quick and easy breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Warm Chia Pudding
Pumpkin Bread
This pumpkin bread is moist and sweetened naturally. It’s perfect for fall and makes a great snack or breakfast when you’re craving something simple and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bread
Seedy Currant Cookies
These cookies are packed with seeds, oats, and currants, plus a little chocolate to keep things fun. They’re perfect for a snack when you want something sweet but not over the top.
Get the Recipe: Seedy Currant Cookies
Millet Nourish Bowl
A hearty, nutritious bowl with millet, roasted veggies, and pumpkin seeds. It’s a great meal when you want something healthy but filling.
Get the Recipe: Millet Nourish Bowl
Pumpkin Pie Spice Baked Oatmeal
This baked oatmeal is like having dessert for breakfast. It’s got all the pumpkin spice flavor you love and is great for making ahead and reheating for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Spice Baked Oatmeal
Pumpkin Seed Pesto
This pumpkin seed pesto swaps pine nuts for pumpkin seeds, giving it a great fall twist. It’s perfect for pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.