Sweet & Spicy Roasted Pepitas
Elevate your snacking game with these Sweet & Spicy Roasted Pepitas! Perfect for gatherings or as a zesty addition to your salads, these crunchy pumpkin seeds are a delightful blend of sweetness and spice. Packed with nutrients, pepitas are not just a Halloween treat; they are a powerhouse of healthy benefits, including protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals. Customize the heat of this recipe to match your preference by adjusting the cayenne pepper. Whether you’re whipping these up for a party or just to satisfy your snack cravings, they're sure to be a hit!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pepitas
2 cups (green hulled pumpkin seeds)
Sugar
1/3 cup (granulated)
Egg White
1 large (beaten until frothy)
Chili Powder
1 tablespoon (ground)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (kosher or sea salt)
Ground Cumin
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper.
2
In a large bowl, combine the pepitas, sugar, beaten egg white, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until the pepitas are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
3
Spread the mixture into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the pepitas are not overcrowded for even roasting.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the pepitas are golden and dry. Watch closely to avoid burning.
5
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Use a fork to gently separate the pepitas while they are still warm.
6
Allow the pepitas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet & Spicy Roasted Pepitas?
Sweet & Spicy Roasted Pepitas are crunchy, roasted pumpkin seeds flavored with a blend of sugar, cinnamon, and various savory spices.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include pepitas, granulated sugar, an egg white, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for roasting the pepitas.
How long do the pepitas need to bake?
The pepitas should bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden and dry.
Why do I need to use an egg white?
The egg white, when beaten until frothy, acts as a binder to ensure the sugar and spices coat the seeds evenly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While the recipe uses an egg white, you can use a vegan-friendly binder like aquafaba to replace it.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the pepitas?
You can customize the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper, using between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon based on your preference.
What type of pumpkin seeds should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of green hulled pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas.
How often should I stir the pepitas while they are in the oven?
Stir the seeds every 5 minutes to ensure even roasting and to prevent them from burning.
What is the best way to store roasted pepitas?
Once completely cool, transfer the pepitas to an airtight container for storage.
Can I use sea salt instead of kosher salt?
Yes, you can use either kosher salt or sea salt according to your preference.
What serving suggestions do you have for these pepitas?
They are excellent as a standalone snack or as a crunchy, zesty topper for salads.
Why should I spread the pepitas in a single layer?
Spreading them in a single layer ensures they roast evenly and get crunchy rather than steaming.
How do I stop the pepitas from sticking together after baking?
While they are still warm, use a fork to gently separate the seeds.
Are pepitas healthy?
Yes, pepitas are highly nutritious, providing protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals.
What does the chili powder add to the recipe?
Chili powder provides a mild heat and a deep, savory flavor profile.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Granulated sugar is recommended for a crispier texture, but brown sugar can be used for a more molasses-like flavor.
What should I do if the seeds start to burn?
Remove them from the oven immediately and lower the temperature or decrease the remaining bake time.
Can I prepare the baking sheet with parchment paper?
Yes, you can either use nonstick spray or line the sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Is cumin necessary for this recipe?
Cumin adds an earthy undertone that complements the sweetness, but it can be omitted if you prefer.
What size egg white is used?
The recipe specifies using one large egg white.
Can these be made ahead of time for a party?
Yes, they can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container until you are ready to serve.
How much cinnamon is in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but be sure to use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
What is the texture of these roasted pepitas?
They are very crunchy with a slightly glazed coating from the sugar and egg white.
Does this recipe work with unhulled pumpkin seeds?
This recipe is designed for hulled pepitas, which are much softer and easier to eat than white, unhulled seeds.
How much sugar is used per two cups of seeds?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of granulated sugar for 2 cups of pepitas.
Can I add other spices?
Yes, you can experiment with smoked paprika or nutmeg for different flavor variations.
Why must the seeds cool completely before storage?
Cooling prevents condensation from forming in the container, which would make the seeds lose their crunch.