1-Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to get it ready for even roasting. Rinse the pumpkin seeds in a colander under cold water to clear away any pulp and fibers, then dry them fully with a towel. This step is crucial to prevent sogginess and ensure crispy pumpkin seeds.

2-Preheat and Prep: Next, mix the seeds with the olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika if you choose, and black pepper in a bowl. Spread them out on a lightly greased sheet pan in a single layer for uniform cooking. For more tips on seasonal snacks, visit our seasonal snack recipes page.

3-Baking and Cooling: Bake the seeds for 12 to 15 minutes, remembering to stir every 5 minutes to promote even toasting. Keep an eye on them near the end to check for that perfect crispiness. Once done, move the seeds to a bowl and let them cool to room temperature for the full flavor to shine through.