Everyone knows about roasting pumpkin seeds, but what about squash seeds? And particularly the Delicata squash. Should you save the seeds to eat or toss them?
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When you carve your pumpkin for Halloween, do you like to roast the seeds? Well that doesn't have to be just for that time of year. You can roast squash seeds as well. Keep in mind, pumpkins are indeed members of the squash family.
I have roasted many different types of squash seeds. Not all of them work out. One that I find does work out is Delicata squash.
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โ How are the Seeds Different?
I want to compare the seeds of a Delicata squash to your standard Jack o'Lantern. They are a lot smaller in size and a bit more round in shape. This will certainly affect the cook time, allowing them to cook much quickly.
As for the flavor, I think Delicata seeds taste better. They have more of a subtle corn flavor.
๐ก Tips for Removing the Seeds
The best tool I have found to remove the seeds is a wide mouth ice cream scoop. You can really dig into the squash and get the seeds out super easy, even in one scoop.
Then I like to pull the seeds in a large mixing bowl, filled with water. I then use my hands to remove any pulp that is stuck to the seeds. Then lay the seeds out to dry. You want them to be completely dried before you cook them.
If you aren't ready to cook them that day, you can refrigerate them for a couple days before roasting. I often roast them the next day after cooking the squash itself.
๐ Do You Need to Boil First?
Some people like to boil the seeds first. This can help to remove the pulp as well and soften the seeds before roasting, I don't think this step is really necessary. I think getting the temperature of the oven right will insure you get tender seeds. Don't make more work for yourself.
๐ก๏ธ What Temperature to Roast At?
For the most tender seeds it's best to go low and slow. Set your oven to 275 degrees and cook until they are tender. This should take about 35-45 minutes. I would check on them every 15 minutes and flip them to encourage even browning. The cook time will depend on how dry your seeds are.
Make sure when you are roasting them that you spread them in a single layer on your baking sheet or sheet pan.
RELATED - How Long to Cook Pumpkin Seeds?
๐ฌ๏ธ Air Fryer
Want to pop them in the air fryer instead of the oven? You certainly can do that. It's faster.
I started them out at 5 minutes at 350 degrees. They already were starting to darken, but I didn't think the seeds were crispy enough all the way through. I reduce the temperature to 320 degrees and cook them about 10-15 minutes more. This allow for the inside to soften without burning the outside.
โ More Delicata Squash Posts
Learn more about Delicata and get some ideas on how to cook it.
- What is Delicata Squash (with Oven Fries recipe)
- Air Fryer Delicata Squash
- Roasted Delicata Squash with Hatch Butter
- Can You Freeze Raw Delicata Squash
Roasted Delicata Squash Seeds
Ingredients
- seeds from 1-2 Delicata squash
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Once you have removed the seeds from the squash, place them into a bowl of water. Using your hands remove the pulp and place the seeds onto a towel to dry.
- Once the seeds are completely dry. Set your oven to 275 degrees.
- Place the seeds on a half sheet pan in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with kosher salt to taste.
- Roast for 35-45 minutes. Check them every 15 minutes and flip the seeds to cook evenly. The time may be more or less depending on how dry your seeds are and how old your squash was. It's best to check them often.
- Allow to cool before eating. They need to be completely cool before storing.
Thank you for the great information! I wondered about eating the seeds. Do you peel the outside shell or eat whole?
I eat them whole. You certainly could do that but I haven't tried to yet.