8 Must-Try Ways of Cooking Pumpkin Seeds

Did you know pumpkin seeds are one of the top seeds you should be eating? That's because they are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help boost your immune system.

You can reap the benefits by munching on plain pumpkin seeds but that can get boring quick. So how about cooking pumpkin seeds in new and exciting ways? You could add pumpkin seeds to soups, sauces, Thanksgiving stuffing and plenty more Fall recipes.

Here are our top seven ways of cooking pumpkin seeds:

1. GARNISH SOUP

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent garnish for soups such as this creamy cucumber soup or pumpkin soup. For a flavor boost roast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet before adding to the soup.

2. MAKE FANCY PASTA SAUCE

One of the best ways of cooking pumpkin seeds is to add them to sauces as a thickening agent. Try this outstanding recipe for spelt bread gnocchi which features a lovely tomato sauce thickened with pumpkin seeds.

3. KICK UP THANKSGIVING STUFFING

Add a little more flavor to your Thanksgiving celebration by stuffing your bird with a cornbread and Italian sausage stuffing made with pumpkin seeds.

4. WHIP UP PESTO

Just take a traditional Italian pesto recipe and swap the pine nuts for pumpkin seeds. Process the same way you would regular pesto. Simply delish!

5. MAKE BRITTLE

^{image via Honestly Yum}

Kick brittle up a notch by using pumpkin seeds instead of peanuts. With this recipe from Honestly Yum you'll be able to whip up a batch of spiced pumpkin seed brittle in no time.

6. PREPARE PALEO GRANOLA

Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and almonds pack a nutritional punch in this tasty recipe for paleo granola. It makes for a great snack or breakfast when paired with yogurt.

7. BAKE PUMPKIN CUPCAKES

These delectable pumpkin cupcakes are the ultimate autumn indulgence. The batter is prepared with pumpkin puree and pumpkin ale while the crowning glory is the cream cheese icing sprinkled with roasted pumpkin seeds.