Skip to Content

Southwest Pepitas

Spicy Southwest Pepitas are a crunchy snack that not only tastes great but are healthy too! Crunchy, buttery, and spiced just right!

spiced pepitas in a bowl

What are Pepitas?

Only with a funnier name.  A funny name that is also very cool to say.

I like the way my voice perks up when I say pepitas. It reminds me of jumping beans for some reason.

I never even knew that pumpkin seeds had kernels inside of them as I usually just eat them whole. Toasted with lots of butter and salt, of course, but that is a whole other story!

I actually thought that pepitas were a whole other seed/nut until someone told me that pepitas are from INSIDE the pumpkin seeds. That’s what I get for just shoveling them in my mouth and not paying attention to what I’m eating.

After discovering that the pepitas were available without having to shell them from the pumpkin seed hulls (don’t laugh because I actually did this once) I started eating more of them.

And all throughout the year as well. I love that I don’t have to wait for Halloween to carve a pumpkin, clean the seeds, toast them, and then enjoy a healthy snack.

I can head to the store, grab a bag of pepitas, and eat to my heart’s delight. My local Sprouts Store has them available in their bulk section and I look like Santa with a huge bag draped over my back:)

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy here.
bowl of pumpkin seeds

How to make Southwest Pepitas

It just so happens that I have a Homemade Southwest Seasoning that you can use! 

If you don’t want to make your own (you totally should because it is less salt and you can make it as spicy as you want) you can buy some at the store on your next trip. No judgment here.

Making Southwest Pepitas is easy. Toss the pepitas in a little olive oil, a tablespoon of Southwest Seasoning, and toss in the oven. All the pepitas need is a light toasting and the seasoning mix will stick to them.

After a short jaunt in the oven, let the Southwest Pepitas cool off and store them in an airtight container. Mine don’t last very long, a few days tops, but if you are a slower snacker they might last a week.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

bowl of pumpkin seeds

These Southwest Pepitas make a great addition to tacos, salads, dips, trail mixes, granola bars, and even sneaking into the movies to counteract the candy you will be eating.

Crunchy Southwest Pepitas spilling out of a bowl on to a table

Southwest Pepitas – Taco Pumpkin Seeds

Spicy Southwest Pepitas are a crunchy snack that not only tastes great but are healthy too!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Snacks to Share
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 137kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, foil, or a silicone baking mat.
  • In a small bowl, combine the pepitas, olive oil, and Southwest Seasoning.
  • Stir to evenly coat the pepitas.
  • Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10 minutes or until the pepitas are toasty brown.
  • Remove from the oven when finished.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to a week if they last that long!

Notes

*If you like this recipe, please leave me a comment and rate it with some stars.  Thank you!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 4mg | Fiber: 1g

More Easy Snacks

©TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Recipe Rating




GiGi Eats

Tuesday 28th of November 2017

Mmmm! I know I would EAT THIS ENTIRE RECIPE!! hahahaha! I love pumpkin seeds soooo much !

chubcheeks@bellsouth.net

Wednesday 29th of November 2017

thanks! They are addicting!

GiGi Eats

Tuesday 28th of November 2017

Mmmm! I know I would EAT THIS ENTIRE RECIPE!! hahahaha! I love pumpkin seeds soooo much !