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Roasted Pumpkin Recipe

Roasted Pumpkin Recipe

Transform a humble sugar pumpkin into golden, flavorful bites that are perfect as a snack or side dish for any occasion. This roasted pumpkin recipe is simple, versatile, and brimming with warm, aromatic spices.
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Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Roasted Pumpkin Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
  • 1 sugar pumpkin 2 pounds whole, 1.5 pounds cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of another salt, such as Morton kosher salt

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F and position the oven rack at the lowest level. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with high-heat-resistant parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Rinse the pumpkin thoroughly and pat it dry. To soften slightly, microwave the pumpkin for one minute on high.
  • With a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut the pumpkin in half. Use a sawing motion and remove a thin slice from the stem end if avoiding the stem entirely. Removing the stem makes the process more manageable as it can be tough to cut through.
  • Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp using a sturdy metal spoon. For any stubborn pulp, use kitchen scissors to cut it away. If desired, set aside the seeds for roasting later.
  • Slice each pumpkin half into four crescent-shaped pieces, approximately one inch thick. Discard the ends that may not yield uniform slices.
  • Peel off the skin using a vegetable peeler, ensuring all hard exterior is removed. Cut the crescent slices into neat 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
  • Transfer the pumpkin cubes to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, garlic powder, and chili powder. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a large spoon, ensuring every piece is well-coated with seasoning.
  • Spread the seasoned pumpkin cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes, tossing the cubes halfway through to ensure even roasting. The pumpkin should be tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Serve hot as a delightful side dish or snack.

Notes

  • Use a small sugar pumpkin for the best flavor; larger pumpkins tend to have less taste. Choose one with firm, deep orange flesh, as larger pumpkins are better suited for Jack-o-lanterns than cooking.
  • For pumpkins larger than 2 pounds, microwave for a longer duration. A 5-pound pumpkin, for example, needs about two minutes on each side to soften before cutting.
  • As an alternative, skip peeling and cubing by simply cutting the pumpkin in half, removing the pulp and seeds, and roasting it cut-side-down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes until fork-tender. This method yields a cooked pumpkin ideal for mashing and using in other recipes.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave at 50% power to preserve texture.
  • For longer storage, freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months.