Smoked Bacon Pumpkin Seeds

Adding bacon makes everything better, especially these smoked bacon pumpkin seeds. They’re sweet, crunchy and salty – the perfect snack combo.

One of my favorite things about Halloween is pumpkin seeds. We always carved 3-5 large pumpkins when I was growing up, so we had oodles and oodles of seeds to toast.

Back then, I used to toast them in the oven with a pinch of salt.

But this girl is all grown up!

I ditched the oven years ago for grills and smokers, and I gained a full-on appreciation of bacon as another food group.

By combining my love of smoking and bacon, this new Halloween treat was born, and now I enjoy them year round, especially on camping trips.

---

What makes these smoked pumpkin seeds awesome

The diced strips of bacon will add liquid gold (AKA bacon grease) and salt. The bacon will also amp up the smokey flavor.

The sugar and BBQ rub will help the seeds caramelize to perfection while adding a touch of sweetness.

You can choose a spicier rub, black pepper or chili powder, if you like a little heat. If you want a really festive vibe, mix in some apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice.

These are really easy to smoke on a pellet grill. If you use a charcoal grill, just make sure to set it up with an indirect heat zone.

---

Ingredients

This recipe is really adaptable. For every 1/4 cup of seeds, use 1 strip of bacon, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of barbecue rub.

• Pumpkin Seeds: For this recipe, please use the raw pumpkin seeds you scrape out of the fresh pumpkin.
• Bacon: You’ll need 4 slices of bacon for every 1 cup of pumpkin seeds.
• Brown Sugar: I always cook with dark brown sugar because it has molasses, but light brown sugar is fine too.
• Barbecue Rub: I recommend using a sweet rub like my award-winning Pork Rub.
• Salt: Kosher salt and sea salt are both great options.

PRO TIP: Don't pick up the seeds at Trader Joes. One, that's cheating, and two, those are already roasted. Also, don't try to use the pumpkin seeds called pepitas. These are the small seeds inside the white shells, and again – already roasted.

---

How to smoke pumpkin seeds

Heat your smoker to 350F degrees with an indirect heat zone. For added sweet smoke flavor, use maple or pecan pellets, wood chunks or wood chips.

1. STEP ONE: Start by cutting the top or bottom off of your pumpkin. Then, use a large spoon and your hands to scrape out the pumpkin guts.

2. STEP TWO: Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove the extra pulp. I usually use a colander or strainer, so they don’t slip down the drain.

3. STEP THREE: In a medium bowl, combine the cleaned seeds, chopped bacon, brown sugar and BBQ rub.

4. STEP FOUR: Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil. Spread the pumpkin seed mixture onto the cookie sheet in a single layer.

PRO TIP: You don't have to use the foil, but it makes cleanup way easier. You can also just use an oiled baking sheet. 

5. STEP FIVE: Place the pan on the smoker grill grate over indirect heat for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, stir seeds, and continue smoking for 5-10 more minutes.

PRO TIP: Keep an eye on them. You want the bacon crispy, but not burnt.

6. STEP SIX: Remove pan from the smoker, sprinkle with a little salt while they’re still hot. Let the smoked bacon pumpkin seeds cool, and enjoy.

---

How to serve smoked pumpkin seeds

Lift the foil off of the pan and hold it over the bowl, dumping all the smoked pumpkin seeds inside.

Make a big batch for Halloween night or football games or a smaller batch to serve on a fall charcuterie platter.

You can also mix the smoked seeds with popcorn or even chocolate candies.

Smoked pumpkin seeds make great gifts. Transfer them to a mason jar, add a square piece of Autumn fabric on top or an orange ribbon and add the lid. Present as a gift with a pretty fall kitchen towel.

---

Storage

Because of the bacon, I don’t recommend storing them at room temperature. It’s best to keep leftover smoked pumpkin seeds in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for up to a week.

If you have extra raw seeds after carving pumpkins, you can also clean them and freeze them to make bacon pumpkin seeds any time of year. Just fully thaw them before smoking.

---

More Bacon Recipes

• Kick Ass Bacon Jam
• Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
• Bacon Wrapped Grilled Delicata Squash Rings

More Pumpkin Recipes

• Smoked Pumpkin Butter
• Hickory Smoked Pumpkin Pie
• Pumpkin Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

---

Latest Recipes

Smoked Brisket Pastrami

Pastrami Tri Tip

Pastrami Lumpia

Smoked Turkey on the Ninja FlexFlame