Spiced Sunflower Seeds (Easy and Delicious!) Recipe
A simple and flavorful recipe for spiced sunflower seeds, perfect as a healthy snack. Raw sunflower seeds are tossed with olive oil and aromatic spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried thyme, then roasted to crispy perfection.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 cup of spiced roasted sunflower seeds
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sunflower Seeds
- 1 cup raw sunflower seeds (shelled and unsalted)
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) to ensure the seeds roast evenly without burning.
- Toss seeds with oil and spices: In a mixing bowl, combine the raw sunflower seeds with extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and salt. Stir well to coat all seeds evenly with the seasoning.
- Spread on baking sheet: Lay the seasoned sunflower seeds out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick surface to prevent sticking.
- Roast in the oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the seeds for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking to promote even roasting and prevent burning.
- Cool and serve: Once the seeds are golden and fragrant, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet before enjoying as a crunchy, spiced snack.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the seeds during roasting as they can quickly go from toasted to burnt.
- Experiment with different spices like cumin or chili powder for varied flavor profiles.
- Store cooled sunflower seeds in an airtight container for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
- If preferred, you can toast the seeds on a stovetop skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes.
