From Carving to Cooking: Clever Ways to Use Your Halloween Pumpkin

Halloween is over, but your pumpkin doesn’t need to end up in the compost. With a little creativity, you can enjoy your pumpkin in multiple ways, from seeds to flesh and even share some with the wildlife in your garden. Here’s how to make the most of your Halloween pumpkin, including using roasted pumpkin seeds.

Eat Them! How to Eat Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a crunchy, nutritious snack packed with healthy fats and vitamins. Eating your own pumpkin seeds is a great way to reduce food waste after carving, and they’re incredibly versatile.

To prepare pumpkin seeds, scoop them out of your pumpkin and remove any pulp. Rinse and pat them dry, then season with a pinch of salt, cinnamon, pepper, or even a touch of brown sugar for a sweeter treat. Eat them raw, sprinkle them over salads, or toss them into stir fries for added crunch.

A simple snack idea: spread the cleaned seeds on a baking tray in a single layer, drizzle with oil, season to taste, and roast in the oven at 160°C for 15–20 minutes until golden. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for several days, they’re perfect for snacking or adding to breakfast bowls.

Plant Them! When to Plant Pumpkin Seeds

If your Halloween pumpkin came with plenty of larger seeds, don’t throw them away; you can plant pumpkin seeds to grow your own pumpkins next year. The best time to sow is in spring, when the soil is warming up and frost is long gone. Pumpkin seeds germinate quickly in moist, well-draining soil, and they thrive in full sun.

For a detailed guide, check out our how to sow and grow pumpkins guide to make the most of your seeds and grow a successful patch. Whether you’re planning winter squash or giant Halloween pumpkins, planting the seeds now means you’ll have a bountiful harvest next autumn.

Roast Your Whole Pumpkin

If you want to make the most of your pumpkin flesh, why not roast the whole pumpkin? Simply scoop out the seeds, give it a little scrub, and pop it in the oven or over a fire for a tender, caramelised treat. 

Once roasted, you can enjoy it straight from the shell, or use it as a base for hearty dishes. 

For a smoky, outdoorsy twist, try our how to cook a whole roasted pumpkin over an open fire recipe. Or, if you love a cosy autumn meal, it’s perfect for blending into our easy roasted whole pumpkin soup recipe, creamy, comforting, and packed with flavour.

Feed Them to Wildlife! Can Birds Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

Your leftover pumpkin seeds aren’t just tasty for humans, they’re also perfect for garden birds. Many smaller birds and larger birds enjoy pumpkin seeds as part of their natural diet. Unlike commercial bird feed, pumpkin seeds provide a source of healthy fats and extra vitamins to support overall bird health during the colder months.

To feed your feathered friends, scatter raw, cleaned pumpkin seeds on bird feeders or directly on the ground. Avoid salted or spiced seeds, as these aren’t safe for birds. Your pumpkin seeds will help attract wildlife to your garden while keeping your food waste down, a win-win for your garden ecosystem!

Halloween pumpkins don’t need to be a one-time decoration. By eating the seeds, planting the seeds for next year, roasting them for snacks, or sharing them with birds in your garden, you can enjoy every part of your pumpkin. It’s a creative way to reduce waste, boost your cooking, and even care for wildlife.

So next time you carve a pumpkin, remember: it’s more than a jack-o’-lantern. It’s a source of flavour, fun, and food for months to come!