Halloween Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Spooky Feast

Every October, I look forward to transforming ordinary vegetables into spooky centerpieces that delight kids and adults alike. These Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns turn bright peppers into grinning grins, filled with savory goodness that warms the soul amid chilly fall nights. It you love a little edible art woven with comfort food, this recipe will surprise you.

The joy of carving is tempered with flavor here, as each pepper is hollowed out with purpose and filled with a richly seasoned mixture. The smell of melting cheese and roasting peppers fills the house, teasing everyone tummy rumbles. It turns a simple dinner into a mini Halloween party for your taste buds and your decor.

Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns

This dish involves hollowing out colorful bell peppers and carving them into jack-o’-lantern faces. Each pepper is filled with a savory mixture, topped with cheese, and baked until tender and bubbly. The final presentation resembles glowing pumpkin lanterns with a warm, cheesy interior.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 large bell peppers assorted colors for visual effect
• 1 cup cooked rice can use leftover rice
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika for flavor and color
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Kitchen knife
• Spoon
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum Foil

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly and cut off the tops to create lids. Use a spoon to carefully hollow out the seeds and membranes, creating a smooth cavity inside. Set aside the tops for later use or decorative purposes.
3. Chop the onion and mince the garlic, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in half of the shredded cheese until evenly combined. This forms your stuffing filling.
6. Use a spoon to fill each hollowed bell pepper with the prepared rice mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling in.
7. Place the stuffed peppers upright on the prepared baking sheet. Top each with the remaining shredded cheese for a melty, cheesy lid.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly charred at the edges, and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
9. Optional: Use a small paring knife to carve faces into the peppers to resemble jack-o’-lanterns for a festive Halloween look before serving.
10. Once finished, carefully transfer the peppers to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful filling paired with the roasted pepper exterior.

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with cooked ground meat or vegetables. Carving faces is optional but adds a fun Halloween touch!

This Halloween dish turns a simple dinner into a festive masterpiece that sparks conversations and smiles. The mix of savory stuffing and playful carving makes it an instant hit and a satisfying meal on a chilly night. Watching the peppers glow with melted cheese is a small, joyful ritual that plays well with seasonal nostalgia.

As the season shifts and new decorations creep into every corner, this recipe reminds us that fun can be simple and tastes memorable. The process of creating these edible Jack-o’-Lanterns connects tradition with creativity, making every bite a celebration of the season. Happy carving and feasting to all who try this cheerful, flavorful trick-or-treat.