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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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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!