Spooky Good: Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns

Creating a Halloween centerpiece that doubles as a meal adds an extra layer of fun to the holiday. These stuffed bell peppers shaped like Jack-o’-Lanterns are both playful and delicious, making them perfect for a festive dinner. The scent of roasting peppers mixed with savory filling is a nostalgic aroma that sparks childhood memories of costumes and candy.

Transforming simple peppers into glowing faces involves a bit of carving, but the result is worth every slice. Kids and adults alike will love tearing into these adorable, cheesy-stuffed pumpkins. Plus, the love of a homemade Halloween treat comes through in every crispy, gooey bite.

Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are carved to resemble Jack-o’-Lanterns and filled with a savory cheese and vegetable mixture. The peppers are roasted until tender and the cheese is bubbly, resulting in a playful, festive presentation with a crispy outer skin and cheesy interior.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 large bell peppers preferably orange or yellow for vibrant faces
• 1 cup cooked rice white or brown rice
• 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
• 1/2 cup diced onion optional for added flavor
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
• to taste salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Paring Knife
• Spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice a small circular opening at the top of each bell pepper and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow space.
2. Use a paring knife to carve simple faces into the peppers, designing eyes, a nose, and a jagged mouth to resemble Jack-o’-Lanterns.
3. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Mix the cooked rice and shredded cheese into the sautéed vegetables, stirring until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff each carved pepper with the rice and cheese mixture, pressing down gently to fill completely.
6. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and brush the outside of each pepper with olive oil to help with roasting and browning.
7. Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until they are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly; they will be hot and crispy on the outside with melted cheese inside.
9. Serve these fun Jack-o’-Lantern peppers as a festive main dish, allowing everyone to tear into their cheesy, crispy, carved pumpkin.

These Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns bring a whimsical touch to your seasonal table. They’re easy to assemble and leave a big impression without taking hours in the kitchen. As the peppers bake and the cheese bubbles, your home will fill with a warm, inviting aroma that unites everyone in celebration.

Sharing this fun meal makes the holiday more memorable, blending creativity and comfort. Whether for a spooky party or a family dinner, these carved peppers promise a delightful, tasty surprise. And as you gather around, the festive glow of our little Jack-o’-Lanterns sets the perfect mood for a cozy, seasonal evening.