Spooky Sweetness: Halloween Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers

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Every October, I search for a way to make holiday traditions feel fresh. This year, I found a twist on the classic pumpkin that mixes charm with practicality: Jack-o’-Lantern stuffed bell peppers. The bright orange peppers mimic mini pumpkins and serve as edible containers for a comforting, cheesy filling.

Crafting these requires a playful hand in carving, but the reward is a table full of cheerful, spooky faces that double as a meal. The aroma of melting cheese mingles with the roasted bell pepper smell, a delightful scent that signals cozy fall evenings. They’re surprisingly easy to assemble, making them perfect for chaos-loving cooks eager to dazzle without hours of prep.

Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers

This dish features bright orange bell peppers carved into jack-o'-lantern faces serving as edible containers. They are filled with a cheesy mixture that melts during roasting, creating a playful and flavorful presentation. The final result showcases cheesy, roasted peppers with a slightly charred, crispy edge and expressive spooky faces.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably orange for a pumpkin look
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup cooked ground meat beef, turkey, or sausage
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the tops of each bell pepper and carefully carve spooky faces with a small knife, removing the seeds and membranes. Place the carved peppers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in cooked ground meat to warm through and season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a bowl, combine cooked rice, the cooked meat mixture, and shredded cheese. Mix well until ingredients are evenly distributed. This cheesy filling will provide a creamy, flavorful core for the peppers.
  4. Spoon the filling into each carved pepper, pressing gently to pack the mixture in and fill the cavity to the top. Be careful not to overstuff.
  5. Place the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly roasted around the edges. The cheese should be bubbling and golden at the top.
  6. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, showcasing the melted cheese and spooky carved faces, ready to delight and amuse at your table.

These stuffed pepper ‘pumpkins’ are a celebration of both creativity and comfort. Perfect for a festive family dinner or a playful party centerpiece, they combine nostalgia with a dash of culinary artistry. As the season changes and sweaters come out, this recipe is a fun way to embrace autumn’s spirit with a touch of whimsy.

Seeing everyone’s faces light up at the sight of your carved bell peppers reminds me why cooking is such a joy. Plus, cleaning up is a breeze—just toss the leftovers or compost your pumpkin faces. Whatever they bring to your table, these Jack-o’-Lantern peppers will sprinkle a little magic on your fall nights.

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