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Spooky Stuffed Peppers

These spooky stuffed peppers feature tender, sweet bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, sausage, and herbs, topped with melted cheese for a gooey, charred finish. They are baked until the peppers are soft and the cheese is bubbly and crispy, making for a fun and comforting Halloween-inspired dish. The vibrant colors and mischievous presentation make them perfect for a festive gathering or a playful weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers various colors for fun
  • 1 cup cooked rice leftover or quickly cooked
  • 0.5 lb cooked sausage or plant-based protein crumbled or chopped
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • a handful chopped herbs parsley, cilantro, or basil
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese or vegan cheese for topping
  • optional black food coloring to create spooky cheese effect

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Spoon or piping bag
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
  2. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating hollow cups. Set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. The onions should look glossy and smell savory.
  4. Add the cooked rice, crumbled sausage, and chopped herbs to the skillet. Mix everything well, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2 minutes. The mixture should be moist and well combined.
  5. Using a spoon or piping bag, stuff each hollowed pepper with the filling, pressing gently to pack in the mixture without overflowing. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish.
  6. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly charred at the edges. The filling should be hot and the peppers softened.
  7. Meanwhile, melt the shredded cheese in a microwave or over low heat. If you want a spooky effect, mix in a few drops of black food coloring to create a dark, eerie cheese topping.
  8. Remove the peppers from the oven and spoon or pipe the melted cheese over each one. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  9. Take the stuffed peppers out of the oven and garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of hot sauce if desired. Let cool slightly before serving to enjoy their gooey, crispy, and tender textures.

Notes

For extra spooky fun, add black olives or creepy toppings like plastic spiders. Be careful not to overbake the cheese to prevent burning. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients for variety.