Spooky Silhouettes: Haunted Halloween Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Halloween is the perfect time to let playful creativity shine in the kitchen. Instead of the usual pumpkin carvings, why not bring that spooky spirit to your dinner table with jack-o’-lantern themed stuffed peppers? These peppers are not only vibrant and fun, but they also hold a delicious surprise inside.

Imagine slicing into a fiery orange pepper to reveal a cheesy, veggie-stuffed face that eerily resembles a carved pumpkin. The combination of savory spices and sweet bell peppers creates a dish that’s as engaging to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or just a cheeky Halloween treat, this recipe turns ordinary peppers into a ghoulish delight.

Let’s embark on a culinary adventure that combines spooky aesthetics with hearty comfort food, all in one festive package.

Halloween Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

This dish features vibrant orange bell peppers carved to resemble jack-o’-lanterns, filled with a savory mixture of seasoned cooked rice, vegetables, and cheese. The peppers are baked until tender and the filling is hot and bubbly, with the carved faces adding a playful, spooky aesthetic.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 large bell peppers preferably orange for a pumpkin look
• 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
• 1 cup finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots
• 2 teaspoons olive oil for roasting
• 1 teaspoon paprika for flavor and color
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 to taste additional seasoning such as garlic powder or dried herbs

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off each bell pepper and carefully carve faces into them to resemble jack-o’-lanterns, removing seeds and membranes.
2. Toss the carved peppers in a little olive oil, then place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until they start to soften and the skin darkens slightly.
3. While the peppers roast, mix the cooked rice with shredded cheese, chopped vegetables, paprika, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings to create a hearty filling.
4. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly, just enough to handle. Fill each carved pepper with the rice and cheese mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling inside.
5. Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the cheese has melted.
6. Once baked, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve these spooky jack-o’-lanterns warm, with the carved faces adding a fun, festive touch to your table.

Notes

For extra spooky effects, use black olive slices for eyes or a small piece of red pepper for a mouth on the carved face.

Enjoy the process of decorating and filling each pepper—it’s a small act of creative magic. As you set these on the table, watch how they transform a simple meal into a memorable celebration. Embrace the chaos, savor the flavors, and have a spooky good time.