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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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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.