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

Imagine turning ordinary bell peppers into cheerful Jack-o’-Lanterns that double as dinner. The aroma of roasted peppers with a mingling of cheesy, savory stuffing fills the kitchen with a cozy Halloween vibe. This playful twist on stuffed peppers brings the spirit of the season straight to your table—kids love the novelty, and adults get to indulge in a nostalgic treat.

What makes this recipe stand out is the clever carving that transforms simple ingredients into festive decor. The melting cheese eyes and jagged mouths glow with a touch of golden brown perfection, making each pepper a tiny, edible sculpture. Plus, it’s a fun way to sneaking extra veggies onto your Halloween feast outline.

Cheesy Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

This dish features colorful bell peppers carved into Jack-o’-Lantern faces, which are then stuffed with a savory cheese and vegetable filling. The peppers are roasted until tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a playful and festive presentation with a warm, golden-brown finish.

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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: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 large bell peppers preferably orange or yellow for festive color
• 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
• 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
• 1/2 cup cooked corn optional for sweetness and texture
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Using a sharp knife and cutting board, carefully carve faces into each bell pepper to resemble Jack-o’-Lanterns, creating eyes, a nose, and a jagged mouth. Remove the tops and seeds from inside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, shredded cheese, cooked corn (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well blended.
6. Stuff each carved pepper with the cheese and rice mixture, pressing gently to fill to the top.
7. Place the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. For added fun, you can use a sharp knife to add little details or expressions to the faces before serving.
9. Serve hot, letting the cheesy filling ooze slightly as you cut into the festive Jack-o’-Lantern peppers. Enjoy the colorful, playful presentation and hearty flavors!

Notes

For extra stability, use a small knife to carve window-like features or add small cheese dots for eyes and mouth. These peppers make a fun centerpiece for Halloween dinners.

Creating these Halloween stuffed peppers is about more than just how they look; it’s about bringing everyone to the table with smiles and anticipation. The smell of roasted peppers and rich filling heralds a fun evening ahead. Whether for a family tradition or a spooky weekend gathering, they add that dash of whimsy that breaks the usual routine.

As the season escalates into the heart of fall, these Jack-o’-Lantern peppers serve as a delightful reminder of playful creativity in the kitchen. No matter your skill level, carving and stuffing peppers becomes an interactive experience you’ll want to repeat. Celebrating seasonal flavors and whimsy never tasted so good.