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Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o'-Lanterns

This dish features bell peppers carved into jack-o'-lantern shapes, stuffed with a flavorful mixture of cooked grains, vegetables, and savory spices. The peppers are roasted until tender, with the carved faces providing a playful, decorative appearance and a slightly caramelized texture on the edges.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably orange for a pumpkin-like appearance
  • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa helps bind the stuffing
  • 1 cup finely chopped vegetables such as zucchini, onion, or mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack work well
  • 2 teaspoons spice blend like cumin, paprika, and chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting
  • to taste none salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Sharp paring knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cooking pot
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Use a sharp paring knife to carefully cut a top into each bell pepper, creating a lid, and scoop out the seeds and membrane to form a hollow cavity.
  3. Carve a face into each pepper by gently cutting out small eyes, a nose, and a mouth to mimic a classic jack-o'-lantern.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  5. Stuff each carved pepper generously with the filling mixture, pressing down slightly to pack the stuffing in.
  6. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright on the prepared baking sheet and brush the outer skin lightly with olive oil to promote browning.
  7. Place in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the edges are slightly caramelized, with the carved faces appearing nicely toasted.
  8. Once cooked, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. The stuffing should be hot and the peppers soft but hold their shape.
  9. Serve the Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern peppers as a fun, festive main dish, perfect for a spooky holiday table.

Notes

For extra fun, add small cheese or olive eyes to the carved faces before roasting. You can also use mini peppers for a more miniature Jack-o'-Lantern effect.