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Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

This dish features bell peppers carved into pumpkin-like Jack-o'-Lantern faces, filled with a savory mixture of cheese, vegetables, and optional meat or vegetarian alternatives. The peppers are baked until tender and the filling is bubbly and golden, creating a festive and visually appealing Halloween centerpiece with a mix of roasted flavors and gooey textures.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 small bell peppers Colors optional for festive look
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella works well
  • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa for filling consistency
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup diced cooked chicken or beans optional for protein
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut the tops off each bell pepper and set aside. Using a small paring knife, carve spooky faces into the peppers, creating eyes and a jagged mouth for that Jack-o'-Lantern effect. Remove all seeds and membranes thoroughly to keep the filling from getting soggy.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheese, cooked rice or quinoa, chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked chicken or beans if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything until well blended and slightly sticky, which helps with filling the peppers.
  3. Drizzle olive oil inside each carved pepper and rub it over the interior. This adds flavor and helps the peppers roast evenly. Use a spoon to stuff each pepper generously with the cheese filling, pressing lightly to pack the mixture inside.
  4. Place the filled peppers upright on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Lightly brush or drizzle the tops with a little olive oil to encourage browning and a glossy finish.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, tenting with foil if necessary.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a serving platter. The peppers should have a slight char, with cheesy tops that look like flickering lanterns—ready to be enjoyed and admired for their spooky charm.

Notes

You can customize the filling with different cheeses, add chopped herbs, or include your favorite cooked protein for added flavor. To make carving easier, microwave the peppers for 30 seconds if they're too firm. Use foil to shield the peppers from over-browning during baking.