Spooky Savory: Halloween Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Halloween is not just about the costumes and candies; it’s about turning ordinary ingredients into eye-catching masterpieces. These stuffed bell peppers shaped like mini Jack-o’-Lanterns add a fun, festive twist to your dinner table, making the holiday even more memorable.

Imagine the aroma of roasted peppers mingling with seasoned cheese and savory filling, all glowing under candlelight. The unique shape gives kids and adults alike a nostalgic thrill, while still providing a wholesome, veggie-filled meal. It’s a perfect blend of spooky fun and hearty satisfaction.

This recipe turns humble bell peppers into Halloween icons that double as a meal and decoration. They’re super adaptable—stuff with anything from spicy sausage to veggie medleys—and are sure to spark conversations. Expect smiles and a few playful screams as you serve these to your ghoulish guests.

Halloween Stuffed Bell Peppers (Mini Jack-o’-Lanterns)

This dish features bell peppers hollowed out and shaped with carved faces to resemble mini Jack-o’-Lanterns, stuffed with a savory filling that combines seasoned cheese and cooked grains or meat. The peppers are roasted until tender and the cheese is melted, resulting in a colorful, festive presentation with a slightly crispy exterior and soft interior.

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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: Halloween

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 large bell peppers preferably orange or yellow for a pumpkin-like appearance
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa as a base for the filling
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella work well
• 1 cup cooked ground meat or beans optional for added protein
• 1 tbsp olive oil for roasting peppers
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Baking sheet
• Spoon
• Small paring knife
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off each bell pepper and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow cavity to fill.
2. Using a small paring knife, carve faces into each pepper to resemble mini Jack-o’-Lanterns, making eyes, a nose, and a jagged mouth for a festive look.
3. Place the carved peppers on a baking sheet and drizzle them lightly with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper inside and out.
4. Fill each hollowed pepper with the cooked rice or quinoa, then top with a portion of the cooked ground meat or beans and shredded cheese, pressing gently to pack the filling inside.
5. Arrange the filled peppers on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly blistered, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve these pumpkin-like mini Jack-o’-Lanterns warm, enjoying the visual fun and savory aroma.

Plus, cleanup stays simple since you’re working with just a few ingredients and minimal dishes. As the season shifts into full spooky mode, these peppers keep your menu fun, festive, and full of flavor. Only the crackling of the oven will remind you this was a recipe born from the joy of Halloween.