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Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

This dish features vibrant orange bell peppers carved with miniature faces, filled with a cheesy, fragrant mixture. The peppers are baked until tender and the cheese is bubbly, resulting in an eye-catching and flavorful savory presentation that captures the festive spirit of Halloween.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably orange for a festive look
  • 1 cup cooked rice can use white or brown rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken or beans for added protein
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Spoon
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow shell suitable for stuffing.
  3. Use a small knife or paring knife to carve playful faces into each pepper, turning them into mini jack-o'-lanterns, taking care not to puncture the outer shell.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked rice and diced chicken (or beans) to the skillet, stirring to combine and warm through.
  6. Stir in shredded cheese and season with salt and pepper, mixing until the cheese melts into a creamy filling.
  7. Spoon the cheese mixture into each carved pepper, pressing gently to fill completely and mound slightly at the top.
  8. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are stable.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven until the peppers are tender and slightly charred at the edges, about 30 minutes.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool slightly; the peppers will be hot and the cheese gooey.
  11. Serve the Jack-o'-Lantern stuffed peppers warm, allowing the carved faces and cheesy filling to shine as a festive, savory centerpiece.

Notes

Feel free to customize the faces with smaller peppers or skin-safe markers for added fun.