Spooky Spectacle: Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers with a Twist

Halloween is not just about costumes and candy; it;s also about transforming your kitchen into a spooky craft zone. Imagine carving out your peppers with little eyes and mouths, then stuffing them with colorful, flavorful ingredients that glow in the oven. This recipe turns garden veggies into ghoulish delights that double as centerpiece treats.

But I love taking a simple idea and giving it a wild, unexpected twist. Instead of traditional pumpkin carvings, these stuffed peppers become edible art, perfect for kids and adults alike. They bring a dash of chaos, a splash of color, and a ton of festive fun to your Halloween table.

Stuffed Halloween Pepper Ghouls

Colorful bell peppers are carved into spooky faces and filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned rice, vegetables, and cheese. The stuffed peppers are baked until tender, with the filling bubbling and the skins slightly roasted, resulting in ghoulishly themed, edible treats that are both festive and satisfying.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably in Halloween colors
  • 1 cup cooked rice preferably leftover or freshly cooked
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes drained
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Chef’s knife
  • Spoon
  • Baking dish
  • Knife for carving
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use a sharp knife to carve spooky eyes and mouths into each bell pepper, creating a Halloween face. Carefully remove the tops and seeds to form a hollow shell.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, shredded cheese, and a splash of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until well mixed.
  3. Spoon the filling mixture into each carved pepper, pressing lightly to pack it in and ensure it’s rounded on top. Fill each pepper until they are slightly overstuffed.
  4. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, ensuring they sit securely without tipping over. Cover the dish loosely with foil to help retain moisture.
  5. Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbling and slightly browned on top.
  6. Remove the dish from the oven and let the peppers cool for a few minutes. Carefully transfer them to a plate, and serve hot to enjoy the gooey, flavorful filling and festive carved faces.
Creating these Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers is more than just a fun activity; it;s a way to mix artistic flair with hearty flavors. They make the holiday feel lived-in and lively, even amidst fridge chaos and caramel apple messes. Plus, they;re a smart way to sneak in vegetables disguised as spooky treats.

As Halloween night settles, these peppers offer a warm, savory smell that fills the house with festive cheer. They remind us that cooking can be an act of play and imagination, turning simple ingredients into memories. Here;s to celebrating the season with a bit of culinary mischief and plenty of delicious bites.

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