Halloween Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Spooky Feast

Every October, I dive into creative ways to celebrate Halloween with my favorite seasonally quirky twist. This year, I decided to craft a dish that combines the whimsy of carved pumpkins with a cozy, savory stuffing—entered the realm of Halloween stuffed bell pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns. They look adorable on the table, but what really excites me is the surprise inside each “carved” pepper.

Fresh bell peppers are transformed into tiny pumpkins with playful facial cuts, then filled with a spicy, cheesy mixture that melts beautifully. The scent of roasted peppers mingling with garlic and herbs fills the kitchen with fall charm. It’s a visual treat and a flavor explosion all in one bite, perfect for celebrating the spooky season with friends and family.

Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns

This dish features colorful bell peppers carved into pumpkin faces, filled with a spicy, cheesy stuffing, and roasted until tender and bubbling. The peppers take on a carved, jack-o’-lantern appearance with a savory, melty interior, making for a festive and flavorful presentation.

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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: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 large bell peppers preferably orange or yellow for a pumpkin-like appearance
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice for the stuffing base
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or any melting cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked black beans rinsed and drained
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp cumin ground
• 1 tsp paprika smoked or sweet
• to taste salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil for roasting

Equipment

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

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly and slice off the tops. Carefully carve small facial features into each pepper using a paring knife to resemble tiny jack-o’-lanterns. Remove the seeds and membranes to create hollow, pumpkin-like shapes.
3. Brush the outside of each carved pepper with a little olive oil to help them roast evenly and develop a nice color.
4. Place the carved peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast in the oven for about 15 minutes, until they start to soften and the faces look a little more carved and slightly shriveled.
5. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, shredded cheese, black beans, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed and the cheese begins to melt slightly.
6. Carefully spoon the spicy cheese mixture into each roasted pepper, pressing gently to fill them completely and create a rounded, overflowing look.
7. Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the filling is hot, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
8. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, with their carved faces and cheesy filling on display.

Notes

For extra festive effect, you can use a small fork to create additional facial details or add a light drizzle of salsa or sour cream for flavor contrast.

Whipping up these stuffed peppers offers a fun, interactive touch to your Halloween spread. Each bite balances festive flavors with comforting textures, making it more than just a decoration—it’s a delightful meal. As the last pepper disappears, your table will echo with satisfied smiles and curious questions about how you made your own edible pumpkins.

Seasonal, playful, and surprisingly simple to make, these Jack-o’-Lantern peppers are a wonderful way to add charm and flavor to any October gathering. They remind us that festive eats can be both adorable and delicious, perfect for creating memories around the dinner table. Let the spooky spirit inspire your kitchen adventures this season.