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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
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 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.