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Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Bright orange bell peppers are carved with mini Jack-o'-Lantern faces, then stuffed with a seasoned mixture of cooked rice, cheese, and herbs. As they bake, the peppers soften and the cheese melts into gooey pools, creating a festive and savory presentation that resembles glowing pumpkins.
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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

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pcs bell peppers preferably orange for a pumpkin effect
  • 1 cup cooked rice preferably cooled
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella works well
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs parsley, thyme, or basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Sharp Knife
  • Baking Dish
  • Spoon
  • Small Carving Tool or Paring Knife
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Slice the tops off each bell pepper and set aside. Use a small carving tool or paring knife to carefully cut out friendly Jack-o'-Lantern faces on the front of each pepper. Set the carved peppers aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the outside of each carved pepper with a little olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cheese, chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well blended and the cheese begins to melt slightly.
  4. Stuff each carved pepper generously with the rice mixture, pressing gently to fill all the nooks and crannies.
  5. Place the top of each pepper back on and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges.
  6. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve these playful, cheesy pumpkins while still warm and gooey inside.