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Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

This dish features orange bell peppers carved with spooky faces, filled with a hearty mixture of grains, cheese, and herbs. The peppers are baked until tender and slightly caramelized, resulting in a colorful and playful presentation with a flavorful, chewy interior and roasted exterior.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large orange bell peppers preferably with thick walls for carving
  • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa for the stuffing base
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking and roasting
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs such as thyme or oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Equipment

  • Sharp Knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
  2. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut out faces or spooky designs on the skin of each bell pepper—such as crooked smiles, triangle eyes, or jagged mouths—creating a jack-o'-lantern face. Gently remove the seeds and membranes from inside, leaving the peppers intact with their carved faces.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until well combined and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Spoon the stuffing mixture into each carved pepper, pressing down gently to fill the cavity without overflowing. Leave a small gap at the top for easy carving and to prevent spillage during baking.
  5. Place the filled peppers on the prepared baking sheet, standing upright. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tops for extra caramelization.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender, the skins blister slightly, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The carved faces should look roasty and slightly charred for a fun effect.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Carefully transfer the stuffed peppers to a serving plate.
  8. Enjoy these vibrant, playful stuffed peppers as a festive main dish or centerpiece for Halloween celebrations, with the faces giving a spooky but tasty twist.

Notes

Feel free to get creative with the carved faces—smile, spooky, or silly! Use a smaller knife for detailed carving, and ensure peppers are well-seeded for less spiciness. You can swap rice for quinoa or add cooked sausage for extra flavor.