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Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

This dish features colorful bell peppers hollowed out and filled with a cheesy, spiced filling, then roasted until tender and golden. The peppers are carved with tiny faces before baking, creating a playful, festive appearance with a soft, cheesy interior corresponding to their slightly crisp exterior.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably orange or other Halloween colors
  • 1 cup cooked rice can use pre-cooked or leftover rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or a blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika adds smoky flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove all seeds and membranes; set aside. Carve little faces on the outside of each pepper to resemble jack-o'-lanterns, making small eyes and a jagged mouth for a festive look.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded cheese, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well blended into a cheesy, fragrant filling.
  3. Use a spoon or piping bag to stuff each carved pepper with the cheesy filling, pressing down gently to fill the cavity completely. Top the peppers with their caps and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until they are tender and the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden around the edges. The carved faces will soften slightly, adding to the spooky charm.
  5. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. They should be soft enough to cut into slightly, with cheesy filling oozing just a bit, and the carved faces slightly toasted and caramelized.

Notes

Ensure to carve small, clear faces, and be gentle when removing seeds. Using a piping bag helps fill the peppers evenly. For extra fun, add more detailed faces or alternate colors of peppers.