As October fades into peak spooky season, I love creating treats that double as decor. These stuffed bell pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns turn everyday produce into playful, edible art. Their carved faces glow with warm cheese, promising bites of savory sweetness and a dash of chaos on the dinner table.
What’s more fun than slicing through a bell pepper’s top, then filling it with seasoned rice, beans, and melting cheese? Each pepper becomes a tiny lantern, flickering with flavor and a cheeky grin. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the mix of holiday cheer and culinary craft.
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?
- Joyful chaos of carving faces is perfect for a festive mood.
- Nostalgic reminder of childhood costume parties and pumpkin lanterns.
- Creative use of new season’s produce sparks my autumn spirit.
- It’s an impressive, manageable project with a delicious payoff.
- The cheesy aroma makes the whole house smell like Halloween magic.
AVOID MY DISASTER (You’re Welcome)
- FORGOT to remove stems—had to carve around stubborn greenery, took extra time.
- DUMPED filling in the oven—spilled everywhere, clean-up was a mess. Keep a tray handy.
- OVER-TORCHED the cheese—bitter smell, had to start over with fresh peppers.
- MISSED pre-scooping seeds—caused uneven filling and gaps in the mouth.
QUICK FIXES THAT SAVE YOUR DAY
- When peppers crack, splash cold water to cool and soothe the gap.
- Patch tiny holes with a dab of cheese before baking for a smooth finish.
- Shield skin with foil if it begins to burn during broiling.
- When filling is too runny, stir in a spoonful of cooked quinoa to firm it up.
- When peppers are too soft, swap in pre-cooked, chilled peppers to save time.
These Jack-o’-Lantern stuffed peppers are a fresh take on Halloween snacks. They bring a burst of color and flavor to any spooky gathering, and their playful faces are hard to resist. Plus, they remind us that creative cooking can be just as fun as dressing up.
In this season of pumpkin spice and glow sticks, embracing something a little quirky and colorful feels right. The smoky aroma of roasted peppers and melted cheese makes the season even more memorable. It’s a dish that celebrates the joy of fun, food, and a tiny bit of chaos.
Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the bell peppers and cut off their tops with a paring knife, setting the lids aside. Carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers, leaving a hollow shell for filling. Lightly brush the outside of each pepper with a little olive oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, drained black beans, shredded cheese, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a savory, cheesy filling with a slightly sticky texture.
- Use a spoon to fill each hollowed-out pepper with the rice mixture, pressing gently to pack in the filling. Make sure to leave some space at the top for the carved face. Place the filled peppers in a baking dish.
- Carve a fun Halloween face into each pepper using the paring knife, making eyes, a nose, and a jagged mouth. Be playful—these are your Jack-o'-Lanterns! Place the lids back on or set them aside.
- Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly blistered, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. You can bake with the lids on or off, depending on your preferred presentation.
- Once baked, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. If desired, broil for an extra 2 minutes to deepen the cheesy glow and lightly char the edges for added flavor.
- Serve your Jack-o'-Lantern stuffed peppers hot, with their carved faces glowing and cheese oozing. They make a fun, festive centerpiece for Halloween dinner and promise a savory, cheesy bite with each forkful.
Crafting these Halloween Jack-o’-Lantern peppers adds a whimsical touch to your October table. They’re perfect for parties, family dinners, or a playful solo project. Watching faces light up as they see their edible pumpkins never gets old.
As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, I find comfort in dishes that mix festivity with friendliness. These stuffed peppers keep the spirit bright and the flavors bold—just what this season calls for.
