Go Back

Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

This dish features colorful bell peppers hollowed out and carved with playful faces, then filled with a savory mixture of cooked rice, vegetables, herbs, and cheese. The stuffed peppers are baked until tender and bubbly, resulting in a cheerful, festive presentation with a combination of roasted sweetness and hearty filling.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers choose colorful, fresh peppers
  • 1 cup uncooked rice preferably a long-grain variety
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chopped cooked vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs chopped parsley or cilantro
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 bite carving tools for creating faces on peppers

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Carefully cut off the tops of each bell pepper and scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating hollow shells.
  3. Use carving tools to carefully cut jack-o'-lantern faces into the peppers, ensuring the openings are wide enough for stuffing.
  4. Cook the rice in boiling water until just tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  5. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, then stir in the chopped cooked vegetables and cook briefly to meld flavors.
  7. Mix the cooked rice into the vegetable mixture, then stir in shredded cheese and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Fill each carved pepper shell with the prepared rice and vegetable filling, pressing down gently to pack the mixture in.
  9. Place the stuffed peppers upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tops for roasting.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
  11. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Decorate faces with additional carving if desired, then serve warm and enjoy the festive, cheesy goodness.

Notes

Tip: Poke small holes in the peppers before baking to prevent bursting. Use a moderation of cheese to avoid overflow. Keep an eye on the tops to prevent over-browning, and cover with foil if needed. Pre-cook rice for better absorption and stuffing consistency. Carving faces adds a fun, spooky touch perfect for Halloween celebrations.