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Hauntingly Delicious: Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Mark Renshaw Mark Renshaw

I’ve always been drawn to the interplay of creativity and comfort in the kitchen. Halloween gets me thinking about playful tricks and satisfying treats, but I wanted something a little more grounded this year. These Jack-o’-Lantern stuffed peppers turn spooky into savory—kind of like carving pumpkins, but way more delicious and less messy.

There’s a strange joy in prepping these peppers, watching them take on their carved faces while they bake. It’s honestly a rare moment where food and fun collide so perfectly, and I can’t help but smile each time I pull them out of the oven. They’re as much about the visual as they are about the hearty, cheesy bite inside.

Plus, they’re perfect for a small gathering, a kid-friendly trick-or-treat twist, or just an excuse to make your kitchen smell smoky and lemon-bright. Either way, these peppers make Halloween feel a little more special—no costumes required, just some good, honest cooking.

Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

This dish features bell peppers carved with jack-o'-Lantern faces and filled with a cheesy, savory mixture. The peppers are baked until tender and slightly caramelized, with the cheese topping bubbling and golden brown, creating a festive and hearty presentation.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably orange or yellow for classic jack-o'-Lantern look
  • 1 cup cooked rice can use white or brown rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend
  • ½ cup cooked ground meat optional, can substitute with beans or veggies
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

Equipment

  • Sharp paring knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoon
  • Cooking spray or olive oil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
  2. Carefully cut off the tops of each bell pepper and scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow cavity. Use a paring knife to carve spooky jack-o'-Lantern faces onto the peppers, making sure the cuts are shallow enough not to break through.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded cheese, cooked ground meat (or alternative), chopped onion, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
  4. Spoon the stuffing mixture into each hollowed and carved pepper, pressing gently to fill completely and even out the surface.
  5. Place the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet, standing upright. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Once baked, remove the peppers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Optionally, add extra cheese on top and broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden finish.
  7. Serve the Jack-o'-Lantern stuffed peppers warm, showcasing their carved faces with melted cheese, ready to be enjoyed as a fun and hearty Halloween meal.

Notes

Use a small, sharp paring knife for detailed carving. Feel free to customize faces or add edible eye decorations for extra festivity.

Wrapping up, these Jack-o’-Lantern stuffed peppers aren’t just a cute project—they’re a full-flavored treat that makes any fall night feel festive. I love that they bring a bit of chaos and comfort all at once, which is what October is really about.

Once plated, they look almost too good to eat—almost. But once you cut in, the gooey cheese and roasted veggie scent will pull everyone close. Maybe next year I’ll get even more playful with the faces, but for now, these simple carved peppers are a tiny Halloween tradition I’ll keep coming back to.

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