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Halloween Stuffed Peppers as Edible Jack-o'-Lanterns

This dish features colorful mini bell peppers carved with spooky faces, filled with a savory mixture of seasoned rice, herbs, and cheese. The peppers are baked until tender and the filling is bubbling and melted, creating a festive and playful presentation for Halloween gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces mini bell peppers preferably orange or multicolored for festive look
  • 1 cup cooked rice preferably jasmine or basmati
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella work well
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for baking and brushing peppers
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • Optional for decorating small pieces of cheese or vegetables for carving faces

Equipment

  • Chef’s knife
  • Baking dish
  • Spoon
  • Small paring knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the mini peppers, then cut off the tops and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes to create little hollow shells.
  2. Mix the cooked rice with shredded cheese, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. This filling will be flavorful and gooey when baked.
  3. Spoon the rice filling into each hollowed-out pepper, pressing gently to fill them fully and mound slightly over the top for a festive look.
  4. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Brush each pepper lightly with olive oil on the outside to help them caramelize slightly during baking.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly charred at the edges, and the filling is bubbling and golden.
  6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Use small pieces of cheese or vegetables to carve spooky faces into the peppers, creating adorable jack-o'-lantern expressions.
  7. Serve the edible jack-o'-lantern peppers warm, with the cheesy, aromatic filling spilling slightly for an inviting presentation.

Notes

For an extra spooky effect, use black olives or sliced peppers for facial features. Adjust seasoning to taste before baking. These peppers taste best when the cheese is melty and the peppers are tender.