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Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

This dish features orange bell peppers hollowed out and carved into jack-o'-lantern faces, roasted until tender. They are filled with a savory, cheesy mixture that melts slightly during baking, creating a festive and visually appealing presentation with a warm, cheesy interior.
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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 orange bell peppers large and sturdy for carving
  • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa for stuffing
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or a blend
  • ½ cup diced cooked chicken or black beans optional protein
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for freshness
  • to taste salt and pepper seasoning to preference
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting

Equipment

  • Chef's knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Spoon
  • Small paring knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cooking brush

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tops off the peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes carefully with a spoon to create a hollow shell.
  2. Using a small paring knife, carve fun Halloween faces into the front of each pepper, creating eyes, a nose, and a mouth for that festive jack-o'-lantern look.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice or quinoa, shredded cheese, diced chicken or black beans, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended; this will be your stuffing.
  4. Stuff each carved pepper with the savory mixture, pressing it down gently to fill all the cavity without overstuffing.
  5. Place the stuffed peppers upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the outside of each pepper lightly with olive oil to help them roast evenly and develop a slight sheen.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. The carved faces may soften but should retain their shape.
  7. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, allowing the cheesy interior to ooze slightly through the carved faces, creating a festive and tasty presentation.

Notes

For extra fun, you can add small bits of cheese to make the carved faces more expressive before baking.