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Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

This dish features colorful bell peppers carved to resemble jack-o'-lanterns, filled with a savory, cheesy mixture. The peppers are baked until tender, with the filling bubbling to a golden hue, creating a playful yet hearty presentation perfect for festive occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably orange or mixed for a festive look
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or a blend
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or brown rice, cooled
  • 1/2 cup cooked corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 egg egg beaten, optional for binding

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Spoon
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sauté pan
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut off the tops of the bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating hollow shells. Carve the faces into the peppers to resemble jack-o'-lanterns.
  2. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, until it becomes aromatic and slightly golden.
  3. Stir in cumin and paprika, then cook for another 30 seconds to release the spices’ aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, corn kernels, shredded cheese, and the sautéed garlic mixture. Season with salt and pepper, then add the beaten egg if using. Mix until well combined.
  5. Fill each carved bell pepper with the cheesy rice mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling in firmly. Place the filled peppers upright in a baking dish.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly charred at the edges.
  7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, and the peppers are nicely roasted.
  8. Carefully remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve hot, showcasing the whimsical jack-o'-lantern faces and melty filling.

Notes

Feel free to customize the facial carvings or add extra spices to suit your taste. Using a sharp knife for carving ensures clean, precise faces.