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Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

These mini pumpkin-shaped peppers are hollowed out and carved with cheerful or mischievous faces, then filled with a savory mixture of cheese, herbs, and spices. They are baked until tender and bubbling, presenting a festive and visually appealing centerpiece with a combination of crispy edges and melty filling.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 peppers Orange bell peppers preferably uniform in size
  • 1 cup crumbled cheese cheddar or pepper jack works well
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice white or jasmine rice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs parsley, cilantro, or chives
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds depth and color
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting and brushing

Equipment

  • Chef's knife
  • Spoon
  • Baking dish
  • Piping bag or small plastic bag

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut the tops off each pepper and set aside; then use a spoon to hollow out the seeds and membranes, creating small pumpkin-shaped shells.
  2. Mix the cooked rice, crumbled cheese, chopped herbs, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. This fragrant mixture will be your stuffing.
  3. Fill each hollowed pepper with the cheese and rice mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling in completely and level with the top.
  4. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and brush the outside of each with olive oil to enhance golden color and crispness.
  5. Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until they are tender and slightly caramelized around the edges, with bubbling filling.
  6. While they bake, carve faces into the reserved pepper tops using a small knife or a paring knife to create smiling or mischievous expressions.
  7. Once baked, carefully place the carved tops back onto each pepper to resemble tiny pumpkins; they add a charming finishing touch.
  8. Serve the Jack-o'-Lantern stuffed peppers warm, ideally as a festive centerpiece with their cheerful faces and vibrant color.

Notes

Use a small sharp knife for carving. Be gentle when hollowing out peppers to avoid cracks. For a vegan version, substitute cheese with a bean or vegetable-based filling.