Festive Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers for Party Fun

When the leaves start to change color and the air turns crisp, it’s time for cozy gatherings filled with laughter and delicious food. Enter Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers for party: a festive treat that not only brightens up your table but also delights your taste buds with every bite. Frankenguac appetizers for your party pumpkin-shaped sliders for parties.

Imagine a group of friends gathered around, a glorious array of colorful peppers carved into cheerful jack-o’-lanterns, filled to the brim with savory goodness. spooky witch’s brew dip These vibrant creations not only offer a mouthwatering flavor experience but also bring an element of fun to any Halloween celebration or autumn dinner party.

The first time I made these delightful stuffed peppers, my kids squealed in delight, turning dinner into a mini Halloween celebration complete with giggles and good-natured pumpkin carving competitions. mini spider pizzas for Halloween.

Essential Ingredients

For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant orange or yellow peppers; they resemble mini jack-o’-lanterns perfectly.
• Ground Meat (beef or turkey): Use lean meat for stuffing; it keeps the filling light yet satisfying.
• Rice: Cooked rice adds texture; use leftover rice if you have it for added convenience.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion enhances flavor; sauté until translucent for that sweet aroma.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add moisture and richness; go for fire-roasted variety for extra depth.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese on top gives a gooey finish; try cheddar or mozzarella for melting magic.

For seasoning:

• Garlic Powder: This adds an aromatic punch; fresh garlic works too if you prefer a bolder flavor. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe recipe.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend that offers warmth and familiarity; it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preparation of the Peppers: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, carefully cut off the tops of your bell peppers and remove seeds. You want them looking like adorable little jack-o’-lanterns.

Sautéing the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and toss in chopped onions. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—about five minutes—before adding ground meat until browned.

Mixing it All Together: Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Let everything meld together for about five minutes on low heat.

Stuffing the Peppers: Generously fill each hollowed-out pepper with the savory mixture. Don’t hold back! Pack them tightly so every bite is bursting with flavor.

Baking Time: Place your stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each one before covering loosely with foil. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until everything is heated through and cheese is melted.

Enjoy serving these festive Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers at your next gathering! Not only are they visually stunning but also offer a hearty meal that everyone will love!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cook the filling while hollowing out the peppers, then bake them together for optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap rice for quinoa or add black beans for extra protein. Topping with cheese before baking can add a delightful melty layer!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Creating Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers has become a family tradition during Halloween. The sheer joy on my kids’ faces when they see their creations is priceless!

FAQ

What types of peppers work best for Jack-O’-Lanterns?

Bell peppers are ideal due to their sturdy structure and vibrant colors.

Can I make these stuffed peppers vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use beans, lentils, or more vegetables as a filling substitute.

How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?

Pre-bake the hollowed-out peppers briefly before adding the stuffing to reduce moisture.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

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• Author: Mia Hanry
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are the perfect festive dish for your autumn gatherings. These fun and colorful peppers are not only visually appealing but also packed with savory flavors that will delight your guests. Easy to prepare and customizable for various dietary preferences, they make a great centerpiece for Halloween parties or cozy family dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 4 medium bell peppers (orange or yellow)
• 1 lb ground turkey or lean beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds, shaping them like jack-o'-lanterns.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions in olive oil until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add ground meat and cook until browned.
4. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for another 5 minutes.
5. Stuff each pepper generously with the filling mixture, packing it tightly.
6. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg