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Spooky Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers

This dish features colorful bell peppers hollowed out and stuffed with a seasoned mixture of rice, vegetables, and cheese. The peppers are baked until tender and topped with melted cheese, then decorated with cheese facial expressions to resemble grinning Jack-o'-Lanterns, creating a playful and festive presentation with a mix of soft textures and crispy edges.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably orange or yellow for a festive look
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or brown rice, cooled
  • 1 cup diced vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or carrots
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Additional cheese slices or shredded cheese for decorating to create facial features

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cooking spoon
  • Baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes carefully, creating hollow shells.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced vegetables, shredded cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Stuff each hollowed-out pepper with the rice mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling in firmly and make the peppers stand upright.
  4. Place the filled peppers upright in a baking dish, and cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
  5. Remove the peppers from the oven and carefully peel back the foil. Distribute slices or shredded cheese on top of each pepper to resemble the glowing eyes and mouth of a Jack-o'-Lantern.
  6. Return the peppers to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese melts and slightly golden, highlighting the facial features.
  7. Once baked, let the peppers cool slightly. Use additional cheese slices or shredded cheese to craft a spooky face on each pepper, with eyes, nose, and a jagged mouth.
  8. Serve these festive Jack-o'-Lantern stuffed peppers hot, as a fun appetizer or main course with your favorite sides.