Halloween food doesn’t have to be all about candy and sweets—sometimes the most fun dishes are the savory ones. These Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers bring a festive and spooky touch to your dinner table while staying hearty, healthy, and satisfying.
Carved to look like mini pumpkins with glowing smiles, these orange bell peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of shredded chicken, rice, and flavorful seasonings. They’re perfect for Halloween parties, family dinners, or a cozy fall meal that doubles as spooky décor for your table.
Ingredients
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 cup salsa or tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Using a small knife, carve jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper.
- Cook the filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded chicken, cooked rice, corn, salsa, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until warmed through and well combined.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the chicken and rice mixture into each carved pepper until filled. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Arrange on a festive platter and serve warm for a spooky Halloween dinner.
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling for a kick.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use black beans or lentils instead.
- Make ahead: Prepare the filling a day in advance and stuff the peppers just before baking.
- Cheesy top: Broil for the last 2 minutes to get a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Why You’ll Love These Jack-O’-Lantern Peppers
- Festive and fun for Halloween without being overly sweet.
- A complete meal with protein, veggies, and grains in one dish.
- Easy to customize with different fillings.
- Doubles as dinner and décor—your table will look spooky and inviting.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole for a party spread.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter dinner.
- Add spooky sides like cheesy breadstick bones or ghost marshmallows for a full Halloween menu.
Final Thoughts
These Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are proof that Halloween dinners can be just as festive and fun as the sweet treats. Packed with shredded chicken, rice, and gooey cheese, they’re a savory dish that’s simple to make but guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party or cooking a family dinner, these peppers will light up the table—literally and figuratively.
