The Story & Intro
Hi there! I’m Marilyn from the sunny island of Crete, and I’m so excited to share one of my favorite autumn appetizers Stuffed “Pumpkin” Bell Peppers. 🎃
Every Halloween, my kitchen fills with laughter, clinking spoons, and the cozy scent of roasted garlic. These little orange peppers have become my signature party snack they look like tiny pumpkins and taste even better!
When I first made them, I was trying to impress my friends with something festive yet simple. I had a few bright orange mini bell peppers in the basket and some herbed cream cheese left over from brunch. The idea struck me why not carve them like pumpkins and fill them up? The result was adorable and delicious.
These Stuffed Pumpkin Bell Peppers are everything I love about fall creamy, garlicky, and a little bit whimsical. The roasted garlic gives the filling a deep, mellow sweetness, while fresh herbs like chives and thyme bring a burst of flavor. They’re perfect for Halloween gatherings, autumn picnics, or any time you want to serve something cozy and creative.
They’re easy enough for beginners but elegant enough to impress. If you love food that looks good and tastes even better, this recipe is for you. Cooking, for me, is all about making memories and trust me, these little pumpkins will leave everyone smiling.
So grab your peppers, heat up your oven, and let’s make some Stuffed “Pumpkin” Bell Peppers together!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cute and creamy Halloween “pumpkins”:
- 10–12 mini orange bell peppers (choose ones that stand upright easily)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, roasted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor
- Alt Text: Ingredients for stuffed pumpkin bell peppers with cream cheese and herbs
- Filename: stuffed-pumpkin-bell-peppers-ingredients.jpg
- Caption: Fresh orange bell peppers and creamy filling ingredients ready to create Halloween-inspired mini pumpkins.
- Description: A cozy display of ingredients for making stuffed pumpkin bell peppers with herbed cream cheese and roasted garlic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off your mini orange bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If you’d like, use a small knife to carve little jack-o’-lantern faces into the sides it makes them look extra festive!
Step 2: Roast the Garlic
Slice off the top of a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 25–30 minutes until soft and fragrant. Once cooled, squeeze the cloves into a bowl.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, roasted garlic, chives, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and parmesan (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each pepper with the cream cheese mixture. Replace the pepper tops to make them look like tiny pumpkins.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the stuffed peppers upright on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the tops are warm and slightly golden. Serve warm or at room temperature, arranged like a pumpkin patch on your platter! 🎃
Serving Suggestions
These Stuffed Pumpkin Bell Peppers are as versatile as they are adorable!
Serve them as appetizers for a Halloween party, pair them with a crisp green salad, or add them to your fall charcuterie board.
They also make a great side dish for roasted meats or cozy autumn soups. For an extra spooky touch, garnish your platter with fresh herbs or edible flowers and place a few tiny “pumpkin vines” made from chives.
Kids love these bite-sized treats, and adults can’t resist the creamy, savory filling. They’re proof that simple ingredients, when combined with a little creativity, can create pure seasonal magic. 🍂✨
Conclusion
These Stuffed “Pumpkin” Bell Peppers are more than just a Halloween recipe they’re a celebration of creativity, flavor, and the joy of cooking. 🧡
I love how something so simple can turn into a festive showstopper with just a few small touches. Whether you’re hosting a spooky dinner or just looking for a fun fall snack, these mini “pumpkins” bring smiles and warmth to the table.
Cooking is my favorite way to connect with people and I hope this recipe helps you do the same. So grab your peppers, your herbs, and your love for good food, and let’s make this Halloween a delicious memory together!