Ah, Halloween! It’s that magical time of year when the air gets crisp, the leaves turn vibrant, and we all get to indulge in some delightfully spooky snacks. One of my absolute favorites has to be these Stuffed Pepper Mummies! Not only do they look adorably creepy, but they’re also packed with flavor and creativity. I remember making them with my family last year – we had a blast transforming ordinary bell peppers into these fun little mummies. Everyone got involved, from mixing the filling to draping on the cheese “bandages.” Trust me, it’s a festive treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients List
- 4 bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup cooked ground meat (beef or turkey)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice, for the ‘bandages’)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
How to Prepare Stuffed Pepper Mummies
Getting ready to make these Stuffed Pepper Mummies is half the fun! Follow my step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a spooky snack that’s sure to impress. It’s simple, and the results are absolutely delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Peppers
First things first: grab your bell peppers! Cut off the tops and scoop out the seeds and membranes. I like to use a small knife or even a spoon to make this easier. Make sure to keep the tops; they can be fun little hats for your mummies! Rinse the peppers under cold water to remove any stubborn seeds and set them aside while you make the filling.
Making the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, ground meat, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes. Don’t forget the garlic powder and onion powder for that extra punch of flavor! Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything until well combined. If the mixture feels a bit dry, you can add a splash of water or some extra diced tomatoes. Taste it to make sure it’s seasoned just right with salt and pepper – you want those flavors to shine!
Stuffing and Baking
Now comes the fun part! Carefully stuff each pepper with the delicious filling until they’re generously packed. Place them upright in a baking dish, and drizzle a little olive oil over the tops to help them roast beautifully in the oven. Pop them into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender. For the final touch, take those cheese strips and create bandages around your mummies before baking them for an additional 5 minutes. Watch as they melt and ooze – it’s Halloween magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make, perfect for last-minute spooky snacks.
- Fun and festive presentation that brings Halloween to life.
- Customizable with your favorite fillings – go vegetarian or switch up the meat!
- Kid-friendly, making it a great activity for the whole family.
- Deliciously packed with flavors that everyone will love.
- Healthy option with colorful veggies that make for a nutritious treat.
- They look adorable on any Halloween spread, adding to the festive vibe.
Tips for Success
To make your Stuffed Pepper Mummies the best they can be, here are a few pro tips! First, try to choose peppers that stand upright, so they don’t topple over while baking. If they need a little help, you can slice a tiny bit off the bottom to stabilize them. Second, don’t be shy with the seasoning; taste your filling before stuffing and adjust as needed. And if you want to add a kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or spices! Lastly, make sure to keep an eye on the cheese towards the end – you want it melted but not burnt. Enjoy the spooky fun!
Variations
One of the best parts about Stuffed Pepper Mummies is how easily you can customize them! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground meat for shredded chicken or even a plant-based substitute like lentils or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Chopped spinach, zucchini, or corn can add a burst of color and flavor to the filling. You can also play around with different types of cheese – pepper jack for a bit of spice or a creamy mozzarella for that melty goodness. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any Stuffed Pepper Mummies left over (which is rare, trust me!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the mummies on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick reheating, but I recommend the oven for that lovely, crispy texture. Enjoy those spooky delights all over again!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to Stuffed Pepper Mummies, the nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so keep that in mind. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (1 stuffed pepper):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 3g
Remember, these values are approximate, so it’s always a good idea to check your specific ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy these delicious and nutritious spooky snacks without guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of peppers?
Absolutely! While I love using bell peppers for their sweetness, you can experiment with other varieties like poblano or even mini sweet peppers for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pepper you choose.
How do I make these Stuffed Pepper Mummies vegetarian?
It’s super easy! Simply swap the ground meat for a plant-based alternative like lentils, quinoa, or even black beans. You can also load up the filling with extra veggies such as mushrooms or spinach to make it hearty and delicious!
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the stuffed peppers up to the baking step and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven as directed – perfect for last-minute spooky snacks!
What can I serve with my Stuffed Pepper Mummies?
These adorable mummies are fantastic on their own, but you can amp up your Halloween spread with some spooky side dishes! Think of a fresh salad, some creepy-looking breadsticks, or even a pumpkin soup to complement your meal. It’ll make your Halloween gathering even more festive!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’ll know your Stuffed Pepper Mummies are ready when the peppers are tender and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. If you can easily pierce the peppers with a fork, you’re good to go! Just be careful not to overbake them, or they might lose their shape.
Stuffed Pepper Mummies: 7 Spooky Delights for Halloween Fun
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Stuffed Pepper Mummies are a fun and spooky snack for Halloween. They combine delicious flavors with a festive presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup cooked ground meat (beef or turkey)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a bowl, combine rice, ground meat, cheese, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pepper with the mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
- Use strips of cheese to create ‘bandages’ on the peppers.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Notes
- Feel free to use vegetarian meat substitutes.
- Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.
- Make them ahead of time and bake before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Stuffed Pepper Mummies, spooky snacks
