Pin Recipe A festive and fun dish featuring roasted pumpkin and colorful vegetables arranged to resemble a jack-o-lantern—perfect for a Halloween celebration.
I first served this at a Halloween party and it was a huge hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 small round pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch slices , 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips , 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips , 1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds , 1 small red onion, sliced into thin wedges
- Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil , 1 tsp smoked paprika , 1/2 tsp ground cumin , Salt and pepper , to taste
- Garnishes: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped , 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Arrange the pumpkin slices in a large circle on the baking sheet to form the shape of a pumpkin face.
- Step 3:
- Use bell pepper strips to outline the eyes, nose, and mouth of the jack-o-lantern. Fill in with zucchini and red onion for color and contrast.
- Step 4:
- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5:
- Roast in the oven for 25 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Step 6:
- Carefully transfer the roasted lantern to a serving platter, maintaining the jack-o-lantern face.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds before serving.
Pin Recipe This recipe always brings my family together during Halloween with smiles and compliments.
Required Tools
Baking sheet , Parchment paper , Chefs knife , Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains seeds (pumpkin seeds) . Recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free . Check all packaged ingredients for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 120 , Total Fat 7 g , Carbohydrates 15 g , Protein 2 g (per serving)
Pin Recipe This dish is perfect as a centerpiece and appetizer for any Halloween celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pumpkin works best?
A small round pumpkin around 2 lbs is ideal for slicing and roasting evenly.
- → Can I substitute other vegetables?
Yes, carrots or eggplant can be used to add variety and color contrast.
- → How should I arrange the vegetables?
Arrange pumpkin slices in a circle and use bell pepper strips to outline facial features, filling with zucchini and red onion for detail.
- → What seasonings enhance the flavors?
Smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper complement the roasted vegetables with warm, smoky notes.
- → Is this dish suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, it is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, containing only seeds as potential allergens.
- → What serving suggestions are there?
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally alongside yogurt or tahini-based dipping sauces.