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Spooky Buffalo Chicken Dip Stuffed Jack-o’-Lantern Peppers

buffalo chicken dip stuffed peppers - featured image
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These adorable jack-o’-lantern peppers are stuffed with a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip and baked until tender. They’re the perfect Halloween party appetizer that tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot Original)
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Additional green onions for garnish
  • Celery sticks for serving
  • Tortilla chips or crostini for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash bell peppers and pat dry. Cut a small circle around the stem of each pepper, remove the top, and set aside. Scoop out all seeds and white membranes.
  2. Using a paring knife, carve small jack-o’-lantern faces into one side of each pepper. Keep designs simple (triangle eyes and jagged smile).
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add shredded chicken, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, crumbled blue cheese (if using), and sliced green onions. Fold until chicken is evenly coated.
  5. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each carved pepper, packing gently. Fill to the top, mounding slightly if needed. Place stem tops back on peppers at an angle.
  6. Brush outside of each pepper lightly with olive oil. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If wobbly, nestle together or use crumpled foil for support.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. At the 20-minute mark, sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese over the top of each pepper. Return to oven for final 5 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and peppers are tender but still holding shape.
  8. Let peppers cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional sliced green onions and serve with celery sticks and tortilla chips for dipping.

Notes

Choose round, squat orange bell peppers for best carving and stability. Soften cream cheese to room temperature for smooth filling. Keep carved faces simple to avoid collapse during baking. Peppers can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting cold. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, buffalo chicken dip, stuffed peppers, jack-o-lantern, party appetizer, gluten-free

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/spooky-buffalo-chicken-dip-stuffed-jack-o-lantern-peppers/