Pumpkin Lantern Halloween Plate

A festive and fun dish featuring roasted pumpkin and colorful vegetables arranged to resemble a jack-o-lantern—perfect for a Halloween celebration.

I love how this recipe brings a festive touch to our holiday table and gets everyone excited about eating vegetables.

Ingredients

• 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
• 2 tbsp olive oil:
• 1 tsp smoked paprika:
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin:
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley: chopped
• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas): toasted

Instructions

Preheat oven:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Arrange pumpkin slices:

Arrange the pumpkin slices in a large circle on the baking sheet to form the shape of a pumpkin face.

Outline jack-o-lantern face:

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.

Season vegetables:

Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil then sprinkle with smoked paprika cumin salt and pepper.

Roast vegetables:

Roast in the oven for 25 30 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Transfer to platter:

Carefully transfer the roasted lantern to a serving platter maintaining the jack-o-lantern face.

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds before serving.

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This dish has become a favorite at family Halloween celebrations bringing both fun and nutrition to the table.

Required Tools

Baking sheet parchment paper chef's 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

Per serving Calories 120 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 2 g

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This pumpkin lantern is a delightful centerpiece that combines creativity and wholesome eating in one plate.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pumpkin is best for this dish?

A small round pumpkin around 2 lbs is ideal since it holds shape well and slices evenly for roasting.

→ Can I substitute other vegetables for the bell peppers?

Yes, carrots or eggplant strips make excellent colorful alternatives that roast nicely.

→ How long should the vegetables be roasted?

Roast for 25-30 minutes at 400°F until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

→ What seasoning complements the roasted vegetables?

The combination of smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper enhances the natural sweetness and depth of the veggies.

→ Are there suggested garnishes for added texture?

Freshly chopped parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds add a nice herbal note and a pleasant crunch.