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.

This dish has become a Halloween tradition in my family, bringing smiles and compliments every year.

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

Preheat:

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

Arrange:

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

Outline:

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:

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

Roast:

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

Transfer:

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

Garnish:

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds before serving.

Pin this

My family loves gathering around this dish, sharing stories and enjoying the festive spirit together.

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 this

This pumpkin lantern plate is a delightful centerpiece that adds color and fun to any Halloween celebration.

Recipe Questions

→ What vegetables are best for the jack-o-lantern face?

Bell peppers in red and yellow, zucchini rounds, and thinly sliced red onions provide vibrant colors and textures that outline and fill the jack-o-lantern face effectively.

→ How long should the vegetables be roasted?

Roast the vegetable arrangement in a preheated 400°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized for optimal flavor.

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of these?

Yes, carrots or eggplant can be substituted to add variety while maintaining the colorful and festive presentation.

→ What seasonings enhance the flavor of the dish?

Olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper create a smoky and aromatic profile that complements the roasted vegetables.

→ Are there any recommended garnishes?

Fresh chopped parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds add a fresh herbaceous note and crunchy texture, enhancing visual appeal and taste.