Pin 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 making this pumpkin lantern plate because it brings a spooky yet delicious touch to our Halloween gatherings.
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 oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃) 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 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:
- 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 recipe has become a family favorite that we enjoy sharing each Halloween season.
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 pumpkin lantern plate is both visually impressive and delicious a perfect centerpiece for your Halloween feast.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pumpkin is best for this dish?
A small round pumpkin, about 2 pounds, peeled and sliced, works best to create the jack-o-lantern shape and roast evenly.
- → Can I substitute other vegetables for the bell peppers and zucchini?
Yes, vegetables like carrots or eggplant can be used for variety, maintaining color contrast and roasting well alongside pumpkin.
- → How should the vegetables be seasoned before roasting?
Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to enhance the natural flavors during roasting.
- → What is the recommended oven temperature and roasting time?
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the arranged vegetables for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- → Are there any suggested garnishes to finish the dish?
Freshly chopped parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) add freshness and a pleasant crunch as garnishes.
- → Is this dish suitable for specific dietary preferences?
Yes, it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it suitable for a range of dietary needs.