Homemade Phantom Pepper Pals

Homemade Phantom Pepper Pals were the result of a last-minute idea I had when I needed a fun and kid-friendly snack for a Halloween potluck and I only had bell peppers and cheese in the fridge so I just went for it and shaped little ghostly faces with olives. It turned out to be the hit of the table and parents loved that it was actually a healthier option among all the sweets.

I’ve been making them ever since because they’re quick to prep and they look absolutely adorable on any fall snack board or dinner spread and whether I’m serving them warm or at room temperature they always get those “aww” reactions. Plus the spooky ghost faces make them perfect for getting little ones involved in the kitchen and they’re just as tasty as they are cute!

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Mini bell peppers – Sweet and colorful, they serve as the perfect edible “ghost” bodies.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully to create the ghostly white filling.
• Cream cheese – Adds smoothness and a creamy texture to the filling.
• Parmesan cheese – Gives the filling a nice savory punch.
• Black olives – Cut into shapes to form spooky little eyes and mouths.
• Garlic powder and Italian seasoning – Brings flavor to the cheesy mix.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife – For halving and cleaning out the bell peppers.
• Spoon – Helps scoop and fill the peppers neatly.
• Mixing bowl – Where I stir together the cheesy filling.
• Baking dish or sheet – Holds the peppers while they bake evenly.
• Oven – Melts the cheese and gives the peppers a perfect tenderness.
• Cutting board – Useful for slicing olives into face shapes.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I start by setting my oven to 375°F to make sure it’s ready when I need to bake the peppers.

Step 2: Prep the Peppers

I slice each mini bell pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. I like choosing peppers that sit flat to make filling easier.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a bowl, I combine shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. I stir until everything’s evenly mixed and creamy.

Step 4: Fill the Peppers

Using a spoon, I fill each pepper half with the cheesy mixture and smooth out the top just slightly. I make sure not to overfill or it’ll spill during baking.

Step 5: Add the Ghost Faces

Now for the fun part—I cut black olives into little circles and ovals to create spooky eyes and open mouths. I press them gently into the cheese to make each pepper look like a tiny screaming ghost.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

I arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake them for about 15–18 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

I let them cool for a few minutes before serving and they’re always best enjoyed warm when the cheese is nice and gooey.

Tips

I recommend using tri-colored mini bell peppers for the cutest and most vibrant presentation.

You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time and just bake right before serving.

If you want an extra kick, I sometimes add a little chopped jalapeño to the cheese mix.

Ways to Serve

Perfect as a Halloween party appetizer that’s both cute and healthier.

I like including them on spooky snack platters with fruits, crackers, and dips.

They also make a fun side dish for Halloween-themed dinners or school lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Homemade Phantom Pepper Pals in advance?

Yes! I often prep and stuff them the night before and bake them fresh just before serving.

Do I need to cook the peppers before stuffing?

No need! They soften nicely in the oven during baking and hold their shape perfectly.

Can I use a different cheese blend?

Definitely! I’ve swapped in cheddar or Colby Jack and it still tastes great—it’s all about preference.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try making these Homemade Phantom Pepper Pals! They’re playful, a little spooky, and seriously tasty—plus they’re a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. I’d love to see your spooky versions or hear about how you filled them differently!

Happy Cooking!

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