Pumpkin Lantern Halloween Plate

Featured in: Happy Bites

This autumn-inspired dish features thinly sliced pumpkin arranged to form a festive lantern shape. Red and yellow bell peppers outline a jack-o-lantern face, while zucchini and red onion provide color and texture. Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, the vegetables roast to tender, caramelized perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds, this colorful plate makes a tasty and visually appealing centerpiece for fall gatherings.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:49:00 GMT
Roasted Pumpkin Lantern Halloween Plate, a vibrant vegetarian appetizer with colorful roasted vegetables. Save
Roasted Pumpkin Lantern Halloween Plate, a vibrant vegetarian appetizer with colorful roasted vegetables. | munchhug.com

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

This cozy chicken stew is a family favorite that warms the soul every time I make it.

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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Arrange the pumpkin slices in a large circle on the baking sheet to form the shape of a pumpkin face.
Step 3:
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.
Step 4:
Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 5:
Roast in the oven for 25 30 minutes, until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 6:
Carefully transfer the roasted lantern to a serving platter, maintaining the jack-o-lantern face.
Step 7:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds before serving.
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Our family enjoys gathering around this pumpkin lantern plate every Halloween, sharing stories and laughter.

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

Halloween Plate made of roasted pumpkin, bell peppers, and zucchini for a festive, flavorful meal. Save
Halloween Plate made of roasted pumpkin, bell peppers, and zucchini for a festive, flavorful meal. | munchhug.com

This pumpkin lantern plate is sure to impress your guests and add a festive touch to your Halloween table.

Recipe Guide

What type of pumpkin is best for this dish?

A small, round pumpkin works best as it can be peeled, seeded, and sliced thinly for proper roasting and shape formation.

Can other vegetables be used for the lantern face?

Yes, vegetables like carrots or eggplant can substitute to add variety and maintain the colorful appearance.

How should the vegetables be seasoned for optimal flavor?

Olive oil combined with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper enhances the natural sweetness and aroma of the roasted vegetables.

What is the ideal oven temperature and roasting time?

Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes to achieve tender and slightly caramelized vegetables.

Are there recommended garnishes for this plate?

Fresh chopped parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds add a fresh, nutty crunch complementing the roasted flavors.

How can this dish be served for added flair?

Serve warm or at room temperature alongside a yogurt or tahini dipping sauce for extra richness.

Pumpkin Lantern Halloween Plate

Roasted pumpkin and bell peppers arranged with spices for a festive autumn dish.

Prep duration
25 min
Heat time
30 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition preferences Meat-free, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 1 small round pumpkin (approximately 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch slices
02 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips
03 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips
04 1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds
05 1 small red onion, sliced into thin wedges

Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
04 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
02 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Arrange Pumpkin Slices: Place the pumpkin slices in a large circle on the baking sheet to create the base shape of a pumpkin face.

Phase 03

Add Bell Peppers and Additional Vegetables: Use red and yellow bell pepper strips to outline the jack-o-lantern’s eyes, nose, and mouth. Fill the design with zucchini rounds and red onion wedges for color and contrast.

Phase 04

Season Vegetables: Drizzle all the vegetables evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Transfer and Garnish: Carefully transfer the roasted pumpkin and vegetable face to a serving platter, preserving the jack-o-lantern appearance. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds before serving.

Tools needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains pumpkin seeds (pepitas). Gluten-free and dairy-free, but verify packaged ingredients for allergens.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 120
  • Lipids: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 2 g