What type of pumpkin is best for this dish?

A small, round pumpkin weighing about 2 lbs works well, as it provides manageable slices for arranging the lantern shape.

Can other vegetables be substituted?

Yes, carrots or eggplant can be used to add variety while maintaining the festive look and flavor balance.

Use olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to enhance the roasted flavors and add warmth.

Roasting at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes allows the vegetables to soften and develop a slight caramelization.

Fresh chopped parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds add a burst of freshness and a subtle crunch to finish the dish.

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

This recipe quickly became a hit at our Halloween parties, drawing lots of compliments for both taste and creativity.

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

Preheat Oven:: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Arrange Pumpkin:: Arrange the pumpkin slices in a large circle on the baking sheet to form the shape of a pumpkin face
Add Details:: 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

My family loves gathering around this festive plate every Halloween and sharing stories as we enjoy the flavors together.

Be sure to peel and seed the pumpkin carefully for even slices that roast uniformly.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp autumn salad or hearty bread to complete your Halloween feast.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and are delicious served warm or room temperature.

This recipe combines fun presentation with simple ingredients to impress your guests every time.

→ What type of pumpkin is best for this dish?: A small, round pumpkin weighing about 2 lbs works well, as it provides manageable slices for arranging the lantern shape.
→ Can other vegetables be substituted?: Yes, carrots or eggplant can be used to add variety while maintaining the festive look and flavor balance.
→ How should the vegetables be seasoned?: Use olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to enhance the roasted flavors and add warmth.
→ What is the best way to achieve tender, caramelized vegetables?: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes allows the vegetables to soften and develop a slight caramelization.
→ Are there any suggested garnishes?: Fresh chopped parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds add a burst of freshness and a subtle crunch to finish the dish.