What type of pumpkin works best?

Choose a small, round pumpkin around 2 lbs that is firm and ripe for easy slicing and roasting.

Can I use other vegetables?

Yes, carrots or eggplant can replace some vegetables to vary colors and textures while maintaining the festive look.

Arrange the pumpkin slices and vegetable strips carefully on parchment paper and roast without disturbing the layout for shape retention.

Smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper enhance the natural flavors and add a subtle smoky warmth.

Toasted pumpkin seeds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor but can be omitted if preferred.

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 brings a playful holiday spirit to the table and is always a hit with my family every October.

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 slices:: Arrange the pumpkin slices in a large circle on the baking sheet to form the shape of a pumpkin face.
Outline jack-o-lantern features:: 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 to serving platter:: Carefully transfer the roasted lantern to a serving platter maintaining the jack-o-lantern face.
Garnish and serve:: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds before serving.

This recipe creates a memorable family moment as everyone admires and enjoys the creative pumpkin design together.

Baking sheet Parchment paper Chefs knife Cutting board

Contains seeds (pumpkin seeds) Recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free Check all packaged ingredients for potential allergens

Calories 120 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 15 g Protein 2 g per serving

This pumpkin lantern plate is a perfect centerpiece for your Halloween table and sure to impress guests.

→ What type of pumpkin works best?: Choose a small, round pumpkin around 2 lbs that is firm and ripe for easy slicing and roasting.
→ Can I use other vegetables?: Yes, carrots or eggplant can replace some vegetables to vary colors and textures while maintaining the festive look.
→ How do I maintain the jack-o-lantern shape during cooking?: Arrange the pumpkin slices and vegetable strips carefully on parchment paper and roast without disturbing the layout for shape retention.
→ What seasonings complement the vegetables?: Smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper enhance the natural flavors and add a subtle smoky warmth.
→ Are pumpkin seeds necessary as garnish?: Toasted pumpkin seeds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor but can be omitted if preferred.