Description
Festive mini pumpkins stuffed with cheesy pizza filling, baked until golden and gooey, perfect as a fun Halloween or fall appetizer.
Ingredients
- 6 small pie pumpkins (about 1 lb each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage crumbles (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the pumpkins and scoop out seeds and stringy pulp.
- Brush insides with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place pumpkins on a baking sheet and bake empty for 15 minutes to soften slightly.
- In a bowl, combine pizza sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, olives, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff the mixture into the pumpkins until filled.
- Top with parmesan cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and pumpkins are tender.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can swap pumpkins for large bell peppers for a quicker version.
- Use your favorite pizza toppings to customize the filling.
- Best served warm as a fun party appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American