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Cozy Jack-O-Lantern Breakfast Skillet

jack-o-lantern egg breakfast skillet - featured image

A quick and easy fall breakfast featuring bell pepper rings carved like jack-o’-lanterns, filled with eggs, cheese, and smoky paprika. Perfect for cozy autumn mornings or Halloween brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large bell peppers (orange or red, cut into 1/2-inch thick rings)
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature if possible)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped, for garnish)
  • Hot sauce to taste (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep the peppers: Wash and dry bell peppers. Slice off tops and bottoms, then cut into 1/2-inch thick rings (about 2-3 rings per pepper). Remove seeds and membranes. Using a small paring knife or cookie cutter, carve a jack-o’-lantern face into each ring (two triangle eyes and a jagged mouth).
  2. Heat the skillet: Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. Let it melt and foam slightly, about 1 minute.
  3. Cook the pepper rings: Place carved pepper rings in the skillet, face-side up. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until softened and slightly charred. Flip carefully with a spatula.
  4. Add the eggs: Crack each egg into a small bowl, then gently slide one egg into each pepper ring, being careful not to break the yolk.
  5. Season and cover: Sprinkle eggs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter in small pats around the pan. Cover skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Cook for 4-5 minutes for runny yolks, or 6-7 minutes for set yolks.
  6. Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over each egg-pepper ring. Cover again and cook for 1 more minute until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Finish and serve: Using a spatula, carefully lift each jack-o’-lantern egg out of the skillet. Garnish with fresh chives and hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use thick pepper rings (at least 1/2 inch) to prevent egg from leaking. Pre-cook peppers to avoid raw crunch. Crack eggs into a bowl first to avoid shell fragments. For best results, grate cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: jack-o-lantern breakfast, Halloween breakfast, egg in a hole, bell pepper eggs, fall breakfast, easy breakfast recipe, cozy breakfast