Inferno Rice Ring with Flaming Skull Salsa

Bring the heat (literally and visually) to your Halloween potluck with this spicy, smoky Inferno Rice Ring.

Molded in a bundt pan and baked to golden perfection, this cheesy black bean rice ring surrounds a fiery centerpiece: roasted red pepper salsa served in a creepy white skull bowl.

Topped with whole fire-roasted red peppers, it looks like flames licking out from a skull—equal parts dramatic and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Stunning presentation with minimal effort
• Feeds a crowd and holds heat well on a buffet
• Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly
• Can be made ahead and transported easily

Equipment You’ll Need

• Standard bundt pan (10-cup capacity)
• Mixing bowl
• Small blender or food processor
• Parchment and cooking spray
• Skull bowl or ramekin for the center (optional but fun)

Ingredient Notes

• Rice: Use day-old cooked rice for best structure
• Cheese: A mix of cheddar and pepper jack gives great melt + heat
• Red pepper flames: Use roasted whole red peppers for bold, real flame look

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with tortilla chips or use salsa as a spicy dip for the rice
• Style with dried chile peppers, dark linens, and black serving spoons

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Can be assembled and baked up to 1 day in advance
• Reheat uncovered at 350°F for 20 minutes
• Salsa can be made 2 days ahead and stored in fridge

Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked white or brown rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup salsa or tomato sauce
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Flaming Salsa Center

• 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp lime juice
• Salt to taste

Flame Garnish

• 3 fire-roasted red bell peppers, left whole or halved lengthwise

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a bundt pan well and line the bottom with a parchment circle.
2. In a large bowl, mix rice, black beans, cheeses, salsa or tomato sauce, eggs, diced red bell pepper, spices, and salt.
3. Press mixture into prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top.
4. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.
5. Meanwhile, blend all salsa ingredients until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl or skull-shaped dish.
6. Let rice ring cool 10 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving platter.
7. Place salsa bowl in the center. Arrange roasted red pepper halves standing upright around the skull bowl so they fan out like flames.
8. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve warm or at room temp.

Yield: Serves 8–10

These 9 Halloween potluck ideas prove you don’t need to settle for basic when you can bring something spooky, memorable, and totally delicious. From bubbling casseroles to bleeding lasagna and a literal ring of fire, each recipe is packed with flavor and just the right amount of fright.

Pro Tips for Your Potluck:

• Use disposable serving tools with themed props to make clean-up easy.
• Make ahead where you can, and reheat in the host’s oven if needed.
• Label your dishes with fun Halloween names—people love it.