Looking for what to do with leftover Chilli? Look no further than these stuffed garlic dough balls! Easy cheesy finger food doesn’t get more delicious than this!
Because if you’re anything like me, when you whip up a batch of Chilli you do it for about 40 people when there’s actually only 4 of you. Meaning there’s always a lot of leftovers. Usually I’ll pop it lunchboxes and straight in the freezer, but this time I thought I’d use it a little differently…
If you’ve never had dough balls before then you’re missing out on so much joy. They’re essentially just balls of pizza dough, often glazed in garlic butter or stuffed with various different ingredients.
Today, we’re doing both.
Yay for unnecessary calories!
So my original plan was to do garlic butter on the outside and stuff some cheese inside, but after seeing about 3000 tubs of chilli in my freezer it made total sense to shove that in too.
Before we get into the ins and outs of these garlic dough balls, let’s see just how easy they are to make.
How to make chilli stuffed garlic dough balls (7 easy steps)
- Roll pizza dough into a long thin log shape.
- Cut into equal sized chunks.
- Flatten and stretch out each chunk of dough.
- Place 1 tbsp leftover chilli in the centre.
- Add a small cube of cheese.
- Roll up into a ball shape.
- Place on a lightly oiled tray, brush with garlic butter and bake until golden.
How to make garlic butter
- Butter
- Garlic
- Fresh Parsley
- Salt & Black Pepper
It’s really that simple. Just make sure your butter is melted and your garlic is minced. I also tend to stick with unsalted butter, which gives you more control over the saltiness of the whole recipe.
Can I use fresh chilli for these dough balls?
Short answer – yes. However, please make sure you cool it before you stuff the dough. It’ll be incredibly difficult to wrap dough around hot chilli con carne. Also, side note – you could also stuff these with bolognese!
What kind of cheese should I use?
If you’re trying to impress with a good cheese pull then of course go with mozzarella. Mini mozzarella balls or mini bocconcini fit so neatly in these stuffed dough balls. However I actually use cheddar most of the time, simply because it adds more flavour.
When to serve chilli stuffed garlic dough balls?
I treat these as finger food for gatherings. As I type this post, New Years is just around the corner and I plan to serve up a batch of these. Those kinda vibes.
What to serve with chilli stuffed garlic dough balls?
Dips, dips and more dips. This time round I used sour cream which was delish! But here are some of my other favourites if you’re feeling adventurous:
Okay now pass me one of these beauties, I’m getting hungry!
So for the ultimate leftover chilli recipe spare these stuffed garlic dough balls a thought! Whether it’s at your next gathering or dinner party, dough balls are always a winner and your guests are going to LOVE them 🙂
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How to make Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls (Full Recipe & Video)
Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Ingredients
- 9oz / 250g Premade Pizza Dough
- 10 tbsp Leftover Chilli (or Bolognese)
- 10 1/2" cubes Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 heaped tsp Fresh Parsley, finely diced + extra for garnish
- 1 heaped tsp Garlic, minced
- Sour Cream, for dipping
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Oil Spray
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine your butter, parsley, and garlic with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Place to one side.
- Roll out your dough into a long thin log shape and slice into 10 identical chunks, around 1.5" each. Stretch out and flatten the chunks of dough and place 1 tbsp of Chilli in each. Top with a cube of cheese then fold into a ball shape, ensuring the seam is tightly fastened.
- Spray an oven tray with olive oil and place on your dough balls. Liberally brush with garlic butter and pop in the oven at 200C/390F for 8-12mins or until golden brown.
- Serve with a pot of sour cream!
Video
Notes
Your Private Notes:
Nutrition
Looking for more?
You’ll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook ‘Comfy’
Looking for more garlic bread recipes? Check out my Roasted Garlic Bread!
Can you prepare ahead and bake just before serving?
I’ve never actually done this, but I imagine if you ensure the filling is cold before stuffing you’ll be fine. I’d also leave off the garlic butter until just before baking. Cook at a slightly lower temp for a few more mins if you’re baking right from the fridge, just to ensure the cheese in the centre melts before the outside over cooks 🙂
This is a delicious twist on pizza. It must be delicious.
So delish! 🙂
My husband would totally love these little chili bombs! Bread dough can be used in so many cool ways. I never thought to do this.
Yup, it’s so versatile! 🙂
These are so awesome. Definitely making these the next time I have leftover chili or I just might make chili to make these.
A great excuse to whip up some chilli
These are so unique and I know my family would adore a few of them.
They’re so much fun 🙂