Looking for a fun, spicy, and super satisfying snack? Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are about to become your new favorite treat. These bite-sized dough balls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, thanks to a spicy chilli filling that’s perfectly balanced by the rich, aromatic garlic butter. Imagine the crispy, golden exterior giving way to a soft, cheesy interior with a spicy kick. The best part? You can eat them as a snack, appetizer, or even serve them alongside your favorite dish. These dough balls are the perfect party food, and trust me, they’re going to disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Here’s why you’ll be hooked on these dough balls:
Flavor Packed: The combination of spicy chilli and garlicky goodness is mouthwatering. Each bite delivers a savory punch that’s irresistible.
Comforting & Cozy: Soft, warm dough combined with melted cheese and chilli is comfort food at its best. These dough balls are perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a cozy, flavorful snack.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging on your own, these dough balls are a hit with everyone. Spicy, cheesy, and garlicky? What’s not to love?
Fun to Make: The process of stuffing the dough balls and getting that perfect melt on the inside is so much fun. Plus, you can get creative with the filling if you want!
Customizable: Spice it up with more chilli or adjust the level of garlic to suit your taste. You can even make them vegetarian-friendly by swapping out the cheese or adding more veggies.
Ingredients
For the Dough Balls:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving it that perfect soft and fluffy texture.
- Yeast: To help the dough rise and get all light and airy.
- Sugar: A little sweetness to help activate the yeast and balance the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps with the texture.
- Warm Water: To activate the yeast and bring everything together.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the dough and enhancing the other flavors.
For the Chilli Filling:
- Fresh Green Chillis: For that spicy kick! You can use a mix of mild and hot chillis, depending on your spice tolerance.
- Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that pairs perfectly with the spicy chilli.
- Cream Cheese: Helps to create a creamy filling that balances out the heat and adds richness.
- Garlic Cloves: A little garlic in the filling gives it extra savory depth.
For the Garlic Butter:
- Butter: Melted butter is the key to that garlicky, golden finish.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the butter with that irresistible garlic aroma.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herbaceous touch to the dough balls.
(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture, and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let the dough rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. - Make the Chilli Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the chilli filling. Finely chop the green chillis and mix them with the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic cloves. Season with salt to taste. - Shape the Dough Balls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into small balls. Flatten each ball into a disc and place a spoonful of the chilli filling in the center. Fold the dough around the filling and seal the edges to create a ball shape. Repeat with the rest of the dough. - Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the garlic powder. Stir in the chopped parsley. - Bake the Dough Balls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush each dough ball with the garlic butter mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the dough balls are golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or on their own as a snack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~150
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 5g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including dough rising)
How to Serve Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
- With Marinara Sauce: Serve these dough balls with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy tomato sauce complements the spicy, garlicky filling perfectly.
- As an Appetizer: These dough balls make a great appetizer for parties or family gatherings. Serve them with a cool dip, like ranch or a tangy yogurt-based dip, to balance the heat.
- As a Snack: Perfect for munching on during movie night, game day, or as a snack between meals. They’re the kind of treat you just can’t stop eating!
- With a Fresh Salad: If you want something lighter, serve these dough balls alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Additional Tips
- Spice it Up: If you like your food extra spicy, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the filling to really kick up the heat.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Just assemble the dough balls, cover them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
- Different Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings! You could swap out the chilli for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even some sausage for a different flavor profile.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought dough instead of making it from scratch?
A1: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pizza dough. Just be sure to let it rise according to the package instructions before proceeding.
Q2: Can I make these dough balls vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Simply leave out any meat, or add more vegetables, like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, to make them vegetarian-friendly.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover dough balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
Q4: Can I freeze these dough balls?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls! Just assemble them and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A5: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack would work great, or even a spicy cheese like pepper jack.
Q6: How can I make these dough balls less spicy?
A6: If you want to tone down the heat, use milder chillis like jalapeños or omit the chillis altogether and just add some roasted red peppers for flavor.
Q7: Can I use garlic paste instead of fresh garlic?
A7: Yes, you can use garlic paste or garlic powder if you prefer. Just use about 1 teaspoon of garlic paste or ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for the same flavor.
Q8: Can I make these dough balls gluten-free?
A8: You can make these gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that the yeast you’re using is also gluten-free.
Q9: What should I serve these with?
A9: Serve these with marinara sauce, ranch dip, or even a creamy avocado dip for an extra touch of flavor.
Q10: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
A10: When shaping the dough balls, make sure to pinch the edges together tightly to seal in the filling. This will help keep the cheese and chilli inside while baking.
Conclusion
Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are the perfect combination of spice, cheese, and garlicky goodness, all wrapped up in a warm, fluffy dough. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or just to treat yourself, these dough balls are sure to be a hit! Get ready to indulge in every flavorful bite. Enjoy!
Print
Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are soft, fluffy dough balls filled with a spicy chili mixture and infused with a rich garlic flavor. Perfect as a savory snack, appetizer, or side dish for any meal. The combination of chili heat and garlicky goodness makes these bite-sized delights irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
For the Chilli Filling:
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or ground turkey (optional for a meaty filling)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or black beans)
- 1–2 fresh chillies, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for a cheesy filling)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to dissolve and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Make the Chilli Filling:
- In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. If using meat, add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped fresh chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the flavors meld. Stir in the kidney beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Once cooled, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Set aside.
- Shape and Stuff the Dough Balls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece of dough into a small disk and place a spoonful of the chili filling in the center. Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing the edges to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and salt.
- Bake the Dough Balls:
- Optionally, brush the tops of the dough balls with an egg wash (a beaten egg) for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough balls are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Once baked, immediately brush the hot dough balls with the garlic butter mixture to infuse them with rich garlic flavor.
- Serve:
- Let the garlic dough balls cool slightly before serving. They are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or alongside a meal!
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use extra beans or add sautéed vegetables (like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers) for more filling.
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of fresh chilies used.
- These dough balls can be made ahead and frozen. Just freeze them before baking, then bake directly from frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the baking time).
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg