Introduction to Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
If you’re wondering what to do with your leftover chilli, look no further! Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are the perfect solution for creating an enticing appetizer that’s sure to impress your friends. Imagine a warm, fluffy dough ball bursting with vibrant flavours of spicy chilli and melted cheese, all enveloped with aromatic garlic butter. Not only are they delicious, but they also come together in just 25 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Why make Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls? They’re a fun, interactive snack that encourages sharing and enjoying food together. Plus, who can resist the allure of warm, cheesy bites? According to a recent survey, finger foods like these are among the top choices for casual gatherings and parties, thanks to their versatility and ease of preparation. You can even get creative by substituting the chilli with your own favoured fillings or even leftovers like Bolognese!
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that balances comfort food and gourmet flair, destined to elevate any culinary occasion. Check out our classic chilli recipe for some inspiration!

Ingredients for Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Creating the perfect Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls is easier than you might think! Let’s gather all the delicious ingredients you’ll need to transform your leftover chilli into mouthwatering bites. Here's what you'll need:
- 9oz / 250g Premade Pizza Dough: Saves time and delivers that delightful chewiness.
- 10 tablespoon Leftover Chilli (or Bolognese): This is where the flavour comes alive! Use any chilli you have on hand; it's an excellent way to reduce waste.
- 10 ½" Cubes of Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella add a creamy, melting texture that pairs beautifully with the spice.
- 3 tablespoon Unsalted Butter: Melting this adds richness and helps create that irresistible garlic topping.
- 1 Heaped teaspoon Fresh Parsley: Finely diced, for vibrant flavour and color.
- 1 Heaped teaspoon Garlic, Minced: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It’s a classic for a reason!
- Sour Cream: A delightful dip to counterbalance the heat.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning your dough balls just right.
- Oil Spray: To ensure that your dough balls bake to a perfect golden brown.
These ingredients are simple yet impactful. Have fun mixing and matching while creating your own delicious variations! For more inspiration, check out my guide on what to do with leftover chilli.
Preparing Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Making Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls at home is a delightful culinary adventure that’s perfect for movie nights or casual gatherings with friends. The combination of cheesy, spicy chilli wrapped in a soft, garlicky dough is simply irresistible. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to ensure your dough balls turn out perfectly every time!
Gather and prepare your ingredients
First things first, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9oz / 250g Premade Pizza Dough
- 10 tablespoon Leftover Chilli (or Bolognese)
- 10 ½" cubes Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
- 3 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 heaped teaspoon Fresh Parsley, finely diced + extra for garnish
- 1 heaped teaspoon Garlic, minced
- Sour Cream, for dipping
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Oil Spray
Before you start, ensure the leftover chilli is cooled to room temperature; this will help with stuffing the dough. You can make a fresh version of chilli using a classic recipe through this link if needed.
Incorporate the garlic butter mixture
In a small bowl, combine your melted butter, parsley, and minced garlic. Add a generous pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors. This garlic butter mixture not only adds a delightful taste but will also give your dough balls a beautiful, golden color when baked.
Form and stuff the dough balls
Now, it’s time to create your dough balls! Start by rolling out the pizza dough into a long log shape and slice it into 10 equal chunks, roughly 1.5" in size. Flatten each chunk and add a tablespoon of your leftover chilli in the center, followed by a cube of cheese. Bring the edges up and pinch them together to form a tight ball. Make sure there's no filling escaping, as that would defeat the purpose of these tasty bites.
Bake the dough balls to perfection
Once all your dough balls are formed, lightly spray an oven tray with oil and place them evenly spaced apart. Brush the tops with your delicious garlic butter mixture. Now, pop them in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 8-12 minutes, or until they’re puffed up and golden brown. The aroma will be mouth-watering, and you’ll want to resist the temptation to snatch them out prematurely!
Get ready to serve!
When your Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls come out of the oven, allow them to cool just a bit, then serve them hot alongside a bowl of sour cream. This cooling period can be difficult to endure—trust us, they smell heavenly! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra touch. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a snack, these dough balls are bound to impress your guests and become a repeat favorite at your gatherings! Enjoy!

Variations on Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Vegetarian Alternatives
For a tasty vegetarian spin on Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls, swap out the meat in your chilli for hearty veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or black beans. These flavoursome substitutes not only retain that comforting warmth but also add a delightful texture. Try a lentil-based chilli for added protein or a quinoa mix for a nutty taste. You could even check out this fantastic vegetarian chilli recipe that shows off vibrant ingredients.
Spicy Twists with Added Jalapeños
If you’re a fan of heat, why not kick your Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls up a notch with jalapeños? Finely chop a few slices and mix them into your leftover chilli for an extra spicy kick. You can also infuse the garlic butter with jalapeño oil for a zesty finish. Not only will this elevate the flavour profile, but you'll leave guests reaching for more. How much heat can you handle?
Cooking Tips and Notes for Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
When preparing your Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls, it’s all about balance. To keep your dough light and airy, avoid overcrowding the baking tray. Ensure each ball has ample space for that delightful puff!
For a flavor boost, consider adding spices to your unsalted butter mixture—experiment with smoked paprika or chili flakes for an extra kick. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before baking can take these bites to the next level.
And don't forget the dip! A tangy yogurt-based sauce or zesty guacamole would pair beautifully. Happy cooking!

Serving suggestions for Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
When it comes to your Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls, presentation and pairing can elevate your snacking experience! Here are some delightful ideas:
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Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of creamy sour cream or a zesty guacamole for that refreshing contrast. Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick!
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Fresh Sides: Complement with a crisp salad or some roasted vegetables. A classic Caesar salad or Mexican corn salad works beautifully.
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Take it Up a Notch: Transform these dough balls into a party platter. Pair them with other finger foods, like turkey bacon-wrapped jalapeños or spicy chicken bites, for an unforgettable spread.
With these suggestions, your Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls will shine at any gathering! Happy snacking!
Time Breakdown for Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Preparation Time
Get your baking groove on with just 15 minutes of prep! This time is perfect for gathering your ingredients and mixing your flavorful garlic butter—no stress involved.
Cooking Time
You’ll need about 10 minutes to bake these scrumptious Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls. Just pop them in the oven and let the magic happen while you relax!
Total Time
In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delicious appetizer that will impress your friends and family. Perfect for sharing, these dough balls are a must-try for any gathering or snack time!
For more recipe ideas, check out this easy homemade pizza dough recipe to elevate your cooking skills.
Nutritional Facts for Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Calories per ball
Each Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Ball contains approximately 111 calories. A delightful treat that won't derail your dietary goals!
Nutritional breakdown
These dough balls offer a tasty balance of nutrients. Here’s the breakdown per ball:
- Carbohydrates: 11.73g
- Protein: 4.33g
- Fat: 5.07g
- Saturated Fat: 2.82g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
- Sodium: 136mg
Packing some flavor without excessive calories, it’s a great finger food option for those busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. For a more detailed understanding of how these figures contribute to your daily nutritional needs, you might find NutritionData a helpful resource to explore!
FAQs about Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
What can I use instead of premade pizza dough?
If you're in a pinch and don't have premade pizza dough, fear not! You can use alternatives like homemade dough made with simple pantry staples, or even store-bought bread dough or puff pastry for a flaky twist. You could also try making your own dough using flour, yeast, water, and olive oil, which can be both fun and rewarding. For those interested in gluten-free options, gluten-free pizza dough can work too.
Can these dough balls be frozen?
Absolutely! Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are perfect for freezing. Just bake them lightly, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat from frozen in the oven until they’re warmed through and crispy.
How do I store leftover dough balls?
To keep your leftover Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls fresh, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but for the best texture, use the oven to maintain their delightful crispiness. If you have any queries about storing or reheating, feel free to ask!
Conclusion on Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
These Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer. With easy prep and a gooey cheesy center, they elevate any gathering. Don't forget the sour cream for dipping, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Equipment
- Oven tray
Ingredients
- 250 g Premade Pizza Dough
- 10 tablespoon Leftover Chilli or Bolognese
- 10 ½" Cheese cubes (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 3 tablespoon 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 tablespoon 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!





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