If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with flavor, gooey cheese, and an irresistible hint of spice, you have to try this Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls with Cheese Recipe. These little bites are pure magic, combining soft, garlicky dough with a rich, hearty filling of leftover chilli and melty cheese. They are perfect for cozy nights in, game days, or whenever you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls with Cheese Recipe keeps things simple but absolutely delicious. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy cheese that melts perfectly inside, to the fragrant garlic butter that gives the dough balls their signature flavor and golden finish.
- Premade Pizza Dough (9oz / 250g): Using premade dough makes this recipe super approachable and ensures a soft, chewy base.
- Leftover Chilli, 10 tbsp: This is where all the tasty heartiness comes from; be it chilli or bolognese, it adds a punch of flavor.
- Cheese Cubes, 10 (1/2″ each): Choose cheddar or mozzarella for that perfect gooey, melty center.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp), melted: Butter mixed with garlic gives a rich, savory coat that helps the dough brown beautifully.
- Fresh Parsley (1 heaped tsp), finely diced: Adds a fresh, bright contrast to the rich filling and butter.
- Minced Garlic (1 heaped tsp): Garlic is essential here for that aromatic, mouthwatering smell and flavor.
- Sour Cream: A creamy dip that complements the heat and richness perfectly.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season the garlic butter and balance flavors.
- Oil Spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a lovely crust on your baking tray.
How to Make Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls with Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
Start by combining melted butter with finely minced garlic and fresh parsley in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavors. This mixture will later be brushed generously on your dough balls, creating a golden, fragrant crust that you won’t want to miss.
Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Dough Balls
Roll out your premade pizza dough into a long, thin log and divide it evenly into 10 chunks, each about 1.5 inches wide. Gently stretch and flatten each piece, then spoon a tablespoon of your leftover chilli into the center. Add a cube of your favorite cheese on top of the chilli, and carefully fold the dough over to form a tight ball, sealing the seam well so none of that delicious filling escapes during baking.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden Brown
Lightly spray a baking tray with oil and place your stuffed dough balls evenly spaced on it. Using a pastry brush, coat each ball liberally with the garlic butter mixture you prepared earlier. Bake in a preheated oven at 200C/390F for 8 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye for that beautiful golden brown glow that means your dough balls are perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.
Step 4: Serve with Sour Cream
These dough balls taste best warm, served with a generous pot of sour cream for dipping. The cool tanginess balances out the spice and garlic notes, making every bite a harmony of flavors.
How to Serve Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls with Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the top right out of the oven adds a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness. For an extra touch, a drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness. Alternatively, enjoy it with a bowl of homemade tomato soup for a comforting and indulgent meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or sharing, arrange the hot dough balls on a wooden board with small bowls of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for variety. For a twist, try baking them with different cheese blends or stuffing them with jalapeños for an extra kick that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store any leftover chilli stuffed garlic dough balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to keep the cheese melty and the dough soft.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed dough balls before baking by placing them in a single layer on a tray and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dough balls on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 180C/350F for about 6 to 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough chewy instead of nicely crisp.
FAQs
Can I use fresh dough instead of premade pizza dough?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade dough works beautifully for this recipe and gives you even more control over texture and flavor. Just make sure your dough is well rested and elastic for easy shaping.
What if I don’t have leftover chilli?
No worries! You can make a quick bolognese, or even use a spicy bean mixture or a thick tomato-based sauce as filling. The key is a thick, flavorful filling that won’t be too wet to handle.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Definitely! Use vegan cheese alternatives and swap butter for a plant-based spread or olive oil. Just check the premade dough ingredients to ensure they’re vegan-friendly.
How spicy will these dough balls be?
The heat level depends largely on your chilli filling. If you prefer mild, use a mild chilli or bolognese. For some heat, add chopped fresh peppers or a pinch of chili flakes into your filling.
What’s the best cheese to use for melting?
Mozzarella is classic because of its superb meltability, but sharp cheddar adds a nice bite and richness. You could also blend the two for a perfect balance of gooey texture and flavour.
Final Thoughts
This Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls with Cheese Recipe is such a delightful treat that combines comfort food vibes with a fun twist. Whether it’s a snack for friends, a party appetizer, or a cozy treat for yourself, these dough balls are guaranteed to be loved. Dive in and enjoy the melty, spicy goodness — your taste buds will thank you!
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Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls with Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 dough balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are a deliciously comforting snack or appetizer featuring soft pizza dough filled with flavorful leftover chilli and melted cheese. Brushed with a garlicky herb butter and baked until golden brown, they are perfect for serving with a cool sour cream dip.
Ingredients
Dough Balls
- 9oz / 250g Premade Pizza Dough
- 10 tbsp Leftover Chilli (or Bolognese)
- 10 1/2″ cubes Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
Garlic Butter
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 heaped tsp Fresh Parsley, finely diced + extra for garnish
- 1 heaped tsp Garlic, minced
- Pinch of Salt & Black Pepper
Additional
- Sour Cream, for dipping
- Oil Spray (such as olive oil spray)
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with finely diced fresh parsley, minced garlic, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Set the garlic butter mixture aside for use later.
- Form Dough Balls with Filling: Roll out the premade pizza dough into a long thin log and slice it into 10 equal chunks, each about 1.5 inches. Take each dough chunk and stretch it out flat. Place 1 tablespoon of leftover chilli inside, top with one cube of cheese, then carefully fold and pinch the dough closed to form a tight ball, ensuring the seam is sealed to prevent leaking during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray a baking tray with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed dough balls evenly on the tray. Generously brush each ball with the prepared garlic butter, making sure to cover all sides for maximum flavor and browning.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the baking tray with the dough balls in the oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the dough balls turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the dough balls from the oven and garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm alongside a pot of sour cream for dipping, enhancing the spicy chili filling and savory dough.
Notes
- You can substitute the leftover chilli with Bolognese or any thick meat sauce as preferred.
- If you don’t have premade pizza dough, homemade pizza or bread dough can be used instead.
- Ensure the dough balls are well sealed to avoid leakage of the filling during baking.
- Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven, looking for a golden-brown crust and melted cheese interior.
- For a vegetarian version, use a vegetarian chili or sauce and cheese.
