If you crave a snack that’s bursting with flavor, comforting textures, and a little spicy kick, then you’re going to adore this Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls Recipe. Imagine soft, pillowy dough balls filled with a vibrant, smoky chili mix and finished with a buttery garlic glaze that keeps you reaching for more. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or need a deliciously unique appetizer, these dough balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the warmth of garlic with the exciting zest of chilli into every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but they each play a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your chilli stuffed garlic dough balls. From the dough basics to the fiery, savory filling and the aromatic garlic butter that crowns the dish, everything is designed to excite your taste buds.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Essential for making the dough light and fluffy by helping it rise beautifully.
- Warm water (1 cup, about 110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast to start the fermentation process.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Forms the base of our soft, elastic dough.
- Salt (1 teaspoon plus ¼ teaspoon for garlic butter): Brings out the flavors in the dough and seasoning.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds tenderness to the dough and helps with browning.
- Egg (1, optional): For an egg wash to give the dough balls a gorgeous golden finish.
- Cooked ground beef or turkey (1 cup, optional): Adds a hearty, meaty element to the filling if you like.
- Kidney beans or black beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Provides texture, protein, and a creamy bite in the filling.
- Fresh chillies (1-2, finely chopped): The star of the heat and flavor in the stuffing, easily adjustable to your spice preference.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Deepens the smoky, spicy notes in the filling.
- Cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds an earthy warmth that complements the chilli beautifully.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle smokiness that enhances the richness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning the filling perfectly.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a subtle tang to the chilli mixture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup, optional): Melts into the filling for a creamy, gooey surprise.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Combined with garlic to create that irresistible finishing glaze.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): The aromatic punch that transforms these dough balls into a flavor sensation.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to cut through the richness.
How to Make Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast with warm water and sugar, letting it sit until frothy and alive. Then, mix the flour and salt before adding in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic – this hands-on step is pure therapy. Let the dough rise in a warm spot, doubling in size, which is vital for those wonderfully soft balls.
Step 2: Prepare the Chilli Filling
Heat oil in a skillet and cook the optional ground meat until browned if you want that extra meaty depth. Add the fresh chopped chillies with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in the tomato paste and beans, letting everything simmer so the flavors meld into a richly seasoned filling. Once cool, stir in shredded cheddar cheese if you are opting for that luscious cheesy layer.
Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Dough Balls
Preheat your oven and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Flatten each piece into a disk and spoon the chilli filling right into the center. Carefully seal and shape into balls, making sure no filling escapes the cradle of dough. These are now ready to transform into glowing, golden delights.
Step 4: Bake and Brush with Garlic Butter
Optionally brush the dough balls with egg wash for that gorgeous shine, bake until they turn golden and inviting, then slather them with the melted butter infused with garlic, parsley, and salt. This finishing touch is what will have everyone swooning over them.
How to Serve Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dash of extra smoked paprika adds a beautiful color contrast and fresh flavor that complements the rich, garlicky dough balls. A little extra chili flakes can be a great addition for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
These dough balls pair wonderfully with cool, creamy dips like sour cream or a tangy yogurt-based sauce to balance the heat. A crisp salad or roasted vegetables alongside offers refreshing crunch and lightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these little bundles of spicy joy on a rustic wooden board surrounded by dipping sauces such as spicy tomato chutney, avocado crema, or even a smoky BBQ sauce. For parties, place them in small paper cones or mini baskets lined with parchment for a delightful finger food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your chilli stuffed garlic dough balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to three days and stay deliciously soft.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked stuffed dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once firm. This way, you can bake fresh snacks straight from the freezer whenever you like, with just a little extra baking time.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed dough balls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10 minutes to bring back their golden crust and warm, melty filling. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I make these dough balls vegan?
Absolutely! Skip the egg wash and cheese, use plant-based butter for the garlic glaze, and substitute meat with more beans or veggies for a delightful vegan version of the Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls Recipe.
How spicy are these dough balls?
The heat level depends on how many fresh chillies you add and their type. You can easily adjust from mild to fiery by varying the quantity or swapping for milder peppers.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough after kneading and allow it to slowly rise overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and filling the next day.
Do I have to use ground meat?
Nope, the kidney beans provide excellent texture and protein for a vegetarian filling, but feel free to include meat for a heartier bite.
Is it okay to freeze the cooked dough balls?
Freezing cooked dough balls is possible, but their texture might be a bit softer after thawing. For best results, freeze before baking.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls Recipe, you’ll have found a new favorite for everything from casual snacking to impressing friends at parties. The magic of tender, garlic-kissed dough wrapped around smoky, spicy, comforting chili filling is simply irresistible. So, grab your apron, get your hands busy with kneading and stuffing, and enjoy the scrumptious journey!
Print
Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 dough balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are a savory and flavorful snack featuring soft, homemade dough filled with a spicy chili mixture made from ground meat or beans, fresh chillies, and aromatic spices. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with garlic-infused butter, these dough balls are perfect as an appetizer or a hearty snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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)
Chilli Filling Ingredients
- 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)
Garlic Butter Topping
- 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.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Chilli Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, heat a bit of oil. If using meat, add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Spices: Stir in chopped fresh chillies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Filling Base: Add tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until flavors meld. Stir in kidney beans and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Add Cheese: Once cooled, mix in shredded cheddar cheese if using. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape Dough Pieces: Punch down the risen dough and turn onto a floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces.
- Stuff Dough Balls: Flatten each piece into a small disk. Place a spoonful of chili filling in the center, then fold edges over filling, sealing to form a ball. Repeat for all pieces.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place dough balls on prepared sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
- Apply Egg Wash: Optionally brush tops of dough balls with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Immediately brush hot dough balls with garlic butter mixture.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Notes
- Adjust fresh chillies quantity based on your preferred heat level.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
- For a vegan alternative, replace cheese with vegan cheese and use olive oil instead of butter.
- Egg wash is optional but helps achieve a shiny, golden crust.
- Ensure the chili filling is cooled completely before stuffing the dough to prevent sogginess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
