The irresistible pull of perfectly baked, soft bread pockets oozing with spicy cheese and fragrant garlic is nearly impossible to resist—introducing Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls! This crowd-pleasing appetizer fuses golden pillowy dough with a molten, tangy center bursting with heat from fresh red chili and gooey mozzarella. Finished with a buttery garlic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, every bite is punchy, comforting, and utterly moreish. Whether you’re hosting friends or want to jazz up family dinner, these flavor-packed bites deserve to be your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls brings its own moment of magic, from the silky dough base to the bold, cheesy chili filling and aromatic toppings. Just a handful of everyday staples combine to create layers of flavor and texture you’ll fall in love with.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough, giving it structure and a soft, airy crumb.
- Instant yeast: Easy and reliable rising power for a light, fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and brings a gentle sweetness to balance spicy and savory notes.
- Salt: Essential for flavor and balancing the cheese and chili intensity.
- Warm water: Kick-starts the yeast and binds everything together smoothly.
- Olive oil: Keeps the dough tender and adds a little Mediterranean richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers the gooey, stretchy, melty center we all crave.
- Chopped red chili: The source of bold heat—adjust the amount to suit your palate.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Combines with garlic for an irresistibly glossy crust.
- Minced garlic: Packs incredible aroma and delivers classic garlic bread flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Lends a fresh finish and a lovely burst of green color.
How to Make Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Give it a quick stir to blend, then slowly pour in your warm water and olive oil. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Tip it out onto a floured surface and knead enthusiastically for 8 to 10 minutes—you’ll feel it transform from sticky to supple beneath your palms. Once beautifully smooth and elastic, pop the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise somewhere warm for about an hour; it should nearly double in size.
Step 2: Make the Fiery Cheese Filling
While your dough is rising, mix together the shredded mozzarella and chopped red chili in a small bowl. The mozzarella’s mild, creamy flavor is the perfect canvas for the chili’s vibrant heat. If your guests are shy about spice, this is where you can dial it down—otherwise, pack it in! Let this filling rest so the flavors mingle while you prep for the next stage.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Dough Balls
Once the dough has risen to perfection, punch it down gently to deflate, and divide it into 12 roughly equal pieces. Flatten each piece in your palm to create a small circle—think thick coaster size. Add a spoonful of that chili-cheese mixture to the center. Pinch the edges together firmly (don’t be shy, we want all that goodness sealed inside) and roll gently between your hands to shape a neat ball. Arrange the dough balls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray, giving them a little space to rise.
Step 4: Garlic Butter Glaze and Bake
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and minced garlic until totally combined. Brush this garlic butter extravagantly all over your dough balls, letting it drip into every little crevice. Slide the tray into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Watch as they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 5: Final Touches
For the ultimate finish, brush the hot dough balls with the last of your garlic butter and shower over the chopped parsley. The aroma at this stage is dangerously tempting—wait just a minute for them to cool slightly before serving, if you can!
How to Serve Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Garnishes
A dusting of extra chopped fresh parsley never disappoints, adding a grassy freshness and a touch of color contrast on the golden, glossy tops. For a bit of fiery flair, you can scatter thinly sliced fresh chili or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for texture. If you’re feeling indulgent, an extra drizzle of garlic butter right as they come out of the oven makes them even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls love company! Serve them alongside warm marinara or cool ranch dip for swoon-worthy dunking. For a full meal, pair them with a crisp green salad or a zesty pasta dish. They also work beautifully as a sidekick to soup, especially tomato or a velvety roasted pepper soup.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, arrange the dough balls in a spiral on a wooden board, nestling a little bowl of dipping sauce in the center. For parties, consider serving mini skewers or placing each ball in its own colorful cupcake liner. Stack them up for a playful, pull-apart bread centerpiece—just watch them vanish in seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls left, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for a day, or in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors settle and meld, making them the perfect snacking temptation.
Freezing
Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then move to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month. When cravings strike, you’re never more than minutes away from hot, homemade dough balls.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, just pop the Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes until piping hot, or microwave in short bursts. Brush with a bit of extra melted butter when reheating to restore their ultra-tender bite.
FAQs
Can I make Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the balls in advance, then refrigerate them (covered) for up to 12 hours before baking. Just let them come to room temperature and rise a bit before popping into the oven.
What if I don’t like things too spicy?
No problem at all! Just use less red chili or swap it for sweet red bell pepper. The recipe is wonderfully flexible, so you can tailor the heat to suit everyone’s taste buds.
Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?
Definitely. Mozzarella is a melty classic, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, fontina, or a mix of your favorites. Each cheese will bring its own personality to the center of your Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls.
Do I need a stand mixer for the dough?
No stand mixer needed! Kneading by hand works perfectly for this recipe, and is a great way to get a feel for the dough’s texture. It’s a bit of a mini workout, but so worth it.
What dipping sauces pair best?
Marinara is a timeless partner for these dough balls. For something cool and creamy, ranch or garlic yogurt dips are fantastic. If you want to add an extra level of flavor, try a roasted red pepper spread or a smoky aioli.
Final Thoughts
Sharing a batch of Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls is pure joy—half the fun is pulling them apart and watching the cheesy center stretch and ooze. Try them at your next gathering or as a special treat just for you. With each bite, you’ll discover why these flavor-loaded parcels are a new classic!
Print
Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (includes rising time)
- Yield: 12 dough balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chili Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are a savory and spicy twist on classic dough balls. Soft, cheesy dough is filled with a flavorful chili and garlic mixture, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red chili (adjust to taste)
Garlic Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Assembly: Preheat oven, mix chili with mozzarella. Divide dough, fill each piece, and seal into balls. Brush with garlic butter.
- Baking: Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes until golden. Brush with more garlic butter and parsley.
Notes
- Adjust chili for spice preference
- Best served warm with dipping sauce
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dough ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
