Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls Recipe
If you’re looking to impress everyone at the table with something warm, pillowy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, let me share my favorite Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls recipe with you. These little orbs of joy are the perfect fusion of fluffy bread, oozy mozzarella, and a hint of fiery chilli, all wrapped up in a blanket of garlicky, buttery goodness. They’re the kind of appetizer that disappears before they even hit the plate, and one bite will tell you why: crispy golden outside, soft cheesy inside, and a zesty heat that makes them totally irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just want something extra special for movie night, these Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are guaranteed to steal the show (and your heart!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me, you don’t need fancy ingredients to make incredible Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls. Each component here brings something unique: the flour sets the stage for the fluffiest dough, the mozzarella gives that gooey pull, and, of course, nothing beats the punch from fresh or pickled chilli. Gather your basics plus a few flavor-packed extras and you’re ready to go!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our dough, yielding a soft yet sturdy bite every time.
- Instant yeast: Ensures these dough balls puff up beautifully without any fuss.
- Salt: Enhances every savory note—don’t skip it!
- Sugar: Just the smallest pinch to help the yeast work its magic and balance flavors.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and creates pillowy dough—for best results, think “barely hot bath.”
- Olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and keeps it lovely and tender (plus more for greasing the bowl and pan).
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For the signature melt-in-your-mouth, stringy surprise at the center of every bite.
- Chopped pickled jalapeños or fresh red chilli: Hello, zesty kick! Go for pickled if you want a little tang, or fresh for pure heat.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The buttery finish makes every bite even more luxurious.
- Minced garlic: The hero of the garlic butter—use fresh for the brightest flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a hit of freshness—don’t skip this if possible!
- Sea salt (pinch): Brings out the brightness in the butter and the herbs right at the end.
How to Make Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, then mix until a shaggy dough begins to form. Don’t worry if things look a little messy at first; as you knead (about 8 to 10 minutes on a floured surface), the dough will become smooth and elastic. Place your dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or cling film, and let it rise somewhere warm for about one hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This patience pays off with the perfect fluffy texture later!
Step 2: Prep the Filling
As your dough takes a nap, get your filling ready. Combine your shredded mozzarella and finely chopped pickled jalapeños or red chilli. Adjust the ratio based on your spice preference; more chilli for serious heat-lovers, less for a tamer finish. This fiery cheesy centre is what transforms regular dough balls into unforgettable Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls.
Step 3: Shape and Fill
When your dough has doubled, punch it down to release any extra air and divide it into 12 equal portions. Flatten each piece into a small circle, then drop a generous pinch of the cheese and chilli mixture right in the center. Carefully pinch the edges to seal the filling, roll each one gently into a ball, and arrange seam-side down in a greased ovenproof dish or skillet. This step is a little fiddly but so satisfying once you see your neat little dough balls lined up!
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter, freshly minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of sea salt. This is where a huge punch of flavor comes in, and your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing. Half of this will be brushed onto the dough balls before baking, and the rest afterwards for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Brush the tops of the dough balls generously with half of your garlic butter mixture. Pop your dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the tops are golden and irresistible. Right when they emerge hot from the oven, brush on the remaining garlic butter to soak in while they’re still warm. The result? Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls that are soft, rich, and bursting with garlicky goodness.
How to Serve Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and a little grated parmesan take your Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls from homemade to restaurant-worthy. You can also add a light dusting of chili flakes if you’re serving spice-lovers, or a drizzle of olive oil for even more glossy shine.
Side Dishes
These dough balls are superstars next to a tangy marinara sauce, cooling ranch dip, or a creamy garlic aioli. If you’re serving a group, pair them with a fresh green salad or a simple tomato soup—they soak up those extra flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading three dough balls onto wooden skewers like a savory lollipop, or tuck them into a bread basket lined with a gingham napkin for that bakery-fresh vibe. For parties, serve Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls on a wooden board with your favorite dips and some colorful veggie sticks for instant appetizer appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, store your Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re just as tempting as a next-day snack—just a little softer!
Freezing
After baking and cooling, freeze your dough balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 2 months. When a craving hits, just reheat—no need to thaw first.
Reheating
Pop cold or frozen dough balls onto a baking tray and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until heated through. Finish with a brush more melted butter or garlic butter if you’d like to revive that just-baked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can swap all or part of the flour for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but keep in mind the dough will be denser and slightly less fluffy.
What’s the best way to make these less spicy for kids?
For a milder version of Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls, use mild green chillies, reduce the amount of chilli altogether, or swap in some sweet bell pepper for color and crunch without heat.
Can I make the dough ahead and store it overnight?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come back to room temperature before shaping and baking as usual—it actually develops even more flavor this way!
Are there vegan substitutes for the cheese and butter?
Yes, vegan mozzarella-style cheese and plant-based butter work beautifully here. Just make sure your dough ingredients are plant-based (check the yeast, some sugar brands aren’t fully vegan), and the results are just as delicious.
How do I know when the dough balls are baked through?
Look for a golden brown color and a slightly hollow sound when you tap the tops. If in doubt, cut one open—the inside should be fluffy and the cheese fully melted.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun, mouthwatering way to spice up your next get-together or just want to treat yourself to something special, these Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are the perfect solution. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re every bit as good as they look—maybe even better! Give them a try and let your kitchen fill up with that heavenly, garlicky aroma. Your friends and family will thank you for it!
Print
Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 dough balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chilli Stuffed Garlic Dough Balls are a flavorful twist on traditional garlic bread, featuring a spicy kick from jalapeños or red chillies and gooey melted mozzarella cheese, all tucked inside soft, pillowy dough balls. Perfect for serving as a party appetizer or alongside your favorite Italian dishes.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
Filling:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños or fresh red chilli
Garlic Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and olive oil; mix into a dough. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes. Let rise for 1 hour.
- Assembly: Preheat oven to 375°F. Divide dough, flatten each piece, add mozzarella and jalapeños, seal, and roll into balls. Place in a baking dish.
- Garlic Butter: Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. Brush over dough balls. Bake for 20–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Brush with remaining garlic butter and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust spice level to taste by varying the amount of chilli used.
- Dough balls can be made ahead and reheated as needed.
- Pair with marinara or garlic dip for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dough ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
