If you’re craving a meal that’s cozy, filling, and packed with bold flavors, this Chili Bread Bowls Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. Imagine hearty chili, brimming with tender ground pork, simmered in a rich tomato sauce with beans and spices, all nestled inside a soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian roll that soaks up every delicious drop. It’s a fun twist on a classic favorite that brings comfort food to a whole new level. Whether feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these chili bread bowls deliver a warm hug on a plate that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making chili bread bowls that pop with flavor and texture. Each element plays a special role, from the savory pork and chili beans to the soft Hawaiian rolls and gooey cheddar cheese, all coming together to create a dish that’s both hearty and unforgettable.
- 1 lb ground pork: Provides rich, flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of the chili.
- 1 (15-oz) can crushed tomatoes: Adds a tangy, saucy depth with just the right amount of acidity.
- 1 (15-oz) can chili beans, undrained: Brings comforting creaminess and bulk, plus classic chili texture.
- 1 (1.25-oz) packet chili seasoning: Infuses bold, spicy flavors essential to a mouthwatering chili.
- 1 (24-oz) package Hawaiian rolls (24 count): Soft, slightly sweet rolls make the perfect edible bowl to hold all the goodness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the chili, adding sharp, creamy richness.
How to Make Chili Bread Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Pork and Build Your Chili
Start by browning your ground pork in a large saucepan over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain off excess grease to keep the chili from getting too oily. Then add the crushed tomatoes, chili seasoning, and undrained chili beans. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer to let those delicious flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and your chili base will be ready to fill those bread bowls.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread Bowls
While your chili simmers, preheat the oven to 350ºF to get it ready for the final bake. Next, take each Hawaiian roll and carefully cut a square from the top. Press that piece down into the roll to create a little hollow bowl, perfect for holding the chili without falling apart. Place the prepared rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any drips and keep things tidy.
Step 3: Fill and Top the Bread Bowls
Spoon the piping hot chili generously into each hollowed roll, filling them right up. After filling, sprinkle a hearty layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili. The cheese will melt into gooey perfection during baking, giving the bread bowls that irresistible golden crust and creamy finish that makes every bite so satisfying.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your filled and cheese-topped bread bowls into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt completely and the Hawaiian rolls to turn a beautiful golden brown, crisping up just enough to support the chili without losing that signature softness inside. Once done, you can garnish with fresh parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and fresh aroma.
How to Serve Chili Bread Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley or thinly sliced green onions bring a bright, clean finish to these hearty chili bread bowls. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado to add creaminess and a cooling contrast that balances the chili’s spicy warmth.
Side Dishes
To round out this meal, consider serving with a crisp green salad or crunchy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. Cornbread or tortilla chips on the side can enhance the Tex-Mex vibe, adding texture and an extra bite to scoop up any leftover chili.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party idea, serve these chili bread bowls on a platter with a variety of toppings like chopped jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and olives in small bowls. This lets everyone customize their own, making your Chili Bread Bowls Recipe the star of any gathering with a personalized touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover chili bread bowls, store the chili separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can wrap the bread bowls in foil or plastic wrap and keep them fresh at room temperature for a few hours.
Freezing
Freezing assembled chili bread bowls isn’t recommended due to the bread’s texture, but you can definitely freeze the chili by itself. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, then thaw before reheating and assembling your bowls freshly.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chili gently on the stove or microwave until hot. Warm the bread rolls separately in the oven to revive that fresh-baked texture, then fill and top with cheese, broiling for a minute if you like to melt the cheese again.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef works wonderfully and adds a familiar chili flavor. You can substitute it in a 1:1 ratio with ground pork for a slightly different but equally tasty result.
Are Hawaiian rolls the only option for the bread bowls?
Hawaiian rolls are preferred for their softness and sweetness, which complements the chili nicely. However, you could also use small round sourdough or dinner rolls if you want a tangier, sturdier bread bowl.
How spicy is this Chili Bread Bowls Recipe?
The chili seasoning packet typically offers a mild to medium spice level. If you prefer more heat, you can kick it up by adding extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to taste.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground pork for your favorite plant-based protein or add extra beans and vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to keep it hearty and flavorful without meat.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, this recipe is fantastic for parties or family gatherings. The 24-count Hawaiian rolls mean you can serve plenty of individual portions, making it easy to feed a crowd with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Chili Bread Bowls Recipe is one of those joyful meals that feels homemade and special but comes together quickly and easily. Its combination of savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors wrapped in a warm bread bowl is truly comforting and fun to eat. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this cozy dish with friends and family—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe box!
Print
Chili Bread Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chili Bread Bowls combine a hearty, flavorful chili made with ground pork, crushed tomatoes, and chili beans, served inside warm Hawaiian rolls topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting and fun meal that feeds a crowd in under 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chili
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 (15-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-oz) can chili beans, undrained
- 1 (1.25-oz) packet chili seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Bread Bowls
- 1 (24-oz) package Hawaiian rolls (24 count)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF to prepare for baking the chili bread bowls.
- Cook the pork and chili: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground pork until it is no longer pink, then drain excess grease. Add the crushed tomatoes, chili seasoning, and chili beans (with liquid) to the pan. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Prepare bread bowls: Cut a square out from the top of each Hawaiian roll and press the cut-out bread down into the roll to create a hollow space for the chili. Arrange the bread bowls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Fill and top: Spoon the simmered chili evenly into each hollowed-out roll. Generously top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is fully melted and the rolls are golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm for a delicious and satisfying dish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground pork with ground beef or turkey if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers when cooking the pork.
- Use spicy chili seasoning or add jalapeños if you like more heat.
- To keep bread bowls from getting soggy, you can lightly toast the hollowed rolls before adding the chili.
- Leftover chili can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
