Name: Mini Chili Football Bread Bowls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb store-bought or homemade bread dough (e.g., pizza or dinner roll dough); 2 cups chili (homemade or store-bought); 2 tbsp olive oil or 1 beaten egg (for brushing); 1/4 cup sour cream (for piping laces); 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional); 2 tbsp chopped green onions or jalapeños (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mini bread bowls are as fun to make as they are to eat. They offer a creative way to serve chili while keeping things portable and mess-free. Perfectly portioned and festive, they’re ideal for parties or potlucks. You’ll love how customizable they are with your favorite chili recipe and toppings. Plus, they’re an instant conversation starter thanks to their clever football design.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Store-bought or homemade bread dough (like pizza dough or dinner roll dough)
Chili (your favorite homemade or store-bought recipe)
Sour cream (for decorating the laces)
Olive oil or egg wash (for brushing the dough)
Shredded cheese (optional)
Chopped green onions or jalapeños (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Divide the bread dough into small portions and shape each into an oval football shape.
Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Brush with olive oil or egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the bread is golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly.
Using a small knife, cut a shallow oval in the top of each bread to create a cavity. Gently scoop out some of the inner bread.
Fill each bowl with warm chili.
Place a small amount of sour cream in a piping bag or plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
Pipe football “laces” across the top of the chili using the sour cream.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with shredded cheese or chopped green onions.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 mini bread bowls. Preparation takes around 30 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes of baking time. If using pre-made chili, total time is approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

Use cornbread dough for a sweeter, Southern-inspired twist.
Fill with vegetarian or turkey chili for a lighter option.
Add shredded cheese or jalapeños inside the bread bowl before adding chili for an extra kick.
Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier topping.
Make them larger or smaller to adjust portion sizes for kids or adults.

Storage/Reheating

Store any unfilled bread bowls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Filled bread bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but may become soggy. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes, or until warm. Sour cream decorations should be added after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the bread bowls ahead of time?

Yes, bake the bread bowls a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Fill them with chili just before serving.

What kind of chili works best for this recipe?

Any chili will work—classic beef, turkey, vegetarian, or even white bean chicken chili. Thick chili holds up best in the bread bowls.

How do I make the football laces look neat?

Use a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a fine tip snipped off. Pipe one long line and then cross it with short lines.

Can I use store-bought bread rolls?

Yes, you can hollow out small store-bought rolls and shape them into ovals if desired.

How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?

Let the chili cool slightly before filling, and serve soon after assembling. You can also toast the inside of the bowl lightly.

Can I freeze the bread bowls?

Yes, freeze the unfilled, baked bread bowls for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before using.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Kids will love the fun football shape and can help decorate the “laces” with sour cream.

Can I add toppings inside the bread bowl?

Yes, try adding cheese, beans, or even avocado chunks for added texture and flavor.

What kind of dough should I use?

Pizza dough, crescent dough, or homemade yeast roll dough all work well.

Do I need a special mold to shape them?

No, simply shaping the dough into ovals with your hands is enough. The “football” effect comes together with the piping on top.

Conclusion

Mini Chili Football Bread Bowls are a creative and delicious way to elevate your game-day spread. With their playful design and satisfying flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a fan favorite. Easy to customize and quick to assemble, these edible bowls bring fun and flavor to every bite.