Chili in Bread Bowls Recipe – Homemade chili, soft Hawaiian rolls, and melty cheese. Super easy to make and tastes great!! Ground pork, chili seasoning, crushed tomatoes, chili beans, Hawaiian rolls, and shredded cheese. Top the bread bowls with your favorite chili toppings. Great for easy weeknight dinners and game day parties.

This is a sponsored post written on behalf of Ohio Pork.

platter of chili bread bowls with text overlay

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Bread Bowl Chili Recipe

These Chili Bread Bowls are a mouthwatering creation that combines the rich, savory goodness of chili with the delightful comfort of soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls. Ground pork, crushed tomatoes, and chili seasoning meld together to create a hearty, spicy chili that’s both comforting and satisfying. When you stuff this flavorful chili into those rolls, the result is pure culinary genius! As it bakes in the oven, the rolls become slightly crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside, and the cheese on top adds a creamy, gooey finish that’s simply irresistible. This is the ultimate comfort food that’ll have you craving seconds. This dish is perfect for parties and cozy family dinners alike.

ingredients for chili bread bowls on a table

How to Make Chili Bread Bowls

This recipe is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. In a large saucepan, cook ground pork until no longer pink. Drain the excess grease. Add crushed tomatoes, chili seasoning, and chili beans to the pan and stir. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Cut a square in the top of each Hawaiian roll and press the bread square down into the roll. Place bread bowls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Spoon chili into the rolls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the rolls are golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.

More than 3500 family farms in Ohio raise enough pork to feed about 25 million people. So when you buy pork at the grocery store or the farmers market, you are supporting Ohio farm families that produce that pork.

chili in bread bowls on a baking sheet topped with cheese

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

I use ground pork in this chili recipe. Ground pork is a great source of protein. Every 3 ounces of pork is packed full of 22 to 24 grams of protein!
- You can substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken.
You can use any chili recipe you enjoy. Canned chili or homemade chili both work fine.
I use Hawaiian rolls for the bread bowls. You can use any roll that you like.
- If you want to use homemade bread bowls, here is our recipe for Homemade Yeast Rolls: https://www.plainchicken.com/school-cafeteria-yeast-rolls/
Variations/Additions:
- onion
- kidney beans
- bell peppers
- jalapenos
- Worcestershire sauce
- cayenne pepper
- red pepper flakes
- Rotel
- diced green chiles
Can I make Chili Bread Bowls in advance? Yes. You can make the chili ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling the rolls.
- If using cold chili, cover the rolls with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes and uncover and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to toast the rolls.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the microwave or covered in aluminum foil in the oven.

chili in a hawaiian roll topped with sour cream and jalapenos

What to Serve with Chili Bread Bowls

This is one of our go-to recipes for game day! We like to top the bread bowls with our favorite chili toppings: red onion, sour cream, jalapenos, and extra cheese.

When it comes to what to serve alongside this hearty chili, I’ve got some delicious options for you. Start by offering a vibrant and crisp side salad with a zesty ranch or cilantro-lime dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the bold chili flavors. And don’t forget a bowl of creamy coleslaw, with its creamy, tangy goodness, as a delightful side dish that complements the chili’s flavors beautifully. With these accompaniments, you’ll create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or game day feast.

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