Chili Boats
Chili Boats are a fun, savory snack featuring soft party rolls filled with spicy chili and melted cheese, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the party rolls in half.
- Indent the bottom of each roll with your fingertips.
- Place a small amount of chili, approximately 1/2 teaspoon, into the bottom of each roll.
- Add a little shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili in each roll.
- Replace the top of each roll to enclose the filling.
- Arrange the filled rolls on a tray and place in a freezer bag.
- Freeze until ready to serve.
- To serve, remove the tray from the freezer bag.
- Place the tray of rolls in an oven preheated to 350°F.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some diced bell peppers or onions with the chili. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you're short on time, using pre-made chili can speed up the process. These chili boats can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer until needed, making them a perfect choice for game day or gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
These chili boats make a great appetizer or snack and pair well with a side of Summer Waldorf Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, serve alongside a bowl of tortilla chips or a simple green salad. You can also garnish with fresh herbs or jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the filled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled rolls in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they are warmed through and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Boats contains roughly 365 calories, with 21g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 630mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of roll?
Yes, you can use any type of soft roll, such as slider buns or hoagie rolls. Just adjust the amount of chili and cheese accordingly, as larger rolls will require more filling.
Can I make these chili boats vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chili with a vegetarian chili or a bean-based chili to keep it meat-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian option that doesn't compromise on flavor.
How can I make these spicier?
To add heat, mix some diced jalapeños into the chili before filling the rolls or top them with a spicy salsa after baking. You can also use a spicier chili variety or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).