Description
This recipe for Cauldron of Chili with Spider Breads is a perfect Halloween treat. The hearty chili is flavorful and comforting, while the spider-shaped bread adds a fun and spooky element to the meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or plant-based meat
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Sour cream and chopped green onions (for garnish)
Spider Breads:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
- 32 pretzel sticks
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Black sesame seeds or mini peppercorns (for eyes)
Instructions
- Chili: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Add black beans, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spider Breads: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut each biscuit in half and roll into balls. For each spider, insert 4 pretzel sticks on each side of the dough ball to make legs. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and parsley. Press two sesame seeds or mini peppercorns into each dough ball for eyes. Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve chili hot in bowls or a large cauldron-style pot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Place spider breads on the side or on top for spooky fun.
Notes
- You can use turkey or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a lighter option.
- Add corn or diced bell peppers for more texture and color.
- Make spider breads ahead and warm before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl of chili with 1 spider bread
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
