Why People in the Midwest Put Cinnamon Rolls and Donuts in Chili?

First, it's important to begin this story with a disclaimer. Brad wants me to assure you that there was no alcohol involved. LOL! However, when you learn that he celebrated Halloween by eating chili with a donut stuffed into the bowl, you may find that difficult to believe.

Now, you're probably thinking, "Wait? What???? Donuts in chili? Why?" Well, there's a simple, but adventurous explanation.

Brad Belcher, who's from Owensboro, KY, says he saw "this thing where folks are topping off their chili with cinnamon buns." Okay, I'll admit. I have NEVER heard of this. But, Brad's right. It's definitely a thing and Better Homes and Gardens recently shared a story about it.

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The magazine claims it's a long-standing tradition in the Midwest. Katlyn Moncada, who wrote the feature, claims "the combination has been a tradition for over 70 years and is as common as PB&J." To that I say (ask), "Wait? What???? Why?"

WHY PEOPLE PUT CINNAMON ROLLS IN CHILI?

Here's a random, average Iowa guy with an explanation.

Okay, I'm intrigued. Brad was too. But he decided to change his experience up a bit. In fact, he remembered a story about R&B legend Luther Vandross and how he used the eat hamburgers and use glazed donuts for the bread.

By the way, that combo is now a popular attraction annually at the Kentucky State Fair. The Krispy Kreme Burger has been served up the last 15 years or so.

So, those two stories- the chili/cinnamon roll story and the random Luther Vandross burger- compelled Brad to put a donut in his chili. He says, "All I had were some Rolling Pin donuts (the best) and I thought why not?" So, how did it taste?

SHOULD YOU EAT DONUTS WITH CHILI?

Brad says,"The sweet and salty worked!" He tried a couple of different ways of enjoying the combo too. He tried both breaking the donut up and letting it soak in the chili and just dipping the donut in the chili and eating it that way. His favorite? "Dipping was the best!"

So, what do YOU think? Would you try a donut in your chili?