Imagine the mouthwatering sight of a perfectly toasted bun, cradling a juicy beef hot dog smothered in warm, savory chili and melted cheddar cheese.
There’s something undeniably comforting about chili cheese dogs, a classic favorite that’s both simple to make and indulgent to enjoy.
As the cheese melts and mingles with the chili, these humble ingredients transform into a hearty delight.
Let’s bring this delicious dish to life together!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 skillet
- 1 saucepan
- 1 baking sheet
- 4 pairs of tongs
- 1 cheese grater
Ingredients
- 4 hot dog buns
- 4 beef hot dogs
- 1 cup canned chili
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chili Cheese Dogs, follow this timeline:
- Reading Time: 5 minutes
- Spend this time reading through the entire recipe and gathering all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Chop the onion finely and grate the cheddar cheese, if not already shredded.
- Brush the hot dog buns with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- First 5 minutes:
- Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook the beef hot dogs until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Simultaneously (First 5 minutes):
- In a saucepan, warm the canned chili over low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Next 5 minutes:
- Place the hot dog buns on the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Next 5 minutes:
- Remove the buns from the oven and place one hot dog in each bun.
- Top each hot dog with warm chili and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Last 5 minutes:
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Chili Cheese Dogs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnishing: 2 minutes
- During the resting period, garnish with chopped onion, mustard, and ketchup.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook the beef hot dogs until browned, about 5 minutes.
In the saucepan, warm the canned chili over low heat for about 5 minutes.
Place the hot dog buns on the baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
Sprinkle the buns with garlic powder and bake in the oven for 5 minutes.
Remove the buns from the oven and place one hot dog in each bun.
Top each hot dog with warm chili and shredded cheddar cheese.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped onion, mustard, and ketchup before serving.
Serving Tips
- French Fries: Classic pairing that adds a crispy, salty complement to the savory chili cheese dogs.
- Coleslaw: A fresh, tangy side that balances out the richness of the dish with some crunch.
- Potato Salad: A creamy, comforting side that pairs well with the flavors of the chili and cheese.
- Corn on the Cob: Adds a sweet and buttery contrast to the spiciness and savoriness of the main dish.
- Pickle Spears: Provide a tangy, zesty bite that cuts through the richness of the chili cheese dogs.
Storage
To store leftover chili cheese dogs, wrap them individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven.
Freezing
To freeze chili cheese dogs, individually wrap each assembled dog in aluminum foil.
Then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Label and store for up to 2 months.
Reheat before serving.
Reheating
To reheat chili cheese dogs, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Wrap them in foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes.
Make sure the cheese is melted and all ingredients are warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Chili Cheese Dogs are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the savory flavors of beef hot dogs, warm chili, and melted cheddar cheese.
The preparation is straightforward, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.
Toasting the buns adds a delightful crunch, while toppings like mustard, ketchup, and chopped onions enhance the overall taste.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the chili can provide an extra kick.
Using freshly grated cheese guarantees the best melt and flavor, and opting for turkey or chicken hot dogs offers a healthier alternative.
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 20 minutes, these Chili Cheese Dogs are both convenient and delicious.
Enjoy them with family and friends for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Chili Cheese Dogs Vegetarian?
You can make them vegetarian by choosing plant-based hot dogs. Compare textures; veggie dogs are often softer. Replace canned chili with a bean-based version, and enhance flavors with extra spices. Balance with creamy cheese and crunchy toppings.
What Are Some Alternative Toppings for Chili Cheese Dogs?
You can enhance flavors by adding crispy bacon for a smoky crunch, or avocado slices for a creamy contrast. Swap cheddar with blue cheese for tanginess. Consider swapping ketchup with spicy sriracha for a fiery kick.
How Do I Prevent the Cheese From Becoming Too Greasy?
To prevent greasy cheese, use higher quality, low-moisture cheese, as it’s less oily. Grate it freshly to enhance melting without excess oil. Compare brands; some blend better with chili, offering a smoother, creamier texture.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
You can definitely use a different type of cheese. Opt for Monterey Jack for a creamier texture or pepper jack if you want a spicy kick. Each offers a unique flavor profile, enhancing your dish’s richness and appeal.
How Can I Make My Chili Cheese Dogs Less Messy to Eat?
To make them less messy, reduce chili amount and guarantee it’s thick. Use sturdy buns that won’t easily fall apart. Consider wrapping them in parchment paper for better grip and less spillage, enhancing your eating experience.
Chili Cheese Dogs
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Baking sheet
- 4 pairs of tongs
- 1 cheese grater
Ingredients
- 4 hot dog buns
- 4 beef hot dogs
- 1 cup canned chili
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 tablespoon onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook the beef hot dogs until browned, about 5 minutes.
- In the saucepan, warm the canned chili over low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Place the hot dog buns on the baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buns with garlic powder and bake in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove the buns from the oven and place one hot dog in each bun.
- Top each hot dog with warm chili and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped onion, mustard, and ketchup before serving.
Notes
