Make stadium-style chili cheese dogs at home for the win!

This chili cheese hot dog recipe takes your favorite dogs and buns and smothers them in zesty chili with loads of melty cheddar for a knock-it-out-of-the-park winner.

close up of Chili Cheese Dogs on a plate

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Flavor: Cheesy, savory, and slightly zesty, with a classic chili dog flavor.
Recommended Tools: A 9×13 baking dish and a non-stick skillet make this quick and easy to prepare.
Time-Saving Tip: Short on time? Grab a can or two of store-bought chili and some pre-shredded cheese.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of fries, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

hot dog buns , hot dogs , cheese , beef , tomato sauce , chili powder , broth , onion with labels to make Chili Cheese Dogs

Ingredient Tips for Chili Cheese Dogs

Chili: Make the quick chili in the recipe notes, or use leftover or canned chili.
Hot Dogs: Beef, pork, chicken, or even veggie-based hot dogs will work in this recipe.
Buns: Look for sturdy buns that can hold all that chili cheesy goodness. Open the buns, brush with butter, and bake while the chili is heating up.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds a tangy balance to the chili for maximum flavor.

adding seasonings and tomato sauce to beef and onions to make Chili Cheese Dogs

chili in a pan to make Chili Cheese Dogs

How to Make Chili Cheese Dogs

Simmer chili, hot water, and hot dogs in a skillet until thickened.
Fill baked buns with hot dogs and top with chili and cheese.
Bake (full recipe below) until the buns are toasted and the cheese is melted.

Build a topping bar and offer chopped onions, jalapenos, green chiles, crispy fried onions, bacon bits, Tabasco, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing.
Top them with homemade chili sauce for a classic Cincinnati Coney dog, giardiniera for a hearty Chicago Dog, or wrap the hot dogs in bacon and cook in a dry pan for a popular food truck fave called a Danger Dog.
Try pretzel hot dog buns for a new twist on a classic. Hot dogs can be wrapped and baked in crescent rolls as well.
Try adding melted Velveeta or a homemade cheese sauce in place of cheddar.

Storing Leftovers

Cooked and cooled hot dogs and chili can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat hot dogs and chili on the stovetop or in the microwave and use a fresh bun. Or chop up the hot dogs, reheat with the chili, and scoop over chili cheese fries or baked potatoes.

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six Chili Cheese Dogs cooked in a casserole dish

5 from 12 votes

Author Holly Nilsson

Chili Cheese Dogs

Author Holly Nilsson

Servings 8

These chili cheese dogs are just right for game day, a potluck, or even a late-night bite.

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Servings 8

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 2 cups homemade chili see notes, or canned chili or leftover chili
▢ ¼ cup hot water
▢ 8 hot dogs
▢ 8 hot dog buns large bakery, unsliced
▢ 1 tablespoon butter softened
▢ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
▢ toppings as desired see notes

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Combine chili, hot water and hotdogs in a skillet over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and let cook 5-7 minutes or until chili has thickened. (see note for homemade chili below).
While chili is thickening, cut the hotdogs buns from the top and brush with butter. Bake 5 minutes.
Fill each bun with a hot dog and spoon chili on top. Top with shredded cheese and bake 15 minutes or until buns are toasted and cheese is melted.

Notes

Homemade Chili
½ pound lean ground beef 80/20
½ onion, diced
2 cloves garlic
1 can tomato sauce (8 ounces)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup beef stock or broth
Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain fat.
Add remaining chili ingredients stir to combine. Add hotdogs to the chili and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until thickened.

About ¼ cup of chili for each hot dog.

Optional Toppings: Onions, pickles, and jalapenos

5 from 12 votes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Party Food, Snack

Cuisine American

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