The Ultimate Homemade Chili Cheese Dogs: A Classic Summer Recipe for Grilling Season
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly grilled hot dog, generously topped with savory chili and melted cheese, to capture the essence of summer. These aren’t just any chili cheese dogs; this recipe delivers The BEST Chili Cheese Dogs your family will ever taste, promising a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds! Imagine thick, hearty chili, rich with spices, draped over juicy hot dogs, then blanketed with gooey, sharp cheddar. Add your favorite extra toppings, and you have a summertime comfort food masterpiece, perfect right off the grill.
Chili cheese dogs are more than just a meal; they’re a cherished summer staple, effortlessly combining speed, ease, and impressive flavor. They’re the ideal solution for those long, sunny days when the kids are splashing in the pool, and you need a quick yet satisfying meal. While the hot dogs sizzle on the grill, you can whip up this incredibly simple homemade chili for hot dogs recipe. Each bite of these loaded hot dogs is a delightful explosion of taste, making them perfect for a fun-filled summer day packed with baseball games, swimming adventures, and cherished moments with loved ones. Forget complicated recipes; this easy chili dog creation is designed for maximum enjoyment with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Chili Hot Dog Recipe
This chili cheese dog recipe is tailor-made for the leisurely pace of summer days and warm, inviting nights. Our family’s grill becomes a central hub for cooking several times a week, and I constantly seek fresh, exciting ways to elevate our family favorites. Hot dogs, in particular, are a dish we truly never tire of. For an authentic, classic chili dog experience, we always opt for all-beef hot dogs due to their superior flavor and satisfying snap. Whether you prefer them with just a dollop of your favorite condiment, a generous helping of tangy sauerkraut, or dressed up with our irresistible chili and melty cheese, these hot dogs bring smiles all around. There’s something uniquely satisfying about grilling hot dogs outdoors on my husband’s beloved grill. Personally, I love my hot dogs with a slight char, adding an extra layer of smoky flavor. We serve these up piping hot, spooning the chili directly over shredded cheese so it melts into a gloriously gooey cascade.
Perfect Pairings and Crowd-Pleasing Potential
Many wonder what sides perfectly complement chili cheese dogs. The beauty of this American classic is its versatility; it pairs wonderfully with nearly any traditional barbecue side dish. Think creamy potato salad, crispy tater tots, golden onion rings, or even just some good ol’ crunchy tortilla chips. For those looking to impress, chili cheese dogs are also an exceptional recipe for feeding a large crowd. The chili recipe is incredibly easy to double, or even triple, making it ideal for big summer parties, family reunions, or neighborhood cookouts. So, gather your best friends, fire up the grill, and treat everyone to a memorable feast of homemade chili cheese dogs this summer! And if you’re hooked on chili dogs, don’t miss these exciting variations: check out my Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs for a fiery twist or my comforting Smoked Hot Dogs with Kraut for a hearty, flavorful option.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Hot Dog Chili
Crafting the perfect chili for your hot dogs starts with a selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients. This particular chili recipe is designed to be thick, savory, and cling beautifully to your hot dogs, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need. You’ll find all the exact measurements and quantities in the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post, making it easy to prepare your grocery list and get cooking!
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Lean Ground Beef – We recommend lean ground beef for a less greasy chili, but feel free to use any ground meat you prefer. Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent leaner alternatives, providing a similar texture with proper seasoning.
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Onion – A foundational aromatic for any good chili. White, yellow, or red onions will all contribute a sweet and pungent depth. For a milder, more delicate flavor, shallots are also a fantastic option.
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Salt & Pepper – The essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal taste preference throughout the cooking process.
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Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is always superior, offering a robust, aromatic base that dried garlic simply can’t replicate. It adds a crucial layer of flavor to the chili.
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Chili Powder – This is the cornerstone spice for our hot dog chili, providing its signature warmth and flavor profile. While specific chili powder blends are best, any spice blend primarily made from ground chilis will work in a pinch.
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Paprika – Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a beautiful reddish hue to the chili. Smoked paprika can be used for an extra layer of smoky depth.
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Worcestershire Sauce – A secret ingredient that brings a wonderful umami depth and tangy complexity to the chili. If you don’t have it on hand, soy sauce can be a decent substitute for a similar savory kick.
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Canned Tomato Sauce – Provides the rich, tangy tomato base for the chili. Use your favorite brand, or for a thicker consistency, watered-down tomato paste can be a good substitute.
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Canned Chili Beans in Sauce – These beans, already seasoned in a chili-flavored sauce, add bulk, texture, and an extra layer of chili flavor. If unavailable, pinto beans or red beans can be used, simply season them a bit more with chili powder.
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Sharp Cheddar Cheese – The quintessential cheese for chili dogs, offering a tangy, robust flavor that melts beautifully. For those who crave an extra kick, jalapeno jack cheese is an excellent choice. Other great cheese options are discussed below!
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Hot Dogs – While all-beef hot dogs are my personal favorite for their rich flavor and firm texture, use any type you prefer. Good quality hot dogs make all the difference!
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Hot Dog Buns – Soft, fresh hot dog buns are crucial for a comfortable eating experience. Toasting them lightly on the grill adds another dimension of flavor and texture.
Crafting Your Homemade Chili Cheese Dog Recipe: Step-by-Step
STEP ONE: Prepare Your Meat Base. Begin by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add your lean ground beef (or chosen ground meat). Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned, ensuring no pink remains. Drain any excess grease for a cleaner chili. Now, add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, stirring them in with the browned meat. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Season generously with salt and pepper, along with the chili powder and paprika, stirring well to coat the meat and aromatics evenly. This step builds the foundational flavor of your chili.
STEP TWO: Simmer for Flavor Development. Once the spices are fragrant, pour in the Worcestershire sauce and mix thoroughly to combine, allowing its deep savory notes to meld with the meat. Next, add the canned tomato sauce and the canned chili beans (including their sauce) to the skillet. Stir all ingredients together until everything is well incorporated. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for the flavors to deepen and meld, resulting in a rich, robust chili. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
STEP THREE: Assemble and Serve. While your chili is simmering, prepare your hot dogs and buns. Grill, pan-fry, or broil your hot dogs until they are cooked through and slightly charred to your liking. Lightly toast your hot dog buns, either on the grill or in a toaster, for a delightful added texture. Once both components are ready, place your hot dogs snugly into their buns. Line them up on a baking sheet if you’re serving multiple at once. Generously sprinkle your choice of shredded cheese over each hot dog, ensuring plenty of cheesy goodness. Finally, spoon a hearty amount of your homemade chili over the cheese. The residual heat from the hot chili will help melt the cheese into a glorious, gooey blanket. Serve immediately and get ready to enjoy!
Love this Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re already envisioning these delicious homemade chili cheese dogs on your next menu, make sure you don’t lose this incredible recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so you can easily find it whenever that chili dog craving hits. Share the love and save this family-favorite summer meal!
What Kind of Cheese is Best for Chili Cheese Dogs?
The choice of cheese is crucial for the perfect chili cheese dog experience, as it adds a creamy, tangy, or even spicy dimension that complements the rich chili. Traditionally, shredded cheddar cheese is the go-to, and you can customize its intensity by choosing mild, medium, or sharp cheddar to suit your preference. Sharp cheddar, in particular, offers a fantastic piquant flavor that cuts through the richness of the chili. Monterey Jack is another excellent choice, known for its superb melting properties and mild, buttery taste. For those who love a little heat, pepper jack cheese is a fantastic option, infusing a subtle but satisfying spicy kick. If you’re aiming for an authentic Mexican flavor profile, crumbling some queso blanco cheese over the top would be absolutely delicious. American cheese, while often overlooked, is also a great option, especially for its unparalleled ability to melt into an incredibly smooth and gooey texture. We always recommend grating your own cheese fresh, as it melts better and often tastes richer than pre-shredded varieties. Grate your favorite cheese and truly make these chili cheese dogs your own culinary creation!
Can I Use Leftover Chili for Chili Dogs?
Absolutely! Using leftover chili is a fantastic and convenient way to enjoy chili cheese dogs. I often make a batch of my great regular three-bean chili recipe, and we frequently use the leftovers for chili dogs. While it might not be quite as thick as this specific chili dog chili recipe, which is designed to cling perfectly to a hot dog, it still makes for a wonderfully flavorful topping. The beauty of it is that you can always adjust the consistency slightly by simmering it down a bit further if you desire a thicker sauce. Don’t hesitate to use your favorite homemade chili recipe if you happen to have some delicious leftovers on hand. It’s an excellent way to reduce food waste and create another fantastic meal with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Dogs
- What is the difference between a chili dog and a cheese coney? This is a common question, and the distinction lies entirely in the chili topping! A cheese coney is traditionally topped with a beanless chili, often referred to as coney sauce, which is essentially an all-meat topping with a looser consistency. Other popular toppings for coneys typically include finely diced white onions and classic yellow mustard, giving it a distinct flavor profile. A chili dog, on the other hand, usually features a thicker chili that contains beans and is often generously loaded with lots and lots of shredded cheese. While coney sauce and chili share similar foundational spices and savory flavors, the key difference is the texture and ingredients: coney sauce is a smoother, looser meat sauce, whereas chili for hot dogs is a more substantial, dense mixture of meat and beans.
- What kind of spices should be in chili? The heart of any great chili is its spice blend. While many believe chili powder alone is sufficient for chili seasoning, the truth is that a blend of spices truly elevates the flavor. My homemade chili seasoning recipe, found here, provides a perfect balance. Traditionally, chili seasoning contains a generous amount of chili powder, which offers the primary warm, earthy notes. However, incorporating other spices like cumin for depth, paprika for color and subtle sweetness, onion powder, and garlic powder (even if using fresh) gives the seasoning an extra boost of complex flavor. For those who enjoy a spicier chili, you can easily customize the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or increasing the amount of paprika for a richer, bolder taste.
- What is the best meat for chili & how do I cook it? Ground beef is the traditional and most popular choice for chili due to its rich flavor and texture. However, the “best” meat can often come down to personal preference and dietary needs. For leaner options, ground turkey or ground chicken are fantastic alternatives. As long as they are well-seasoned, you can achieve a very similar flavor profile to traditional beef chili. Some people even enjoy chili made with shredded chicken or pork, which creates a different, often more rustic texture that is equally delicious. To cook ground meat for chili, simply add a touch of olive oil to a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon or meat chopper, and cook until it is completely browned through, ensuring there is no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat before proceeding with the rest of your chili recipe.
Clever Substitutions to Customize Your Chili Cheese Dogs
One of the best aspects of making homemade chili cheese dogs is the flexibility to adjust ingredients to your liking or based on what you have on hand. Here are some smart substitutions to help you customize your perfect hot dog chili:
- Ground Beef: If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes. For a different, satisfying texture, consider using shredded chicken or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian chili.
- Worcestershire Sauce: If you find yourself without Worcestershire sauce, a dash of soy sauce can offer a similar savory umami depth in a pinch. For a homemade alternative, you can mix 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, and ½ tablespoon of soy sauce.
- Canned Tomato Sauce: Watered-down tomato paste is a great substitute for canned tomato sauce, especially if you want to control the consistency. For a chili with a chunkier texture, feel free to use canned diced tomatoes or even fresh diced tomatoes.
- Canned Chili Beans in Sauce: If these aren’t available, pinto beans, kidney beans, or even black beans can be substituted. To replicate the chili flavor, simply sprinkle in some extra chili powder and a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and flavor of your chili by incorporating more vegetables. Diced bell peppers (any color), corn, or even finely shredded carrots can blend seamlessly into the chili, adding sweetness and texture.
- Year-Round Enjoyment: You don’t have to wait for grilling season to savor these fantastic Chili Cheese Dogs! Hot dogs can be prepared in various ways: cook them on the stovetop, achieve a crispy exterior in your air fryer, or keep them warm and tender in a slow cooker any time of the year.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Chili Cheese Dogs
Achieving the ultimate chili cheese dog experience involves a few simple tips and tricks that elevate both flavor and convenience. Follow these suggestions to make your homemade chili dogs truly outstanding:
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Make Chili Ahead: For effortless entertaining, prepare the chili a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, or freeze it for longer storage (see freezing tips below). Simply reheat gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests.
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Grill for Superior Hot Dogs: While other methods work, grilling your hot dogs undeniably produces the best results. The smoky flavor and slight char from the grill add an irreplaceable depth that complements the rich chili perfectly.
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Toasted Buns Are a Must: Don’t overlook the bun! While your hot dogs are grilling, toss your buns on the grill grates for a minute or two until lightly toasted. This not only adds a lovely texture but also helps prevent the bun from getting soggy from the chili.
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Elevate with Extra Toppings: Take your homemade chili dogs to the next level with a variety of delicious toppings. Consider a dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, thinly sliced jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick, crunchy crushed Fritos for texture, or a drizzle of warm nacho cheese sauce for extra decadence.
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Freeze Leftover Chili for Future Feasts: Don’t let any extra chili go to waste! Leftover chili freezes beautifully and is perfect for quick future chili cheese dogs or other chili-based meals. To freeze, first allow the chili to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it into a freezer-safe zip-top bag (pressing out as much air as possible) or an airtight container. You can store frozen chili for up to six months. When it’s time to reheat, thaw the chili overnight in your refrigerator. Once thawed, transfer it to a pot and reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the chili seems too thick, add a little water or broth to ensure it’s moist and to prevent it from drying out.
More Grilling Recipes Perfect for Summer Gatherings
Summer and grilling go hand-in-hand, and once you’ve mastered these incredible chili cheese dogs, you might be looking for more ways to fire up the grill! Here are some other fantastic grilling recipes that are perfect for those warm-weather cookouts and family meals:
- Italian Sausages with Peppers and Onions (pictured above) – A classic, flavorful combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Sweet & Sticky Grilled Chicken – Marinated chicken grilled to perfection with a delightful sweet and savory glaze.
- Grilled Bratwurst Kraut Meatball Kabobs – A fun and unique way to enjoy the flavors of bratwurst and sauerkraut on a stick.
- Smoked Pork Loin – Tender, juicy pork loin infused with amazing smoky flavor, perfect for a special occasion.
Don’t wait any longer to make these mouthwatering chili cheese dogs! They are the ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to bring happy hearts and full stomachs to any backyard cookout or casual family dinner. Enjoy this timeless American classic alongside your favorite side dishes and a refreshing cold drink. It’s a meal that celebrates simplicity, flavor, and good times.
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Print Recipe
The Best Chili Cheese Dogs
Equipment
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Grill Set Heavy Duty BBQ Accessories – BBQ Tool Set 4pc Grill Accessories
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Weber Spirit S-315 Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Stainless Steel
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Meat Chopper, 5 Curve Blades Ground Beef Chopper
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- Salt & Pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 15.5 ounce can chili beans in sauce
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
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In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Add to it the paprika, chili powder and Worcestershire sauce. Stir. Add in tomato sauce and chili beans, simmer on low for 15 minutes.
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Place hot dog in bun, sprinkle generously with cheese, spoon hot chili over the top. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on August 14, 2015, as part of a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Ball Park. The opinions and text are all mine.
This post was updated to improve user experience and re-shared on May 22, 2023.