Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs: Your Ultimate Summer BBQ Masterpiece
Ah, summer! The golden sun high in the sky, the air filled with laughter, and the irresistible aroma of food sizzling on the barbecue. There’s nothing quite like those long, lazy days spent lounging on the patio, surrounded by loved ones, with the promise of delicious grilled treats. Summer isn’t just a season; it’s a feeling – a time for spontaneous get-togethers, making cherished memories, and enjoying the simple pleasures of outdoor living. It truly feels wonderful to welcome you back, summertime. We’ve certainly missed your vibrant energy and the joy you bring to our lives.
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Embracing the Spirit of Summer Gatherings
In our family, our home has always been the unofficial summer headquarters. While winter sees us scattering to different indoor venues, the moment the weather warms, everyone knows our backyard is the place to be. There’s an open invitation – no need to call ahead, just drop by! You can always count on an abundance of food, refreshing drinks, plenty of space by the pool, and a comfortable seat on the patio. This past winter, in particular, felt like it stretched on endlessly, making the arrival of summer even more anticipated. We hadn’t even opened our pool yet when these incredible Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs were first created, marking the latest we’d ever initiated our summer festivities. But then, as if by magic, the sun finally decided to shine, bringing with it glorious warmth and a perfect weekend for outdoor relaxation and culinary adventures.
And just like that, as the first truly warm weekend descended upon us, our usual summer crowd started to appear. My kids were home, my nephew and niece arrived with their family, followed by my husband’s siblings and their spouses. It was a delightful trickle of loved ones, all drawn to the promise of good company and great food on a perfect Friday evening. The atmosphere was simply idyllic for enjoying the outdoors, making it the ideal setting to unveil a new grilled creation that had been simmering in my imagination for quite some time.
The Inspiration: A Trio of Grill-Time Favorites
Fortunately, the day before this impromptu gathering, I had made my essential monthly trip to Sam’s Club to replenish our pantry and prepare for the seasonal shift. It’s my go-to destination for stocking up on all the bulk items we consume so rapidly during the warmer months. Shopping at Sam’s Club in bulk is not just about saving money; it’s about saving precious time and ensuring I’m always perfectly prepared for any spontaneous event or unexpected influx of guests. Knowing that my kitchen is well-supplied allows for a relaxed and enjoyable summer, free from last-minute grocery dashes.
I’ve had a brilliant recipe idea swirling around in my head for a while, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to fire up the grill and bring it to life. My vision was to brilliantly combine three all-time comfort food favorites: classic grilled cheese, juicy hot dogs, and hearty chili. But not just any combination – I wanted to elevate it into one ultimate, perfectly grilled, spicy bun creation. These Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs promise to deliver an explosion of flavors and textures, making them a sensational addition to any summer menu.
Gathering Your Essentials for the Perfect Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dog
For this incredible recipe, I picked up some key ingredients during my Sam’s Club run. You’ll want to grab a pack of delicious Ball Park Beef Franks – known for their quality and perfect snap – along with their specially designed Ball Park Tailgaters Brat Buns, which are wonderfully sturdy for holding all those delicious toppings. And, of course, a tub of creamy Country Crock spread is essential for achieving that perfect grilled cheese texture on the buns. Beyond these core items, you’ll need a generous amount of shredded pepper jack cheese for that signature spicy, melty goodness, a can of your favorite spicy chili (warmed and ready to go), and some fresh green onions for a vibrant, pungent garnish.
Once you have all your ingredients laid out, it’s time to get everything prepped. The beauty of this recipe is its efficiency; once the buns and Ball Park Beef Franks hit the grill, the cooking process moves incredibly quickly, allowing you more time to enjoy your company and the beautiful summer weather.
Crafting Your Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs: A Step-by-Step Guide
The first step to achieving that unique “grilled cheese style” bun is to prepare your Ball Park Tailgaters Brat Buns. Gently open each bun and, using a rolling pin, carefully flatten them slightly. This creates a larger surface area for grilling and allows for better cheese distribution. Once flattened, generously spread the creamy Country Crock on both the inside and outside surfaces of the buns. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown crispness and rich flavor when grilled, much like a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Set these perfectly buttered buns aside while you prepare the Franks.
Next, take your Ball Park Beef Franks and carefully slice them lengthwise, being sure not to cut all the way through. This butterfly cut allows them to open up flat, creating more surface area for grilling and ensuring even cooking, plus it creates a wonderful bed for the cheese. Place these splayed hot dogs directly on the grill over medium heat. At the same time, place your prepared buns, buttered side down, onto a Grilling Mat on the cooler part of the grill to prevent them from burning while still achieving that golden toast. After about two minutes, flip the hot dogs to grill the other side. Give the hot dogs another minute or so, then you can flip the buns to toast on their second side, developing that perfect crispy exterior.
Now for the magic moment: building your Grilled Cheese Chili Dog. Once your hot dogs are perfectly grilled and your buns are lightly toasted, lay one of the butterflied hot dogs onto one half of a bun. Then, generously load it up with shredded Pepper Jack cheese. The subtle spice of the Pepper Jack perfectly complements the savory hot dog and the smoky grill flavor. As the cheese begins to melt, it will beautifully envelop the frank, preparing it for the next delicious step.
Carefully fold the other side of the bun over the hot dog and cheese, creating a sandwich. Give it a gentle press to ensure good contact and help the cheese melt evenly. Grill for another minute or two on one side, allowing the bun to toast further and the cheese to get wonderfully gooey. Then, carefully flip it over and grill for another minute or two. The goal is a perfectly golden-brown, crispy bun with molten, bubbling Pepper Jack cheese inside. This grilling technique truly transforms a simple hot dog into an elevated culinary experience.
The Grand Finale: Topping and Indulging
Once your grilled cheese hot dog is perfectly toasted and the cheese is gloriously melted, transfer it to a plate. Now, for the final, irresistible touch: generously top it with some warm, spicy chili. The rich, savory chili adds an incredible depth of flavor and a comforting warmth that contrasts beautifully with the crispy bun and melty cheese. For a fresh, zesty finish, sprinkle a vibrant array of thinly sliced green onions over the chili. The crispness and subtle oniony bite of the green onions are the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the other ingredients, completing this magnificent creation.
And there you have it – a masterpiece ready for devouring! These Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs are not just hot dogs; they are a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. The combination of the perfectly grilled Ball Park Beef Frank, the crispy, buttery Ball Park bun, the gooey, spicy Pepper Jack cheese, the hearty chili, and the fresh green onions creates an experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Believe me, these babies earned rave reviews from all our family and friends who gathered!
I mean, seriously, just look at that incredible cheese pull! That’s the kind of irresistible goodness that defines a truly great summer barbecue experience. This recipe transforms a simple hot dog into a gourmet delight that’s perfect for any casual backyard gathering or a festive outdoor party. It’s a dish that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.
Make This Summer Unforgettable with Sam’s Club
What are you waiting for? Summer’s fleeting moments will be gone in a flash, so seize the opportunity to make the most of it! Head over to your local Sam’s Club today. It’s the perfect place to pick up all the essential ingredients for these fantastic Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs, along with everything else you need for your family’s ultimate Backyard Blast! From bulk packs of Ball Park Beef Franks and Tailgaters Buns to plenty of Country Crock and all your other summer entertaining needs, Sam’s Club has you covered. Make sure to explore the Sam’s Club Webpage to discover their extensive range of products, and check out even more unique and delicious recipes that you and your family are sure to enjoy all season long.
So, who’s ready to fire up the grill and create some truly legendary Ball Park Beef Franks? This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to elevate your summer grilling game and impress everyone with a dish that combines classic comfort with a delicious, spicy twist. Trust me, these Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs are destined to become a new favorite tradition for your summer gatherings. Get ready to Master Your Summer with unforgettable flavors!
Let’s get to it! 
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Print Recipe
Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs
Ingredients
- 8 Ball Park Beef Franks sliced in half lengthwise
- 8 Ball Park Tailgaters Brat Buns opened and pressed down slightly with a rolling pin
- Country Crock Spread
- 12 ounces Pepper Jack Cheese shredded
- 1 Can Spicy chili warmed
- Tops of 4 green onions sliced
Instructions
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Open the buns and gently flatten them with a rolling pin, then generously spread Country Crock on both sides. Set aside.
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Carefully slice the Ball Park Beef Franks lengthwise without cutting all the way through, allowing them to open up flat.
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Place the butterflied hot dogs on the grill over medium heat. Simultaneously, place the prepared buns on a Grilling Mat on the grill. After about 2 minutes, flip the hot dogs. Allow the franks to cook for about another minute, then flip the buns over to toast the other side.
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Lay a grilled hot dog onto one side of a toasted bun. Load it generously with shredded Pepper Jack cheese. Fold the other side of the bun over the hot dog and cheese, gently pressing down. Grill for 1-2 minutes until golden, then carefully flip and grill for another 1-2 minutes until the bun is crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.
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Remove from the grill, top with warm spicy chili, and sprinkle with fresh green onions before serving immediately.
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