Chili Cheese Dog

Chili Cheese Dog

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Yield: 8 chili cheese dogs

Chili cheese dogs got their start in Pennsylvania around 1981, where they were first referred to as "Texas dogs" on account of their topping of Texas-style chili. Nowadays, there's as many ways to have a chili cheese dog as there are types of cheese and chili. We've made ours with an easy, basic chili sauce, shredded cheddar, onions and pickled jalapeños. Feel free to improvise on your own take.

Ingredients

For the Chili:

  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef

  • 1/2 cup diced onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 1/4 cup beef broth or stock

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Hot Dogs:

  • 8 hot dogs

  • 8 hot dog buns

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • Chopped onions, for serving

  • Pickled jalapeños, for serving

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Chili Cheese Dog ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. In a large skillet, brown the beef along with the onion and garlic until no longer pink.

    Beef, onions, and garlic in a pan

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  3. Add the tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

    chili ingredients in a pan

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  4. Simmer for 15 minutes or until thickened. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

    Chili for hot dogs in a pan

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  5. Meanwhile, prepare the hot dogs. They can be steamed on the stovetop, microwaved, or grilled according to your preference.

    Hot dogs in a grill pan

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  6. Place the warm hot dogs in the sliced buns and line up on a rimmed baking sheet. Spoon about 1/4 cup of chili over each hot dog.

    Chili Cheese Dogs on a baking sheet ready for cheese

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  7. Top each with cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the buns are warmed, about 5 minutes.

    Chili Cheese Dogs ready for the oven

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  8. Top with chopped onions and sliced pickled jalapeños, if desired. Enjoy immediately.

    Chili Cheese Dogs on a baking sheet

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

How to Store

  • This recipe for chili cheese dogs is meant to be consumed immediately, fresh from the oven. It is a great way to serve a crowd at a party.
  • Leftovers should be stored in individual containers, rather than assembled. Buns can be kept in an airtight plastic bag, while the hot dogs, chili, and cheese can all be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They can be assembled and heated in the oven whenever a craving hits.

What cheese goes on chili cheese dog?

Cheddar is the best cheese for a chili cheese dog, whether it's shredded or sliced. The hot dogs could also be topped with a warm cheese sauce, if desired.


What's the best chili for chili dogs?

The best chili for chili dogs is a matter of personal preference—it's a great way to repurpose leftover chili, or you can make a batch specifically to be used as a topping. The quick and easy chili recipe here makes the exact amount necessary to top eight hot dogs.


What goes with chili cheese dogs?

Chili cheese dogs go well with a variety of side dishes often associated with summer outdoor grilling fare. Potato salad, sliced watermelon, or even just a bag of chips are all great alongside. If you are looking for a vegetable to go with chili dogs, consider a fresh garden salad, homemade coleslaw, or a raw broccoli salad.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
480 Calories
27g Fat
35g Carbs
24g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 480
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 27g 34%
Saturated Fat 11g 54%
Cholesterol 71mg 24%
Sodium 1079mg 47%
Total Carbohydrate 35g 13%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 24g
Vitamin C 4mg 20%
Calcium 225mg 17%
Iron 4mg 23%
Potassium 495mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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