Chili Cheese Dogs

These chili cheese dogs keep things simple, grilling hot dogs until lightly charred while a pot of chili warms on the side, then layering both onto soft buns with melted cheddar. It's a fast, casual dinner that's ready in under 20 minutes, whether you use homemade or store-bought chili. Diced onions and jalapeños on top add a little crunch and heat if you want them.

Grilled hot dogs are topped with warm chili and melted cheddar for a fast, casual chili cheese dog dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fast: ready in about 17 minutes (10 min prep, 7 min cook)
• Simple: 7 everyday ingredients
• Feeds the family: 4 servings
• Light: about 382 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 4 hot dog sausages
• 4 hot dog buns
• 1 cup of your favorite chili (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (optional)
• Ketchup (mustard, or other condiments of your choice)

Instructions

1. Heat your grill, stovetop grill pan, or skillet over medium heat.
2. Place the hot dogs on the grill or in the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and marked on all sides.
3. While the hot dogs cook, warm the chili in a saucepan over medium heat until hot and bubbly.
4. Once the hot dogs are cooked, place each one in a bun.
5. Spoon a generous amount of chili over each hot dog.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the chili-topped hot dogs.
7. If desired, add diced onions and jalapeños over the cheese.
8. Drizzle with ketchup, mustard, or any other condiments you like.
9. Serve immediately.

Cooking Tips

• Warm the chili while the hot dogs cook so both are hot and ready at the same time.
• Toast the buns lightly for extra texture and to help them hold up to the chili.
• Add the cheese right after spooning on the chili so it melts from the residual heat.

Substitutions

• Turkey or veggie dogs can replace regular hot dogs.
• Any shredded cheese, like pepper jack or a Mexican blend, can replace cheddar.
• Homemade chili can be swapped in for store-bought, or vice versa.

Storage

• Best eaten fresh, since the buns can get soggy once loaded with chili.
• Store leftover chili and cooked hot dogs separately in the fridge for up to 3 days and assemble fresh.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of chips or coleslaw.
• Add extra onions and jalapeños for those who like more crunch and heat.
• Set out ketchup and mustard on the side for topping.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	382 kcal

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