Delectable Homemade Chili Cheese Dog Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 hot dogs
  • 8 hot dog buns
  • 1 can (15 oz.) of chili with beans
  • 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 finely chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • Ketchup and mustard for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your grill or stovetop to medium heat.
  2. While heating, open the can of chili and heat it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it is hot throughout.
  3. Place the hot dogs on the grill or stovetop and cook until they are hot and slightly charred, usually about 5-7 minutes. Turn them occasionally for even cooking.
  4. While the hot dogs are cooking, melt the butter in a separate pan over medium heat, then lightly toast the hot dog buns in the melted butter until they're golden brown.
  5. Once the hot dogs are cooked and the buns are toasted, place a hot dog in each bun.
  6. Spoon a generous amount of the heated chili onto each hot dog.
  7. Sprinkle each chili dog with a quarter cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Top each chili cheese dog with some chopped onions.
  9. Add ketchup and mustard if desired.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute regular hot dogs with turkey or vegetarian hot dogs for a meat-free option.
  • Use different types of sausages, such as bratwurst or polish sausage, for a unique twist.
  • Experiment with different types of buns, like pretzel buns or whole wheat buns, for added flavor and texture.
  • Try different variations of chili, such as spicy chili, vegetarian chili, or white chicken chili.
  • Add some extra toppings like sliced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or pickles for added flavor and crunch.
  • Replace the cheddar cheese with other types of cheese like pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss.
  • For a spicier kick, mix some hot sauce or chili powder into the chili before topping the hot dogs.
  • Grill the hot dogs instead of cooking them on the stovetop for a smoky flavor.
  • For a healthier option, serve the chili cheese dogs on lettuce wraps instead of buns.
  • Make mini chili cheese dogs by using cocktail sausages or cutting regular hot dogs into smaller pieces.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the classic American comfort food with this delicious and easy-to-make Chili Cheese Dog recipe. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a party snack that everyone will love. Hot dogs are grilled to perfection, nestled in a toasted bun, and then topped with a rich chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped onions. Optional ketchup and mustard add an extra layer of flavor. Expect a mouthful of savory goodness with every bite. The recipe serves 8, but can easily be scaled up or down depending on the number of guests. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal that takes you back to fond fairground and baseball game memories. Get ready to grill, assemble, and savor!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the hot dogs? The hot dogs usually take about 5-7 minutes to cook on medium heat.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use any type of shredded cheese you prefer or have on hand.
  3. Can I use canned chili without beans? Absolutely, you can use canned chili without beans if you prefer.
  4. Do I have to toast the buns in butter? Toasting the buns in butter adds extra flavor, but if you prefer, you can simply toast them without the butter.
  5. Can I use a different type of sausage instead of hot dogs? Yes, you can use any type of sausage you like, such as bratwurst or Italian sausage.
  6. Can I skip the onions? If you're not a fan of onions, you can omit them or substitute with other toppings like pickles or relish.
  7. Can I make this recipe in the oven? While grilling or stovetop cooking is recommended, you can bake the hot dogs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  8. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the hot dogs with vegetarian or vegan hot dogs and use meatless chili instead.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or stovetop - Needed to cook the hot dogs. Choose whichever option you prefer or have available.
  • Saucepan - Used to heat the chili.
  • Pan or skillet - Required for toasting the hot dog buns.
  • Grilling utensils - Tongs or spatula for turning the hot dogs on the grill.
  • Knife - Needed for finely chopping the onion.
  • Spoon - Used to spoon the chili onto the hot dogs.
  • Cheese grater - Required to shred the cheddar cheese.

Origin stories

The chili cheese dog, also known as a coney dog, has a surprisingly disputed origin story. While it's often associated with American baseball game concessions, the exact place and creator are unknown. Some say they first popped up in Detroit, when Greek and Macedonian immigrants brought their culinary traditions, including the "Coney Island" hot dog, a dog topped with a meaty, beanless chili. Others insist it was first crafted in Coney Island, New York, hence the name. Regardless of its true origin, this twist on the classic hot dog has become a beloved American fast food staple, enjoyed at home, at sports events, and at cookouts across the nation.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.