Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dog Melt

The Ultimate Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs: A Summer BBQ Essential #MasterSummer

Ah, summer. The season of sun-drenched days, spontaneous gatherings, and the irresistible aroma of food sizzling on the barbecue. After what felt like an endlessly long winter, the warm weather has finally arrived, ushering in those blissful moments of relaxation on the patio, surrounded by loved ones. There’s a special magic about summer that makes every meal an occasion, every get-together a celebration. It’s a time when life slows down just enough for us to truly savor the simple pleasures and indulge in delicious, comforting food straight from the grill.

This post is brought to you through a wonderful partnership with Tyson, Unilever, and Bimbo. All thoughts and delicious opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands and companies that make sharing these culinary adventures possible.

Contents

Embracing the Summer Lifestyle: Our Family’s Tradition of Open-Door Hospitality

For our family, summer has always meant one thing: our home transforms into the unofficial hub for friends and family. While the colder months might see us scattering to various indoor spots, come summer, everyone knows the drill. There’s no need for an official invitation; just drop by. There’s an unspoken understanding that the pool is always open, the patio chairs are waiting, and there’s always an abundance of delicious food and refreshing drinks ready to be shared. This past winter truly tested our patience, dragging on longer than any in recent memory. In fact, when these incredible Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs were first crafted, our pool was still patiently awaiting its grand opening – the latest it had ever been. The anticipation for those long, warm evenings was palpable. But then, as if on cue, the sun broke through the clouds, the temperatures soared, and a glorious weekend finally presented itself. It was time to reclaim our patio, fire up the grill, and fully embrace the season we had yearned for.

And just like that, the familiar rhythm of summer began. The kids were home from school, filled with boundless energy. My nephew and niece, along with their family, popped in for a visit, followed shortly by my husband’s siblings and their spouses. It was a wonderful, spontaneous trickle of loved ones, all drawn to the perfect Friday night weather and the promise of good company. The air buzzed with laughter and animated conversations, creating the kind of memories that last a lifetime. These are the moments we live for: the effortless joy of shared meals and simple pleasures under the open sky, making our home truly feel like a haven for summer festivities.

Smart Summer Shopping: Stocking Up for Success at Sam’s Club

Fortunately, I was exceptionally well-prepared for this delightful influx of guests. The day before, I had made my essential monthly pilgrimage to Sam’s Club. It’s truly my secret weapon for conquering summer entertaining with ease. Loading up on all the essentials we consume in vast quantities during the warmer months isn’t just about convenience; it’s about smart savings and invaluable peace of mind. Buying in bulk at Sam’s Club saves me significant money and precious time, allowing me to always be prepared for any impromptu gathering, big or small. This particular shopping trip was even more exciting because I had a special recipe swirling around in my head for quite some time, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to fire up the grill and bring it to life. My culinary vision was to merge three absolute favorites: the comforting, gooey deliciousness of grilled cheese, the timeless appeal of classic hot dogs, and the hearty, flavorful kick of chili – all brought together in one perfectly grilled, irresistible bun.

For this innovative culinary masterpiece, I specifically sought out a few key ingredients at Sam’s Club, knowing their quality would make all the difference. I picked up succulent Ball Park Beef Franks – known for their juicy flavor and satisfying snap. I also grabbed their wonderfully soft yet sturdy Ball Park Tailgaters Brat Buns, which are perfectly sized and robust enough to hold all our delicious fillings. And, of course, a generous tub of creamy Country Crock spread was essential for that golden, crispy grilled bun texture. With these premium ingredients in hand, the stage was set for an unforgettable grilling experience. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and remarkable speed – once everything is prepped, the actual cooking time on the grill is remarkably quick, making it perfect for those moments when hunger strikes and guests are eager to dig in without a long wait.

Crafting the Perfect Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide

The secret to these sensational chili dogs is in the preparation, transforming a simple hot dog into a gourmet delight that will impress everyone at your next barbecue. Let’s walk through the easy steps to create this ultimate summer sensation, combining the best of grilled cheese and classic chili dogs.

Step 1: Preparing the Buns for Grilling Glory

Begin by gently opening each Ball Park Tailgaters Brat Bun. The goal is to create a flatter, more substantial surface for grilling, so take a rolling pin and lightly press down on the inside of the bun. This action creates a slightly wider, more stable base, ensuring it can hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart. Next, generously spread Country Crock on both the inside and outside surfaces of the bun. This crucial step ensures a wonderfully golden, crispy exterior when grilled, much like a classic grilled cheese sandwich, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture. Set these perfectly prepared buns aside, ready for their moment on the hot grates, anticipating the delicious transformation that awaits them.

Step 2: Preparing and Grilling the Ball Park Beef Franks to Perfection

Now, for the true star of the show: the Ball Park Beef Franks. Carefully slice each frank lengthwise, but be absolutely sure not to cut all the way through. You want to create a “butterfly” effect, allowing the hot dog to open up and lay much flatter on the grill. This not only ensures perfectly even cooking and a beautiful char, but it also creates a perfect, inviting pocket for the glorious cheese and chili to come. Preheat your grill to a steady medium heat, allowing the grates to get nice and hot. Place the butterflied hot dogs directly on the grill grates, listening for that satisfying sizzle. Simultaneously, place your prepared buns, buttered side down, on a Grilling Mat. This mat is essential for preventing the buns from burning or sticking, helping them achieve that perfectly toasted, golden finish without direct contact with the flames. After about two minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the hot dogs. Give the franks another minute or so to continue cooking and develop a lovely sear, then flip the buns over as well, allowing them to toast evenly on the other side. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together!

Step 3: The Melty Cheese Magic: Transforming Your Hot Dog

Once the hot dogs are beautifully browned and slightly charred, and the buns are lightly golden and toasted, it’s time for the ultimate flavor infusion – the cheese! Lay a perfectly grilled hot dog onto one side of the toasted bun. Then, with a generous hand, load it up with a hearty helping of shredded pepper jack cheese. The warmth emanating from both the hot dog and the bun will immediately begin to melt the cheese, creating a delightful, gooey base that forms the heart of this incredible dish. The subtle spice of the pepper jack cheese adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the robust beef frank.

Now, carefully fold the top side of the bun over the cheesy hot dog, creating a compact sandwich. Give it a gentle press to ensure the cheese is tucked in and ready to melt even further, fusing all the elements together. Place the folded chili dog back on the grill for about a minute or two, allowing the cheese to become perfectly gooey and bubbly, and the bun to crisp up to a beautiful golden brown. Flip it over and grill for another minute or two, creating that signature “grilled cheese style” crust on both sides. This step is absolutely crucial for achieving that irresistible combination of soft, flavorful interior and wonderfully crunchy, toasted exterior that makes these chili dogs truly special.

Step 4: The Finishing Touch – Spicy Chili and Fresh Green Onions

The final flourish truly elevates these hot dogs from great to extraordinary, adding layers of robust flavor and visual appeal. Carefully remove your beautifully grilled, cheese-infused hot dog from the grill, admiring its golden-brown perfection. Place it on a serving plate, and then generously top it with a hearty spoonful of warm, spicy chili. The savory, slightly piquant notes of the chili will mingle perfectly with the creamy melted pepper jack, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. For a fresh, zesty finish and a vibrant pop of color, sprinkle some finely chopped green onions over the chili. The crisp, verdant green of the onions provides a wonderful contrast in both texture and taste, cutting through the richness of the chili and cheese perfectly. This final touch not only enhances the flavor but also makes these chili dogs truly Instagram-worthy!

Serving and Savoring Your Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs

And there you have it – a culinary masterpiece ready to be devoured! These Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs received rave reviews from everyone who tried them, becoming an instant hit at our summer gathering. The unforgettable combination of the perfectly grilled frank, the incredibly gooey pepper jack cheese, the zesty, flavorful kick of spicy chili, and the fresh, bright bite of green onions creates an explosion of flavor that is truly unforgettable. It’s a sophisticated, yet approachable, twist on a classic comfort food, making it the perfect showstopper for any summer gathering, barbecue, or weeknight treat. Be prepared for requests for the recipe, because these are guaranteed to be a new family favorite!

Just look at that magnificent cheese pull! It’s a visual testament to the irresistible, gooey center that makes these chili dogs so utterly addictive. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: the slight crispness of the toasted bun, the satisfying snap of the juicy frank, the creamy melted cheese that stretches with every pull, and the robust, spicy chili that ties it all together. These aren’t just hot dogs; they’re an experience, a symphony of summer flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Don’t underestimate the power of a perfectly crafted, cheesy, spicy chili dog!

Your Summer Backyard Blast Starts Here: Visit Sam’s Club Today!

Don’t let another precious moment of summer slip away! Time flies by quickly, and before you know it, the grilling season will be a distant, cherished memory. Make the absolute most of these beautiful, warm months by heading to your local Sam’s Club today. Stock up on all the essential ingredients and supplies you need to host your own incredible backyard blast, turning any ordinary day into an extraordinary celebration. From the high-quality Ball Park Beef Franks to the creamy Country Crock spread, and every other delicious ingredient you might imagine for your summer festivities, Sam’s Club has you completely covered with bulk savings and convenience. Be sure to explore the dedicated Sam’s Club Webpage to discover their wide array of fantastic products, as well as inspiring and delicious recipes that your family and friends are guaranteed to love. Why settle for an ordinary meal when you can easily create extraordinary summer memories with gourmet grilled cheese chili dogs?

So, who’s ready to ignite the grill and transform an ordinary meal into a legendary summer feast with these incredible Ball Park Beef Franks? Your taste buds (and your very grateful guests) will undoubtedly thank you for this unforgettable culinary adventure!

Let’s get cooking and make this your most delicious summer yet! Enjoy every single bite.

Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs: The Ultimate Summer Recipe

Loved this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating and leave a comment below!

Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dog on a white plate, garnished and ready to be enjoyed.

Hot Dogs, Pepper Jack Cheese done “grilled cheese style” on the barbecue, topped with spicy chili and green onions. #MasterYourSummer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs

Servings: 8

Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Preparation & Cooking Times:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

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 (or similar butter alternative)
12 ounces Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
1 Can Spicy chili, warmed (adjust to your preferred heat level)
Tops of 4 green onions, finely chopped

Instructions

Open the buns and gently flatten them with a rolling pin. Spread Country Crock (or your preferred spread) generously on both sides of each bun. Set aside.
Carefully slice each Ball Park Beef Frank lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating a butterfly cut. Open them up so they lie flat.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the butterflied hot dogs directly on the grill grates. Simultaneously, place the prepared buns, buttered side down, on a Grilling Mat on the grill. Flip the hot dogs after about 2 minutes. After another minute or so for the franks, flip the buns over to toast the other side.
Lay a grilled hot dog onto one side of a toasted bun, and generously load it up with shredded pepper jack cheese. Fold the top side of the bun over the hot dog and cheese, giving it a little press. Place the folded chili dog back on the grill for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey and the bun is golden and crispy. Flip it over and grill for another 1-2 minutes.
Remove from the grill. Top each Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dog with a generous spoonful of warm spicy chili and sprinkle with fresh, chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy this ultimate summer sensation!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)