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The Best Chili Cheese Dogs: Your Ultimate Guide to Summertime Perfection

Imagine the sizzle of the grill, the aroma of a hearty chili simmering, and the anticipation of biting into a classic American favorite. Our recipe for The Best Chili Cheese Dogs brings all these elements together, promising a culinary experience that will have your entire family singing your praises. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple pleasures, perfect for sunny afternoons, backyard barbecues, and cozy evenings alike. With thick, flavorful chili, generously melted gooey cheese, and your choice of favorite toppings, these hot dogs transform into an unforgettable comfort food masterpiece.

Why These Easy Homemade Chili Cheese Dogs Are a Family Favorite

Chili cheese dogs are more than just a quick meal; they’re an iconic summer staple that embodies ease, impressive flavor, and pure satisfaction. Picture this: hot dogs charring beautifully on the grill while the kids splash happily in the pool. Meanwhile, you’re effortlessly preparing a batch of the best homemade chili designed specifically for hot dogs. The result? A bite of these chili-laden hot dogs is incredibly satisfying, especially after a long day of summer fun, be it baseball games, swimming, or simply enjoying good times with loved ones. Their versatility and universally loved flavor make them a go-to for any casual gathering.

We often find ourselves firing up the grill multiple times a week during the warmer months, always seeking new spins on our family favorites. Hot dogs are a dish we truly never tire of. For classic chili dogs, all-beef hot dogs consistently deliver the best flavor and texture. Whether you prefer them with just a dollop of your favorite condiment, some tangy sauerkraut, or dressed to impress with our rich chili and melted cheese, these dogs are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. I personally love my hot dogs grilled until they have that perfect slightly charred exterior – how about you? Served hot, with shredded cheese melting into the warm chili, every bite is a delightful experience.

Many people wonder what pairs well with chili cheese dogs. The great news is that they are incredibly versatile and can accompany virtually any traditional American barbecue side. Think creamy potato salad, crispy tater tots, crunchy onion rings, or even just a simple bowl of good ol’ tortilla chips for scooping up any extra chili. Chili cheese dogs are also an excellent choice for feeding a large crowd. The recipe can be easily doubled or even tripled, making it ideal for big parties and gatherings. So, invite your best friends over, fire up the grill, and enjoy these amazing chili cheese dogs this summer!

If you’re digging the chili dog vibe, don’t stop here! Be sure to explore our Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs for an exciting twist, and my Smoked Hot Dogs with Kraut for another fantastic option.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Chili for Hot Dogs

Crafting the perfect chili for your hot dogs starts with a selection of quality ingredients. While the full list with exact measurements is typically found in a printable recipe card (usually at the bottom of a post), here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for that rich, savory flavor that defines the best chili cheese dogs.

Lean Ground Beef: This forms the hearty base of our chili. While lean ground beef is recommended for its flavor and lower fat content, you can easily substitute with any ground meat you prefer, such as ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even a plant-based alternative.
Onion: Chopped onion provides essential aromatic depth. White, yellow, or red onions will all work wonderfully, each offering a slightly different flavor profile. Shallots can also be used for a milder, sweeter touch.
Salt & Pepper: The foundational seasonings that enhance all other flavors, bringing balance and zest to your chili. Adjust to your personal taste.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is always best for its pungent, aromatic qualities. It adds a layer of robust flavor that dried garlic simply can’t replicate.
Chili Powder: This spice is paramount for classic chili flavor. While many varieties exist, a good quality blend designed for chili will offer the best results. You can use any spice primarily made from chilis, but be mindful of the heat level.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the chili, complementing the chili powder beautifully.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding a profound umami depth and tangy complexity to the chili. In a pinch, soy sauce can be a suitable substitute, though it will impart a slightly different flavor.
Canned Tomato Sauce: Provides the rich, tangy base for the chili. Use your favorite brand, or if you only have tomato paste on hand, water it down to achieve a similar consistency and flavor.
Canned Chili Beans in Sauce: These beans are specifically formulated with a chili-flavored sauce, adding both texture and flavor. If unavailable, pinto beans or red beans can be used, but you might want to add a little extra chili powder to compensate for the flavor.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The quintessential cheese for chili dogs, offering a bold, tangy flavor that melts beautifully. For a spicy kick, consider using jalapeño jack cheese.
Hot Dogs: While beef dogs are often considered the gold standard for their classic flavor and snap, feel free to use any type you prefer—pork, chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian options.
Hot Dog Buns: Essential for holding all that delicious chili and cheese! Choose your favorite style, whether classic, potato, or brioche.

How to Create the Ultimate Homemade Chili Cheese Dog Recipe

Making these irresistible chili cheese dogs is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a mouthwatering meal that will become a staple in your home.

STEP ONE: Prepare the Chili Base. Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat with a touch of olive oil. Add your chosen ground meat (lean ground beef is highly recommended), along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook thoroughly, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease. Once browned, season generously with salt and pepper, then stir in the chili powder and paprika for that classic chili flavor. Finish this stage by mixing in the Worcestershire sauce, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

STEP TWO: Simmer for Flavor. Pour in the canned tomato sauce and the canned chili beans in sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for at least 15 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a rich and robust chili. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

STEP THREE: Assemble and Melt. While your chili is simmering, prepare your hot dogs. Grill them to perfection, or cook them using your preferred method (stovetop, air fryer, etc.). Lightly toast your hot dog buns, either on the grill or in a warm oven, for added texture. Once the hot dogs are ready, place each into a bun. Generously sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the hot dog, then spoon a hearty amount of your warm homemade chili on top. The residual heat from the chili will gently melt the cheese, creating that irresistible gooey goodness. For an extra melty experience, you can briefly place the assembled dogs under a broiler or in a warm oven for a minute or two, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Love Them? Pin Them!

If you’re as excited about this easy recipe for Chili Cheese Dogs as we are, make sure you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can easily find it whenever a craving strikes for this ultimate comfort food.

Selecting the Best Cheese for Chili Cheese Dogs

When it comes to chili cheese dogs, the cheese is just as important as the chili itself. Traditionally, shredded cheddar cheese is the top choice, offering a delightful tang and excellent melting properties. You have the flexibility to choose mild, medium, or sharp cheddar, depending on your flavor preference. Monterey Jack is another fantastic option, known for its superb melt. For those who enjoy a little heat, pepper jack cheese will add a wonderful spicy kick. If you’re aiming for an authentic Mexican-inspired flavor, crumbled queso blanco cheese would be a delicious addition. And let’s not forget American cheese; it’s a classic for a reason, melting beautifully into a creamy, dreamy layer. For the freshest taste and best melt, we always recommend you grate your own favorite cheese!

Can Leftover Chili Be Used for Chili Dogs?

Absolutely! Using leftover chili for chili dogs is a fantastic way to enjoy a meal with minimal effort. While I have a great regular chili recipe that we often repurpose for chili dogs, I find that it might not be quite as thick as this specially formulated chili dog recipe. The chili in this recipe is designed to be hearty and cling perfectly to the hot dog without being too runny. However, don’t let that stop you! Feel free to use your favorite leftover chili recipe if you have some on hand. If it’s a bit thin, you can always simmer it a little longer to reduce it, or stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water) to thicken it up before spooning it over your dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Cheese Dogs

What is the difference between a chili dog and a cheese coney? The primary difference lies in the chili topping. A cheese coney is typically topped with a beanless chili, often referred to as coney sauce, which is an all-meat topping with a finer texture. Popular coney toppings often include white diced onions and yellow mustard. A classic chili dog, on the other hand, features a thicker, heartier chili that usually contains beans, along with a generous amount of cheese. While coney sauce and chili share similar flavor profiles, one is a looser, meat-based sauce, and the other is a dense mixture of meat and beans.
What kind of spices should be in chili? My homemade chili seasoning recipe is a great starting point! Traditionally, chili powder is the cornerstone spice, and some believe it’s all you need. However, incorporating other spices significantly boosts the overall flavor. Common additions include cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. For those who enjoy a spicier chili, increasing the amount of cayenne pepper or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes will certainly deliver that extra kick.
What is the best meat for chili & how do I cook it? Ground beef is the traditional choice for chili due to its rich flavor and texture. However, you can use any other ground meat. Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives; with proper seasoning, they can achieve a similar delicious flavor profile. Some recipes also use shredded chicken or pork, which offer a different, stringier texture that is equally delicious. To cook ground meat for chili, simply add a small amount of olive oil to a frying pan, then cook the meat over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is completely browned and cooked through.

Smart Substitutions for Your Chili Cheese Dog Recipe

Ground beef: For a leaner option without sacrificing flavor, substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken. If you prefer a different texture, consider using finely shredded cooked chicken or pork.
Worcestershire sauce: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce makes a decent substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile. For a quick homemade version, mix 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, and ½ tablespoon of soy sauce.
Canned tomato sauce: Watered-down tomato paste can be used as a substitute. If you prefer a chunkier chili texture, feel free to use canned or fresh diced tomatoes.
Canned chili beans in sauce: If chili beans in sauce are unavailable, you can substitute with plain pinto beans or red beans. To compensate for the lost chili flavor, sprinkle in some extra chili powder and a dash of hot sauce.
Add more veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and complexity of your chili by adding more vegetables. Diced bell peppers (any color) are a fantastic addition, offering sweetness and crunch.
Cook hot dogs year-round: You don’t have to wait for grilling season to enjoy these delicious Chili Cheese Dogs! Hot dogs can be prepared just as deliciously on the stovetop, in your air fryer, or even kept warm and ready for a crowd in a crock pot any time of the year.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chili Cheese Dogs

Make chili ahead of time: For effortless entertaining, prepare the chili a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, or freeze it for longer storage. Simply reheat when you’re ready to serve your hot dogs. This allows the flavors to deepen even further.
Grill your hot dogs: For the absolute best-cooked hot dog with a smoky flavor and a satisfying snap, grilling is highly recommended. The charred marks add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Toast your buns: While grilling your hot dogs, throw your buns on the grill for a minute or two. This achieves a delightfully toasty texture that holds up better to the chili and cheese, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Jazz up your toppings: Don’t limit yourself to just cheese and chili! Experiment with additional toppings like cool sour cream, fresh green onions, thinly sliced jalapeño peppers for extra heat, crunchy crushed Fritos, or even a drizzle of warm nacho cheese sauce to elevate your homemade chili dogs.
Freeze extra chili: Any leftover chili can be easily frozen and saved for future homemade chili cheese dogs or other chili-inspired meals. To freeze, first cool the chili completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it into freezer-safe zip-lock bags (laying them flat for easy stacking) or an airtight container. Chili can be frozen for up to six months. When ready to reheat, thaw the chili overnight in your refrigerator. Pour it into a pot and reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.

More Grilling Recipes Perfect for Summer

If you’re loving the taste of summer grilling, here are a few more recipes to keep your barbecue fired up and your family happy:

Italian Sausages with Peppers and Onions (pictured above)
Sweet & Sticky Grilled Chicken
Grilled Bratwurst Kraut Meatball Kabobs
Smoked Pork Loin

There’s nothing quite like a homemade chili cheese dog to capture the spirit of summer. Make these Best Chili Cheese Dogs for your next backyard cookout, family dinner, or casual get-together. It’s a recipe guaranteed to create happy hearts and full stomachs. Enjoy this timeless American classic with your favorite side dishes and a refreshing cold drink. Happy cooking!

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Hot dogs with chili on them on a wood board

The Best Chili Cheese Dogs

Topping your favorite hot dogs with this amazing chili will have your family singing your praises! These are the BEST Chili Cheese Dogs!

Prep Time
5 mins

Cook Time
25 mins

Total Time
30 mins

Course: Beef

Cuisine: American

Keyword: best, chili cheese dog, chili cheese dog recipe, easy chili hot dog recipe, homemade chili cheese dogs, homemade chili dogs, homemade chili for hot dogs, homemade chili hot dogs, homemade chili recipe for hot dogs

Servings: 10 servings

Calories: 157 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Grill Set Heavy Duty BBQ Accessories
Weber Spirit S-315 Liquid Propane Gas Grill
Meat Chopper, 5 Curve Blades Ground Beef Chopper
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup onion chopped
Salt & Pepper
2 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 Tablespoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15.5 ounce) can chili beans in sauce
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Add to it the paprika, chili powder and Worcestershire sauce. Stir. Add in tomato sauce and chili beans, simmer on low for 15 minutes.
Place hot dog in bun, sprinkle generously with cheese, spoon hot chili over the top. Enjoy!

Notes

Makes enough chili for 10 hot dogs.

Nutrition

This recipe was originally posted on August 14, 2015, as part of a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Ball Park. The opinions and text are all mine.

This post was updated to improve user experience and re-shared on May 22, 2023.