Best Chili Cheese Dogs

Chili Cheese Dogs are an easy lunch or dinner for any day of the week. They are piled high with spicy chili, melted cheese, and fresh onion for a messy, satisfying meal that always hits the spot.

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Chili dogs are a fun meal for cookouts, parties, and game day. They bring back that ballpark feeling and show up everywhere from festivals to food trucks. Kids love them, and adults usually do too.

What You Need

• Hot Dogs: Buy your favorite hot dogs.
• Chili: Canned and homemade chili will both work; obviously, homemade chili is tastier.
• Cheese: Mild cheddar or American cheese melts the best.
• Hot Dog Buns: Top-split brioche buns hold the chili better than side-split buns.
• Onions: Chopped red or white onion are optional, but add crunch and extra flavor.
• Jalapeños: Sliced, fresh jalapeños or pickled peppers add a nice kick.

For Homemade Chili

• Ground Beef: Use 80% lean ground beef for the best flavor.
• Chorizo: Remove it from the casings before cooking.
• Onion: White or yellow onion
• Garlic: Minced garlic works well. Roasted garlic gives a milder flavor.
• Chipotle in Adobo Sauce: Gives the chili a nice, smoky heat.
• Beans: Use kidney beans, pinto beans, or black beans. Beans add protein and fiber, but they’re optional.
• Tomatoes: use chopped fresh tomatoes, crushed or whole tomatoes, Italian plum tomatoes or San Marzano work well.
• Chili Powder
• Cumin
• Mexican Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is always better
• Cornmeal: Use this at the end to finish off the chili. It gives the chili a great flavor and thickens it nicely.

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How to Make Them

For the Chili

Make the chili first. For the complete chili recipe, see our article, Chili for a Crowd or Venison Chili.

• Brown the meat in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Set aside. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent.
• Add the meat back to the pot. Stir in the chipotle peppers and sauce, tomatoes, spices, and beans if using.
• Let the chili simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Make the chili a day in advance. Store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

For the Chili Dogs

• Brown the hot dogs in a pan, grill or air fryer.
• Warm the chili in a microwave or a small saucepan on the stove.
• Toast the bun, if desired.
• Build the sandwich. Place the hot dog in the bun. Top with chili.
• Grate the cheese on top. Melt it in the air fryer or under the broiler for a minute.
• Garnish the dogs with onion and jalapeño slices.

How to Store Leftovers

Chili dogs are best when made fresh but can be reheated in the air fryer or oven until heated through.

Make the chili ahead and assemble the dogs just prior to eating.

What to Serve with Chili Cheese Dogs

Serve chili dogs with a variety of side dishes for a complete meal.

• Spicy Coleslaw
• Potato Chips
• Corn Chips
• French Fries
• Pineapple Coleslaw

Helpful Tools

• Dutch oven
• Air Fryer
• Box Grater
• Chef’s Knife

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I hope you enjoyed the recipe today.

Enjoy. And have fun cooking!

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