Loaded with hearty chili, melty cheese, and baked to perfection, these Baked Chili Cheese Dogs are the ultimate comfort food! Perfect for game days, BBQs, or casual family dinners, this easy recipe transforms classic hot dogs into a flavorful, cheesy dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melty & Cheesy – Baked with gooey cheddar for the perfect texture.
- Hearty & Filling – Topped with homemade chili for extra flavor.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Gatherings – A crowd-pleasing dish for BBQs, parties, and game nights.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or bacon.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Hot Dogs:
- 6 hot dog buns
- 6 beef hot dogs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped red onion (optional)
For the Chili:
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the Chili – In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Hot Dogs – Place hot dog buns in a baking dish. Add a hot dog to each bun, then spoon chili over the top.
- Add Cheese & Bake – Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili dogs. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and buns are slightly toasted.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with chopped red onion if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili.
- Bacon Lovers – Crumble crispy bacon over the cheese before baking.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for more flavor.
- Vegetarian Option – Use plant-based hot dogs and swap ground beef for black beans or lentils.
- Tex-Mex Style – Add chopped avocado, cilantro, and a drizzle of sour cream before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing – Freeze chili separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned chili instead of homemade?
Yes! If you’re short on time, canned chili works as a quick alternative.
What’s the best cheese for chili cheese dogs?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack also work well.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! Prepare the chili and assemble the hot dogs, then bake just before serving.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns slightly before assembling helps prevent sogginess.
Can I cook these on the grill instead?
Yes! Grill the hot dogs separately, then assemble and bake in a foil-covered dish.
What sides pair well with chili cheese dogs?
French fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a fresh green salad are great options.
How do I make this dish kid-friendly?
Reduce the chili powder and use mild cheese for a kid-approved version.
Can I use turkey or chicken hot dogs?
Yes! Any type of hot dog works with this recipe.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Place them in a serving dish and keep warm in a low oven until guests are ready to eat.
Can I add toppings after baking?
Absolutely! Try adding pickled jalapeños, sour cream, or crispy onions for extra crunch.
Conclusion
These Baked Chili Cheese Dogs are the ultimate cheesy, meaty, and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a cookout, game day, or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal!
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Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Loaded with hearty homemade chili, melty cheddar cheese, and baked to perfection—these chili cheese dogs are the ultimate comfort food for game days, BBQs, and family dinners!
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chili Cheese Dogs:
- 6 hot dog buns
- 6 beef hot dogs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Make the Chili – In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Assemble the Hot Dogs – Place hot dog buns in a baking dish. Add a hot dog to each bun, then spoon chili over the top.
4️⃣ Add Cheese & Bake – Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili dogs. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and buns are slightly toasted.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with chopped red onion if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.
- Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Toast buns lightly before baking for added crispiness.
- Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
