Homemade Chili Cheese Dogs
Unfortunately here in the UK getting your hands on a decent chili dog is depressingly difficult. At a BBQ you’ll get a hot dog, a bun, some ketchup/mustard and that’s your lot. After a few trips to the US, and a lot of chili cheese dogs down, I’ve taken it upon myself to create the ultimate homemade chili cheese dog. Like all things on this blog, this recipe is utterly OTT, but mouthwatering never-the-less. Think classic chili dog, just bigger, bolder, more calories and (dare I say) more delicious 😋 At it’s absolute basic all you need is hot dogs, hot dog buns, chili and cheese. Here I offer a little something extra. Follow me…
Homemade Chili
I highly recommend whipping up a batch of homemade chili. Makes all the difference. PLUS it’s too easy not to. This chili is very similar to my homemade chilli con carne, just slightly adapted for convenience, for example no red wine. I draw the line at making chili dogs so gourmet they need red wine 😂 Here’s a couple of tips for the chili:
Stock – I recommend doubling up on the stock cubes, just for a deeper flavour. If you’re using ready made stock consider adding a Bouillon cube. Beef – Go for beef around 10-12% fat. That way you’ve got a bit of the fatty flavour, but not so much it makes the chili oily. Time – Allow the chili to simmer for at least 45mins to tenderise the beef and develop flavours. You can simmer even longer, which will make a difference, just pop the lid of so it doesn’t reduce too much.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yup! Perfect to make in advance. Just cool, cover and store in the fridge until needed or FREEZE and thaw in the fridge when needed.
How to make Chili for Cheese Dogs (quick summary)
Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
I mean realistically yes, you could just plonk the chili on top and be done with it, but who can resist the ooey gooey cheese once they’re baked in the oven?!
Toasted Buns
I highly recommend toasting the buns before you start stacking them up. This will help keep them from going too soggy and collapsing in the oven. You can do this either on a scorching hot (dry) griddle pan, under the grill or on the BBQ.
Double Cheese
Sure, cheese on top is great, but a pinch of cheese underneath the hot dog also works wonders 😏I usually go for cheddar but you can use any cheese your heart desires. Monterey Jack and Mexican Cheese Blend both work great.
Serving Chili Cheese Dogs
Look, chili cheese dogs aren’t the most glamorous things to eat at the best of times, but these are particularly intense 🤣
Chili Cheese Dog Toppings
My favourites, which absolutely take these chili dogs to the next level, are fresh jalapeño slices, crispy bacon and crispy fried onion. A lot of other recipes add things such as ketchup, mustard and/or relish, usually underneath the hot dog. But I find this distracting and unnecessary. Each to their own though!
What goes with chili cheese dogs?
Honestly? These are pretty hearty by themselves. But if you fancy a little something to go along side consider any of these:
Tortilla Chips Onion Rings Potato Salad French Fries Potato Wedges
And there we have it! The most delicious chili dogs imaginable (I mean, if I do say so myself 😁) If you’re looking for similar crazy comfort food/American style recipes then give these a ganders too!
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Buttermilk Fried Chicken BBQ Chicken Nachos Popcorn Chicken Crispy Chicken Burgers BLT Hot Dogs Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for these chili cheese dogs shall we?!
How to make Chili Cheese Dogs (Full Recipe & Video)
If you loved this Chili Dog Recipe then be sure to Pin it for later! Already made it or got a question? Give me a shout in the comments and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!
