Description
This Chili Dog recipe delivers a classic, comforting meal perfect for any casual gathering or family dinner. Toasted buns are layered with flavorful onions, fresh cilantro, ketchup, mustard, melted Mexican cheese blend, and hearty chili-topped hot dogs, then baked until hot and bubbly. An optional broil step adds an irresistible golden, crispy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Dogs and Toppings
- 8 hot dog buns
- 8 hot dogs
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Ketchup, to taste
- Mustard, to taste
Cheese and Oil
- 2½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided (2 cups + ½ cup)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or spray)
- 2 cups chili (use your favorite recipe or prepared chili)
Chili
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the assembled chili dogs to perfection.
- Heat Olive Oil: Pour the olive oil into a large nonstick skillet or griddle and set it over medium-high heat to warm and prevent sticking.
- Toast Buns: Place the hot dog buns face down onto the heated skillet just long enough to lightly toast them, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Assemble Base: Transfer the toasted buns face up onto a baking sheet with high sides or a casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the chopped yellow onion, fresh cilantro, ketchup, and mustard into each bun. Then, top each with ½ cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend.
- Add Hot Dogs: Place a hot dog into each prepared bun to build the main component of the chili dogs.
- Top with Chili and Cheese: Generously spoon 2 cups of chili over the hot dogs and buns, then sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese for a rich, gooey finish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the chili dogs for 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the chili to heat through.
- Optional Broil: For extra toasty buns, remove the foil and broil for 3-4 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning for a golden-brown crust.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the chili dogs cool at least 5 minutes before serving to ensure they are safely warm and flavors melded.
Notes
- Use your favorite homemade or canned chili for convenience and flavor customization.
- To make the dish milder, adjust the amount of chili or omit spicy ingredients in the chili.
- Try topping with jalapeños or diced tomatoes for additional flavor variations.
- Broiling is optional but gives a nice crispy cheese topping; watch closely to prevent burning.
- For a quicker option, use pre-cooked hot dogs and pre-made chili.
