Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

Hey there, friend! Today, I want to share with you a recipe that always brings back fond memories for me – Baked Chili Cheese Dogs. This dish is the epitome of comfort food and is perfect for a casual family dinner or a game day feast. Trust me, once you try these cheesy, saucy delights, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This

I make this when I want to indulge in some serious comfort food. The combination of juicy hot dogs, rich chili, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. My family goes crazy for this because it’s a fun twist on traditional hot dogs and it’s so easy to customize. Plus, it’s a great dish to make for a crowd – perfect for those backyard barbecues or game day parties!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6 hot dog buns
• 6 beef hot dogs
• 1 can of chili (or homemade chili, if you prefer)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: diced onions, pickled jalapenos, mustard

Feel free to get creative with the toppings! I sometimes use sauerkraut or crispy bacon bits for an extra burst of flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own favorite combination!

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the hot dog buns in a baking dish and set aside.

2. Score the hot dogs with a knife, making shallow diagonal cuts along the length of each hot dog. This will help them cook evenly and add some extra texture.

3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the hot dogs until they are nicely browned on all sides. Remove from the heat and set aside.

4. Pour the chili over the hot dog buns, making sure to evenly distribute it. You can use canned chili for convenience, but if you have a homemade chili recipe that you love, go for it!

5. Place the cooked hot dogs on top of the chili in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot dogs, covering them completely.

6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings, like diced onions, pickled jalapenos, or a drizzle of mustard.

8. Dig in and enjoy these delicious Baked Chili Cheese Dogs!

Notes

Don’t worry if the hot dog buns get a little soggy from the chili – it adds to the overall deliciousness! If you prefer a crispier bun, you can lightly toast them before adding the chili and hot dogs.

Feel free to use turkey or veggie hot dogs if you prefer. The recipe works well with any type of hot dog you choose.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!

Variations

While the classic Baked Chili Cheese Dogs are irresistible on their own, you can always switch things up and add your own personal touch. Here are a few variations I’ve tried:

1. BBQ Bacon Dogs: Before baking, brush the hot dogs with your favorite barbecue sauce and top them with crispy bacon bits.

2. Mexican-inspired Dogs: Replace the chili with your favorite homemade salsa and top with shredded Mexican cheese blend, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.

3. Pizza Dogs: Instead of chili, spread some marinara sauce on the hot dog buns and top with sliced pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Pro Tips

I’ve learned a few lessons from my own mistakes while making Baked Chili Cheese Dogs. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve hot dog perfection:

1. Don’t skip browning the hot dogs before baking. It adds a delicious caramelized flavor that takes the dish to the next level.

2. If you want to make this dish in a hurry, you can use pre-cooked hot dogs instead. Just slice them lengthwise before placing them on top of the chili.

3. Feel free to get creative with the type of cheese you use. Pepper jack, Colby, or even a combination of different cheeses can add an extra kick of flavor.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

A: Absolutely! You can use vegetarian hot dogs and a meatless chili to make a delicious vegetarian version of Baked Chili Cheese Dogs.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: While you can technically freeze the leftovers, I find that the texture of the hot dog buns changes a bit upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but if you do freeze it, make sure to reheat it in the oven to maintain its deliciousness.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: You can prepare the hot dog buns and chili in advance, but I recommend assembling and baking the Baked Chili Cheese Dogs just before serving to ensure they are hot and the cheese is perfectly melted.

So there you have it – a mouthwatering recipe for Baked Chili Cheese Dogs that will satisfy all your comfort food cravings. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Enjoy!