Ingredients
Scale
- 4 hot dog sausages
- 4 hot dog buns
- 1 cup of your favorite chili (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup diced onions (optional)
- ¼ cup diced jalapeños (optional)
- Ketchup, mustard, or other condiments of your choice
Instructions
1. Cook the Hot Dogs
- Preheat your grill, stovetop grill pan, or skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, place the hot dog sausages on the grill or in the skillet.
- Cook the sausages for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re heated through and have grill marks or are nicely browned on all sides.
2. Warm the Chili
- While the hot dogs are cooking, warm the chili in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through and bubbly.
- If you’re using store-bought chili, feel free to add spices or seasonings to make it even more flavorful.
3. Assemble the Chili Cheese Dogs
- Once the hot dogs are cooked, place each one in a hot dog bun.
- Spoon a generous amount of chili over each hot dog, making sure to cover it well.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili-covered hot dogs. The heat from the chili and hot dog will help melt the cheese to perfection.
4. Add Toppings
- If desired, top your chili cheese dogs with diced onions and jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.
- You can also drizzle ketchup, mustard, or any other condiments of your choice over the top. The options are endless!
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your chili cheese dogs immediately while they’re hot, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
Notes
- Grilled Hot Dogs: If you have the option, grilling your hot dogs adds a smoky, charred flavor that elevates the overall taste of the dish.
- Use Fresh Buns: Opt for fresh, soft buns that will hold up to the chili and toppings without falling apart. For an extra treat, toast the buns lightly on the grill before assembling the chili cheese dogs.
- Customize the Chili: If you’re using store-bought chili, don’t hesitate to spice it up with additional seasonings, like garlic powder, chili powder, or hot sauce. Homemade chili can also be made to suit your taste preferences.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to try other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a cheese blend for added flavor.
- Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like sautéed onions, pickled jalapeños, or sour cream to create a personalized flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes