Best Chili Cheese Dogs

The best Chili Cheese Dogs with a robust hearty thick chili over grilled hot dogs and topped with plenty of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.

Course main meal

Cuisine American

Keyword best chili cheese dogs, chili cheese dog bake, chili cheese hot dog

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 602kcal

Author Beth Pierce

Preheat gas grill to 425 degrees.
If necessary cut buns (not all the way through) and reheat chili. Grill the hot dogs until lightly charred: about 10 minutes.
Cover large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange hot dog buns on baking sheet cut side up. Using the broiler brown the buns rotating the baking sheet several times.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread half of each cheese evenly over the inside of the buns. Add the grilled hot dogs and any condiments. Top with 1/3 cup chili and the remaining cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
Top with onions and any other desired toppings. Serve promptly.

Choose good quality all beef or turkey franks that are nitrate free and uncured. There are plenty of great choices available for everyone's taste.
Buy bun length hot dogs so you get a little bit in every bite.
When toasting the buns under the broiler stay close by as broilers are very unpredictable.
I like to grill the dogs to bring out all the delicious flavors but you could microwave, pan fry or boil them.
Use a good thick chili so you don't end up with soggy buns. The best way to thicken chili is too cook it low and slow.
I like to use a mixture of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese but you could also use Pepper Jack and/or white cheddar.
To freeze chili store in heavy duty freezer bags. Lay the freezer bags flat on a baking sheet and freeze. Then store in the freezer stacked for up to 3 months.
Do you really want to impress your friends and family? See my section on flavor additions.