These Baked Chili Dogs on a sheet pan are the best chili hot dogs ever! These chili cheese dogs are topped with the best hot dog chili recipe. If you’re in the mood for comfort food (toasted buns, grilled hot dogs, best-ever chili, and of course tons of cheese) this recipe is for you!
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What’s in Chili Dogs?
An amazing chili cheese dog can turn any frown upside down! My mom’s famous chili recipe turns out to be an amazing hot dog chili recipe. I mean, if you want to eat it all on its own, just wait until you taste on top of a hot dog, covered in cheese!
- Olive Oil: Helps the buns toast without burning.
- Hot Dog Buns: You’ll need something hearty to hold in all that chili!
- Mexican Cheese Blend: Adds a Southwestern flair to these dogs.
- Hot Dogs: You’ll want bun-length hot dogs. Choose your favorite brand.
- Chili: I love using my mom’s chili recipe, but if you’re short on time, try this easy chili recipe.
- Toppings: Yellow onion, cilantro, ketchup, and mustard are my favorites, but feel free to get creative!
Notes from the Test Kitchen
Thick, comforting chili spooned over classic snappy hot dogs and topped with cheese. This ultra-meaty recipe is sure to satisfy the hungriest of guests!
Variations on a Chili Cheese Dog
To bean or not to bean? That is the real chili question. For me, chili always has beans. But for those of you that feel differently, you can make these dogs with chili con carne instead. Yes, my recipe also has beans (sorry, not sorry!), but you can easily omit them for that classic all-meat chili.
For even more meaty flavor, top your dogs with crumbled bacon. You could also swap out the yellow onion for red or white onion and the cheese blend for straight cheddar cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream for good measure, and you’ve got one tasty chili cheese dog!
Chili Dog Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or spray
- 8 hot dog buns
- 2½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend divided
- 8 hot dogs
- 2 cups Chili (click for our fave recipe!)
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Ketchup
- Mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Pour the olive oil into a large nonstick skillet or griddle set over medium-high heat.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Place the hot dog buns face down on the skillet just long enough to toast the buns.8 hot dog buns
- Place the hot dog buns face up on a baking sheet with high sides or casserole dish. Sprinkle onions, cilantro, and desired amount of ketchup and mustard into each bun. Sprinkle with ½ cup cheese.½ cup chopped yellow onion, ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, Ketchup, Mustard, 2½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Place a hot dog into each bun.8 hot dogs
- Top the hot dogs and buns generously with chili and then top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese.2 cups Chili
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- To make them even toastier, you can remove the foil and broil for another 3-4 minutes, being careful not to burn the buns.
- Allow to cool at least 5 minutes before serving.
Video
Becky’s Tips
- Nutritional information does not include optional toppings.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
Serving Suggestions
I feel like chili dogs pair so naturally with hearty potato wedges or tortilla chips for scooping up all that messy chili that ends up on the plate.
A side of coleslaw, macaroni salad, or mac and cheese would be so good! Wait, now I’m thinking about putting mac and cheese on my chili dogs… yum!
How to Make Chili Dogs Step by Step
Toast the Buns: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large nonstick skillet or griddle set over medium-high heat. Place the 8 hot dog buns face down on the skillet just long enough to toast the buns.
Fill the Buns: Place the hot dog buns face up on a baking sheet with high sides or a casserole dish. Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped yellow onions, ½ cup of chopped fresh cilantro, and the desired amount of ketchup and mustard into each bun. Sprinkle with ½ cup of shredded Mexican cheese.
Add the Hot Dogs: Place a hot dog into each bun, using 8 total.
Top the Dogs: Top the hot dogs and buns generously with 2 cups of chili and then top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese.
Bake the Dogs: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Broil and Serve: To make them even toastier, you can remove the foil and broil for another 3-4 minutes, being careful not to burn the buns. Allow to cool at least 5 minutes before serving.
How to Store and Reheat
If you think you’ll have leftovers, I recommend storing everything separately. The components will all keep for 3 days in the refrigerator, so simply assemble them starting at step 4 of the recipe when you’re ready to serve them.
How to Freeze
I don’t recommend freezing assembled chili dogs, but you can freeze the chili for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
I love an all-beef frank, but you can really use any hot dog (or sausage– I won’t tell!) here. There’s no wrong answer!
If you ask me, I’ll always say my mom’s chili is the best. It’s just so good! But if you have a favorite recipe, feel free to use it!
Yes, they are usually spicy, but that really depends on the type of chili you use. If you’re not a fan of spice, use a milder chili. If you love spice, use a hotter chili and add some pickled jalapeños or banana peppers to your dogs.
A Coney dog is topped with an all-meat chili (called Coney sauce) that’s a bit thinner than your typical chili con carne.
More Game Day Recipes To Try
- White Queso
- Baked Chicken Wings
- Stovetop Burgers
- Crockpot Ribs
- Tortilla Roll Ups
- Baked Chicken Tacos
I have so much ham in my freezer that I need to use! This will be great! Also I envy your photography. It’s so beautiful!
Thank you!
Waitress Official Broadway Tour Dates
Last time I tried making these, all that chili and cheese topping acted as an insulator and the hot dogs never got hot. The buns started drying out. Ended up microwaving them to heat up the hot dog.
Steam the dogs first.
These chili dogs look delicious can’t wait to try them btw you are one pretty young lady have a nice day.
Only you can make a hotdog pic look beautiful! Great game day recipe!
Yes! These are the best chili dogs I have come across! Perfect for game day!
You do know that doctors are saying that hotdogs are the worst thing you can feed anyone
Don’t make these then, if you don’t want to eat hot dogs. We rarely eat hot dogs, but once in a blue moon some chili dogs are just what we want! These were really great and easy. Next time I may cook the dogs in a skillet just a bit because I missed the taste of the grilled dog. Thanks for a great new method for making a lot of delicious chili dogs! :)
Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Michele!
All beef are fine. An occasional chili dog is simply good for the soul.
PERFECT football party food! LOVE!
You are seriously my favorite for posting recipes like this. <3
That is exactly how we made chili dogs for 6 people. I loved the crispy edges of he buns and dogs that got singed.
This brought back some good memories and maybe inspired a new meal for me!
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda
Thank you oh glorious internet provider for giving me the means to see these heavenly dogs!!