Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients and fast preparation.
• Perfect for feeding a group.
• Customizable with your favorite toppings.
• Baking them ensures warm buns, fully heated hot dogs, and perfectly melted cheese.
• Great for meal prep or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Hot dog buns
• Hot dogs
• Prepared chili (homemade or canned)
• Shredded cheddar or a cheddar blend
• Onions (optional)
• Jalapeños (optional)
• Mustard or ketchup (optional)
• Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the baking dish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish and arrange the hot dog buns inside.
3. Place one hot dog into each bun.
4. Spoon chili generously over the hot dogs.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Add optional toppings such as diced onions or jalapeños.
7. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for about 20 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to melt and brown the cheese lightly.
9. Serve warm with extra toppings if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6–8 people
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~20–25 minutes
Total time: ~30–35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Chili Cheese Dogs: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Loaded Dogs: Top with diced onions, crushed tortilla chips, or pickled peppers.
• BBQ Chili Dogs: Mix a little barbecue sauce into the chili for a smoky-sweet twist.
• Turkey or Veggie Dogs: Swap traditional hot dogs for lighter or plant-based options.
• Homestyle Chili Dogs: Use thick homemade chili with beans for a heartier version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover baked chili cheese dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 180 °C (350 °F) oven for 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use canned chili?

Yes, canned chili works perfectly and keeps the recipe quick and easy.

How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Bake uncovered for the last few minutes to help crisp the tops slightly and avoid using overly watery chili.

Can I make them ahead of time?

You can assemble them earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cold.

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely. Mozzarella, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend all melt beautifully.

How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Cover with foil for most of the baking time, removing it only at the end to brown slightly.

Are these good for parties?

Yes, they’re excellent for gatherings because they’re easy to prepare in large batches and stay warm well.

Can I add toppings after baking?

Of course. Fresh onions, sour cream, or green onions make great finishing touches.

What type of hot dogs work best?

Beef,, turkey, or plant-based options all work—choose your favorite style.

Can I use homemade chili?

Yes, homemade chili adds great flavor and lets you control spice and texture.

Do the hot dogs need to be precooked?

Most store-bought hot dogs are precooked, so baking them with the chili and cheese is sufficient.

Conclusion

Baked chili cheese dogs are the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, offering all the flavors of classic chili dogs with the added benefit of oven-baked warmth and gooey cheese. Customizable, filling, and easy to prepare, this recipe is a reliable favorite for both weeknight meals and casual entertaining. Enjoy the satisfying combination of chili, cheese, and perfectly baked hot dogs in every bite.

Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

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Hearty, cheesy baked chili dogs made with soft buns, juicy hot dogs, rich chili, and melty cheddar, baked until hot, gooey, and irresistible.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 6–8 hot dog buns
• 6–8 hot dogs
• 2–3 cups prepared chili (homemade or canned)
• 1½–2 cups shredded cheddar or cheddar blend
• 1 small onion, diced (optional)
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Mustard or ketchup (optional)
• Nonstick spray or butter, for greasing dish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Grease a baking dish and arrange the hot dog buns inside.
3. Place one hot dog into each bun.
4. Spoon chili evenly over the hot dogs.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
6. Add optional toppings such as onions or jalapeños.
7. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
9. Serve warm with your favourite toppings.

Notes

• Use thick chili to avoid soggy buns.
• Cover with foil to prevent cheese from burning.
• Add fresh toppings after baking for extra texture.
• Great for making ahead—assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chili cheese dog
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg