Ah, the humble chili cheese dog—what a marvel of comfort food. Imagine biting into a bun that’s just the right amount of soft and chewy, with a juicy hot dog buried under a mountain of spicy chili and a cascade of melted cheese. It’s like a football game and a summer barbecue rolled into one bite—pure joy wrapped up in napkin-grabbing, delicious chaos. Who would’ve thought that something so gloriously messy could bring such culinary bliss?
Steps
- Begin by preparing the chili. In a saucepan, heat some olive oil and cook chopped onions until translucent. Add ground beef and spices, cooking until the meat is browned, then stir in tomato paste and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer briefly to blend the flavors.
- Cook the hot dogs to your liking, either by grilling or using a grill pan for added taste and grill marks. Ensure they are thoroughly cooked by flipping them until marked on both sides.
- Toast the hot dog buns. Heat a grill pan or skillet, add a little butter, and press the buns onto the hot surface. Toast each side briefly to give the buns a crisp texture that can hold the chili.
- Assemble the chili cheese dogs by placing a grilled hot dog in each toasted bun. Add a layer of mustard, then top with a generous scoop of chili and a sprinkle of cheese. If the cheese needs to melt, place the assembled dogs under a broiler for a minute.
- Finish by garnishing with diced onions and pickled jalapeños for added flavor and texture. Enjoy your chili cheese dogs with your favorite sides and beverages.
Ingredients
- 6-8 hot dogs
- 6-8 hot dog buns (brioche recommended)
- Yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese or another melty cheese of choice
- 1/4 white onion, minced
- Pickled jalapeños, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt, to taste
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Cayenne pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 947mg | Potassium: 457mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 278IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- What should I serve with chili cheese dogs?
- Pair your chili cheese dogs with toppings like onions and mustard for extra flavor. For sides, consider potato salad, macaroni salad, or potato chips. If you’re hosting a gathering, offering chili cheese fries can be a hit. For beverages, an ice-cold beer or a margarita would be refreshing choices.
- Can I prepare chili cheese dogs in advance?
- Yes, you can make the chili ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chili and assemble the hot dogs.
- How can I make these chili cheese dogs vegan?
- To make vegan chili cheese dogs, substitute regular hot dogs with vegan ones and use a plant-based ground meat alternative for the chili. Don’t forget to use vegan cheese as well.
- What should I do if the cheese doesn’t melt?
- If you’re having trouble getting the cheese to melt, place the assembled hot dogs under a broiler for about a minute or use a grill set to indirect heat, closing the lid for a short time. This should help the cheese achieve the perfect melt.
- Are there alternative ways to use the chili?
- Absolutely! You can serve the chili over fries or corn chips to create delicious Frito pies or chili cheese fries, perfect for a party or casual gathering.
Tips
- Ensure Proper Melting of Cheese: If you find the cheese isn’t melting well, try placing the assembled chili cheese dogs under a broiler for a minute, or on a grill with the lid closed, but not over direct heat.
- Toast the Buns for Texture: Toasting the hot dog buns not only enhances the flavor but also provides a sturdier base to support the chili, preventing them from becoming soggy.
- Prepare Chili in Advance: You can make the chili ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days. This allows you to quickly assemble the chili cheese dogs when you’re ready to serve.
- Vegan and Vegetarian Options: To make the recipe vegan or vegetarian, swap out the regular hot dogs and ground meat for vegan versions, and use a plant-based cheese substitute.
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan: For grilling the hot dogs and toasting the buns.
- Broiler: If your oven doesn’t have a broiler function, a standalone broiler might be needed.
- Saucepan: For cooking the chili.
- Butter Brush: Useful for applying butter on buns before toasting.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the hot dogs are thoroughly cooked if you’re particular about cooking temperature.
