Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

Name: Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 hot dog buns; 8 hot dogs ((I use all beef)); 1.5 cups chili; 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)

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Baked Chili Cheese Dogs are packed with rich meaty chili and delicious gooey cheese then oven-baked to perfection! These insanely delicious hot dogs are super easy and perfect for a family supper, game day recipe, or to serve at a picnic.

Need a guaranteed crowd please - these chili cheese dogs are just the thing! Serve these hot dogs with easy instant pot corn on the cob, a spaghetti pasta salad or a cool and creamy cole slaw! They are sure to be a hit!

A plate of baked chili cheese dogs with a bowl of slaw and relish in the background.

Why You’ll Love this Baked Chili Cheese Dog Recipe!

Simple & Easy Meal: This recipe is so simple - just place and bake. There are just a few ingredients and the steps are simple.
Customizable: You can use your favorite hot dogs or even any cooked sausage. Change up the cheese and use your favorite chili recipes you love.
Family Favorite: Everyone loves chili dogs, adults and kids alike, so it's perfect for the whole family!

It's officially summer and what says summer is better than an All American Dog - the BEST Baked Chili Cheese Hot Dogs to be exact!

This is truly one of my husband's favorite things to eat... A Hot Dog - Go Figure! Not a big juicy steak or Italian meal fit for a king!! NO - A HOT DOG! He grew up eating his dogs boiled. That totally grosses me out! I want mine grilled or pan-fried!!!

But I have officially won him over with these!

What about you? Are you a hot dog lover too?What is your favorite way to eat a hot dog?

Ingredient Notes

Hot Dogs - You really can use any brand you want to use in this recipe. I love Nathan's All Beef Hot Dogs. They are skinless, nitrate-free, and come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses.
Hot Dog Buns - Again, choose the ones your family loves the most. I like to buy a little bit more of a sturdier bun for this recipe so it can hold up to the chili.
Chili - You can make an easy homemade hot dog chili sauce, or buy your favorite canned sauce to make it easy chili. This is also a great way for using up that leftover chili. Both a bean chili or no bean type of chili work well.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese - For the most optimal melt, shredding a block of cheese will give you the best melt. If you want to keep it easy and buy pre-shredded cheese just realize there may be a difference as they usually contain caking agents however I have had great results with Sargento brand off-the-block cheese (this is not sponsored - I just love their cheese).
Toppings - Don't forget your favorite toppings!

Baked Chili Cheese Dog Ingredients - hot dogs, hot dog buns, chili, and shredded cheddar cheese.

How to make the Oven Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and instructions!

Four image collage showing the process to making baked chili cheese dogs.

Step 1 | Preheat Oven and Place Hot Dogs in Pan

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the hot dog buns in a 9 X 13 baking dish or pan.

TIP: Line the pan with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.

Step 2 | Spoon Chili and Cheese on the Top

Evenly top each hot dog with a spoonful or two of chili and top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 3 | Bake and Enjoy

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the hot dogs are fully cooked and heated through.

Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Tips

Crispy Hot Dogs: Want the hot dog to be crispy or a little charred? Pan fry, grill, bake, or air fry hot dogs before putting them in the bun to bake.

Extra Toasty Buns: Spread the bun with a little butter or spray with olive oil and place in the oven a few minutes before adding the hot dogs, chili, and cheese.

Broil: These will come out nice and melty delicious, but if you'd like the cheese just a little to brown up even more turn on the broiler for just a minute or two.

Hot dogs baked in a baking pan with chili and cheese on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best kind of hot dog to use for chili cheese dogs?

Really any kind of hot dog will work for these chili cheese dogs. I like to use an all beef hot dog like Nathan's as they are nitrate-free and have great taste. They also come in a variety of sizes that will fit nicely into a hot dog bun.

Are hot dogs gluten-free?

This will depend on the brand you choose. Just be sure check the label. These are brands that I know of that currently carry a gluten-free hot dog.

- Applegate Farms’ beef, chicken, turkey and pork varieties
- Boar’s Head
- Dietz & Watson (certified gluten free by the National Celiac Association)
- Nathan’s Famous hot dogs (produced in a gluten-free facility)
- Sabrett hot dogs

If making these gluten-free, you will need to choose a bun, chili, and cheese (shredding your own cheese will help , as pre-shredded cheese often contains gluten) that are all gluten-free.

Variations and Substitutions:

Delicious Toppings: Chili dogs are tasty on their own but even more scrumptious with the traditional toppings like ketchup, mustard, and dill or sweet relish. Onions are another favorite topping - diced yellow, white, red onion, or even sliced green onions.
Spice things up: Sliced pickled jalapenos, diced fresh jalapenos, green chilis, or even banana peppers will bring up the heat factor.
Drizzle with a Sauce: A little of your favorite hot sauce will complement these chili cheese dogs nicely. Try some ranch or blue cheese dressing with a little buffalo sauce for a new combination. A dollop of sour cream and some tortilla strips are delish too!
Add a little crunch with dried fried onions or jalapenos you can find in the salad dressing aisle at the grocery store.

An upclose image of showing glossy hot dogs smothered in chili and gooey melted cheddar cheese garnished with parsley.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers don't keep as well for this dish. However, you can adjust by only making the amount you plan to eat. If you do have leftovers you can pull the hot dog buns off and use a fresh bun when you use leftovers for best results (this will prevent a soggy bun).

Storage:

Cover with foil or plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Reheat:

To reheat individual servings, place desired amount on a microwave-safe dish and reheat. Start with 1 minute then add 30-second intervals until heated to your liking.

You can also place it in a new bun and reheat it in the oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through.

These also heat well in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4 to 5 minutes.

What to Serve:

Baked hot dogs are a nice simple supper for busy weeknights. They are perfect for a backyard bbq, game night, or picnic. Keep it easy and serve them with chips and dip and you are all set.

If you want to get a little fancy french fries or onion rings always pair perfectly. Baked beans and slaw are also traditional side dish choices. Looking for something else to serve?

How ever you serve them -this chili cheese dog bake is sure to be gobbled up! Just be sure to supply plenty of napkins!

A hot dog topped with chili and cheese set on a white plate with a bite taken from the hot dog.

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