Sizzling Grilled Hot Dogs with Spicy Chili and Melted Cheddar Recipe

Backyard barbecues reach new heights with these mouthwatering grilled hot dogs smothered in spicy chili and melted cheddar.

Summer gatherings deserve something extraordinary beyond standard fare.

Crispy charred edges complement the rich, zesty chili that packs a serious punch.

Melted cheddar drapes over each sausage like a golden blanket of deliciousness.

Weekend warriors and casual grillers alike will appreciate this simple yet impressive dish.

Nobody can resist the combination of smoky meat, robust sauce, and gooey cheese.

Dig in and savor every incredible bite!

Why Grilled Hot Dogs With Spicy Chili And Melted Cheddar Are Game Day Gold

• Boost Comfort Food Cravings: Indulge in a classic American favorite that delivers ultimate satisfaction with its hearty combination of grilled hot dogs, spicy chili, and melted cheddar cheese.
• Master Quick Meal Preparation: Create a mouthwatering meal in minutes with simple grilling techniques and minimal ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Personalize your chili cheese dog by adding favorite toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, or different condiments, making each bite uniquely delicious.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Impress friends and family with a crowd-favorite dish that's easy to make and guaranteed to spark joy at barbecues, game days, or casual get-togethers.

Everything You Need For Chili Cheese Grilled Hot Dogs

• Hot Dog Sausages: Classic protein base for the ultimate comfort food.
• Hot Dog Buns: Soft bread vessels that hold the loaded hot dog.
• Chili: Hearty meat sauce that provides rich flavor and spicy warmth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds creamy texture.

• Onions, Jalapeños: Fresh ingredients that provide crunch and extra heat.
• Ketchup, Mustard: Traditional condiments that enhance the hot dog's flavor profile.

• Hot Sauce, Relish, Pickles: Additional condiments that can customize the hot dog experience.

How To Cook Grilled Hot Dogs With Chili And Cheese

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Heat your grill, stovetop grill pan, or skillet to medium heat, creating the perfect sizzling environment for juicy hot dogs.

Step 2: Sear the Hot Dog Sausages

Place hot dog sausages onto the heated surface, rotating them every couple of minutes to ensure even cooking and develop beautiful char marks.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until they’re thoroughly heated.

Step 3: Warm the Spicy Chili

While hot dogs are cooking, pour chili into a saucepan and heat over medium temperature.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the chili becomes hot and bubbly.

Step 4: Prepare Hot Dog Buns

Nestle each grilled hot dog sausage into a soft hot dog bun, creating a welcoming bed for toppings.

Step 5: Layer with Chili Goodness

Generously ladle warm chili over each hot dog, covering the sausage with a rich, spicy blanket of flavor.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cheesy Delight

Shower the chili-covered hot dogs with shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to slowly melt and create a creamy topping.

Step 7: Add Optional Zesty Garnishes

• Diced onions
• Sliced jalapeños

Step 8: Drizzle Favorite Condiments

• Ketchup
• Mustard

Step 9: Serve and Devour

Plate your loaded chili cheese dogs immediately and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.

Tips For Juicy Grilled Hot Dogs With Cheddar

• Choose high-quality hot dog sausages for the best flavor and texture.
• Grill hot dogs slowly to prevent burning and achieve perfect char marks.
• Warm chili thoroughly to ensure it's piping hot and evenly heated before topping.
• Opt for freshly shredded cheddar cheese for superior melting and richer taste.
• Add extra toppings like pickled jalapeños or crispy bacon bits for more excitement and crunch.

Fun Ways To Change Up Grilled Hot Dogs

• Chili Verde Dogs: Replace traditional chili with zesty green chile sauce, topped with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro for a southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Fusion Dogs: Top hot dogs with crumbled feta, chopped kalamata olives, and tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired variation.
• BBQ Bacon Chili Dogs: Cover hot dogs with smoky barbecue chili, crispy bacon bits, and smoked cheddar cheese for a hearty, rich flavor profile.
• Jalapeño Popper Dogs: Layer cream cheese, roasted jalapeños, and crispy bacon crumbles over chili for a spicy, creamy combination.

Top Pairings For Grilled Hot Dogs With Chili And Cheese

• Pair Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA with robust flavor that cuts through the richness of chili and cheese, creating perfect balance.
• Complement with Crisp Coleslaw: Prepare tangy, crunchy coleslaw as a refreshing side that provides cool contrast to the spicy hot dog.
• Match with Pickle Spears: Add cold, briny pickle spears to cleanse the palate and enhance the overall zesty flavor profile of the dish.
• Serve with Classic Potato Chips: Grab thick-cut kettle chips for added crunch and salty dimension that rounds out the hearty meal.

Storing Grilled Hot Dogs With Cheddar Done Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover hot dogs in an airtight container, separating buns from fillings to prevent sogginess. Keep refrigerated for 2-3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual hot dogs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Separate chili and toppings before freezing.
• Microwave Reheat: Remove from refrigerator, unwrap, and place on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking. Add fresh cheese after heating.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap hot dogs in aluminum foil, place on baking sheet. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add fresh toppings before serving.

Grilled Hot Dogs With Chili And Cheese FAQs

• What type of hot dogs work best for this recipe?

All-beef or beef and pork blend hot dogs are ideal, providing rich flavor and good texture when grilled.

• Can I make this recipe if I don't have a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a stovetop grill pan, regular skillet, or even a broiler to cook the hot dogs with similar results.

• How can I prevent the hot dog buns from getting soggy?

Toast the buns lightly before adding hot dogs and chili, or use slightly crusty buns that can withstand the moisture from the chili and toppings.

• What alternatives can I use if I don't like spicy chili?

Use mild chili or replace it with vegetarian chili, bean-free chili, or even a meat sauce for similar texture and flavor profile.

Grilled Hot Dogs with Spicy Chili and Melted Cheddar Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling grilled hot dogs meet spicy chili and melted cheddar in a mouthwatering dance of flavors. Quick and easy comfort food brings hearty satisfaction to weekend cookouts, tempting you to grab another bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 hot dog sausages

Bread:

• 4 hot dog buns

Toppings and Condiments:

• 1 cup chili (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup diced onions
• 0.25 cup diced jalapeños
• Ketchup (to taste)
• Mustard (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Ignite the grill, stovetop grill pan, or skillet to medium heat, preparing for a sizzling hot dog experience.
2. Carefully position hot dog sausages on the heated surface, rotating every couple of minutes to ensure even 5-7 minute cooking with perfect charred grill marks.
3. Simultaneously, transfer chili to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and bubbling with rich flavor.
4. Transfer each perfectly grilled hot dog into a waiting bun, creating a foundation for the upcoming flavor explosion.
5. Ladle a hearty portion of steaming chili directly over each hot dog, covering the sausage generously.
6. Shower the chili-covered hot dogs with a cascading layer of shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to slightly melt from the residual heat.
7. For an extra kick, scatter finely chopped onions and jalapeños across the cheesy surface, adding texture and sharp flavor.
8. Artfully drizzle preferred condiments like ketchup and mustard in a decorative zigzag pattern for additional zest.
9. Serve immediately while hot, presenting a mouthwatering chili cheese dog ready to be devoured.

Notes

• Elevate grill marks by rotating hot dogs 45 degrees during cooking for perfect crosshatch patterns.
• Select high-quality, all-beef or specialty sausages for richer flavor and better texture.
• Make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free hot dog buns and checking chili ingredients.
• Reduce spiciness for kids by using mild chili and removing jalapeños while keeping the cheesy goodness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg