Chili Cheese Dogs (Tyler Florence)

The scent of chili simmering on the stove always takes me back to my childhood summers. We’d spend weekends at the lake, and my dad, the grill master, would always whip up a batch of his famous chili dogs. The slightly sweet and savory aroma filling the air, the juicy snap of the hot dog, the comforting warmth of the chili, and the melty cheese—it was pure summer bliss. This recipe reminds me so much of those days, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 4 beef hot dogs, about 1/2 pound
• 4 hot dog buns
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Equipment Needed

• Skillet
• Large grill pan (or outdoor grill)
• Large pot

Instructions

1. Prepare the chili: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the extra virgin olive oil. When the oil gets hazy, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with the back of a spoon. Cook until nicely browned, about 10 minutes, draining any excess fat.

3. Stir in the ketchup, chili powder, and prepared yellow mustard into the beef mixture. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chili has thickened. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.

4. Prepare the hot dogs: While the chili is simmering, prepare the hot dogs. If using a grill pan, place it on two burners over medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat an outdoor gas or charcoal barbecue until very hot.

5. Brush the grates of the grill pan or barbecue with oil to prevent the hot dogs from sticking.

6. Parboil the hot dogs: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the beef hot dogs and cook for about 5 minutes. This step helps ensure the hot dogs are heated through and plump.

7. Remove the hot dogs from the boiling water. Place them on the preheated grill or grill pan and cook just long enough to give them grill marks, about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a nice char without overcooking them.

8. Brush the insides of the hot dog buns with the remaining extra virgin olive oil. Place the buns face down on the grill or grill pan until lightly toasted, about 1-2 minutes. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.

9. Assemble the chili cheese dogs: Place each grilled hot dog into a toasted bun. Generously top with the prepared chili and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Chili Consistency: For a thicker chili, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the chili during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
• Hot Dog Quality: Opt for high-quality, all-beef hot dogs for the best flavor and texture. Hebrew National or Nathan’s are excellent choices.
• Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier chili, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chili while it simmers.
• Cheese Meltdown: For extra melty cheese, you can place the assembled chili cheese dogs under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Bun Freshness: To ensure soft and pliable buns, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for a few seconds before grilling.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these chili cheese dogs immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted. They are perfect for casual gatherings, barbecues, or a fun weeknight meal.

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chili for longer storage, up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.

Reheating assembled chili cheese dogs is not recommended, as the buns can become soggy. It’s best to store the chili and hot dogs separately and assemble fresh dogs when ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	718.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	406 g	57%
Total Fat	45.2 g	69%
Saturated Fat	15.2 g	76%
Cholesterol	112.4 mg	37%
Sodium	1601.3 mg	66%
Total Carbohydrate	41.8 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g	7%
Sugars	19.3 g	N/A
Protein	36.9 g	73%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dogs: Substitute the lean ground beef with plant-based ground beef crumbles for a vegetarian option. You can also use vegetarian hot dogs.
• Spicy Chili Cheese Dogs: Add diced jalapeños to the chili for a spicy kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a drizzle of nacho cheese sauce.
• Toppings Galore: Get creative with toppings! Consider adding diced onions, chopped tomatoes, pickled relish, or a dollop of sour cream.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hot dog buns to make this recipe gluten-free.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the chili ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The chili can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often meld together even better when the chili has time to rest.

Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat for the chili?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent the hot dogs from splitting on the grill?
A: Parboiling the hot dogs before grilling helps to prevent them from splitting. Also, avoid overcooking them on the grill.

Q: Can I use canned chili instead of making it from scratch?
A: While homemade chili is always best, you can use canned chili in a pinch. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Q: How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
A: Toasting the buns before adding the chili helps to create a barrier and prevent them from becoming soggy. Also, avoid overfilling the buns with chili.

Final Thoughts

This chili cheese dog recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of the savory chili, juicy hot dog, and melty cheese is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature chili cheese dog. Whether you’re grilling outdoors on a sunny day or enjoying a cozy night in, these chili cheese dogs are sure to bring a smile to your face. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy a truly classic American treat! And please, let me know what you think! I’d love to hear about your own personal tweaks and favorite toppings. Happy cooking!