Cheesy Baked Chili Dogs for a Crowd Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped scallions or diced jalapeños over the cheese before baking. These additions bring a fresh, spicy contrast to the rich, savory profile of the chili and cheese. Just ensure that any fresh vegetables are finely chopped so they cook through during the short baking period, maintaining the overall balance of textures.

If the cheese is not browning to the desired level, you can finish the dish by placing it under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch it extremely closely during this time, as the cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Broiling adds a nice, slightly crispy texture to the top that many find particularly appealing in this type of comfort dish.

Variations

• Spicy Chili Dogs: Incorporate diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce into the canned chili before adding it to the buns. This adds a bold, spicy kick that complements the melted cheddar and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro after baking. The cool, creamy sour cream balances the heat of the chili, while the fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the entire meal significantly.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best to remove the hot dogs from the baking dish and store them in a smaller container to prevent them from drying out.

When reheating, it is recommended to use an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave to maintain the texture of the bun, which can become rubbery if microwaved.

You can assemble the chili dogs up to 2 hours before baking, but do not add the chili until just before they go into the oven to prevent the buns from becoming too soft.

Keep the assembled dish in the refrigerator if you are not baking it immediately. If the dish is cold from the refrigerator, add an extra 5 minutes to the total baking time to ensure the center is completely heated through.

Serving ideas

Serve these chili dogs immediately while they are hot and the cheese is still gooey and stretchy. A simple side, such as a crisp green salad or coleslaw, helps balance the richness of the baked dish.

Place the baking dish on a heat-safe surface and allow guests to serve themselves, providing tongs or a spatula to make the transfer easier as the cheese will be quite sticky.

For a more complete meal, you can offer a variety of condiments on the side, such as mustard, diced onions, or pickles, allowing individuals to customize their chili dogs to their liking.

Given the heartiness of the dish, it is often best served as the main course, perhaps accompanied by some simple potato chips or a light vegetable side to round out the flavor profile and provide a nice crunch.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheesy Baked Chili Dogs for a Crowd

Prep 10 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 6 pieces hot dogs
• 6 pieces hot dog buns
• 2 cups canned chili
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the hot dog buns into the 9x13 inch glass baking dish, arranging them side by side. Insert one hot dog into each bun, ensuring they are seated firmly so the chili will stay contained during the baking process.
2. Spoon the canned chili evenly over each hot dog, making sure to cover the top of the sausage and the edges of the bun. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the chili-covered hot dogs, creating an even layer that will melt into a gooey crust.
3. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Ensure the internal temperature of the hot dogs reaches at least 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.