These super cheesy and flavorful oven Baked Chili Dogs are straightforward and crowd-pleasing! It’s hard to know what to make to feed kids, especially on a school night! This recipe is at the top of my list for hot dog ideas because having a simple hot dog with ketchup and mustard gets boring.
The layers of melty cheese and savory chili add so much flavor to a simple hotdog. Baking them in the oven ensures that all of the ingredients are perfectly melted together. Add fresh toppings for crunch and you have a balanced dinner!
If you like chili recipes, you will love this crockpot chili mac, my turkey chili and biscuits or try these Homemade Hot Dog Buns!
Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe
- 30-minute meal: It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and bake these chili dogs making it ideal for a night when you don’t feel like cooking.
- Kid-approved: This is a recipe that even kids love to eat. The same goes for picky eaters!
- Budget-friendly: The ingredients in this recipe are very inexpensive, so it’s perfect for a quick, cheap dinner.
Ingredients
You only need 5 simple ingredients to pull off this chili cheese dog recipe. It’s meant to be easy so you can spend more time relaxing than in the kitchen! You may find all of these items at any grocery store.
- Hot dog buns: Any variety or brand of hot dog buns will work fine for this recipe. Even small hoagie rolls work in a pinch.
- Hot dogs: Classic, beef, or turkey hot dogs all work great. I like to use bun length when possible so there isn’t excess bread.
- Chili: Canned chili is a great shortcut for these chili dogs. Some several brands and varieties are hot, mild, with, or without beans. Use whatever you want!
- Cheese: I chose shredded cheddar for this recipe but other varieties like Colby jack, or a fiesta blend are great, too.
- Toppings: I love a good loaded hot dog. I went with the classics; tomatoes, red onion, and jalapenos. Use any of those or whatever you like. There are endless possibilities.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Taco dog: Use a Mexican blend of cheese and add toppings like salsa and guacamole for a taco-inspired hot dog.
- Vegan dog: Swap the ingredients for your vegan favorites; veggie dogs, vegan chili, and vegan cheese.
- Philly dog: Cook some bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to top the hot dog like a classic Philly cheesesteak.
How to Make Chili Dogs in the Oven
To get started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make the process easier and faster so when the hot dogs are prepped, they can start cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the toppings. Slice the fresh jalapenos, red onions, and tomatoes. Set them aside.
Step 2: Add the hot dogs and buns. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet and add the hot dogs in them.
Step 3: Top with chili. Spoon some chili over the top of each hot dog and sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top of the chili.
Step 5: Bake. Put the hot dogs in the oven and bake them for 15-20 minutes or until the hot dogs are cooked through and the cheese is melted. Top your baked chili dogs with the prepared jalapenos, onions, and tomatoes. Enjoy!
⭐️ Hint: Cooking time may vary based on your oven. I recommend placing the pan on the middle rack if possible to ensure the cheese melts well and the bottoms of the hot dog buns get some color so they are less likely to fall apart.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy these air fryer bacon wrapped hot dogs.
Storage Directions
- Storing: I recommend that you store leftovers separately if possible. You may place extra chili dogs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tightly cover them and freeze them for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Arrange them in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Place the hot dogs in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes. Microwave an individual hot dog for 60 seconds.
- Make Ahead: You may assemble the chili dogs a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.
Serving Suggestions
- Try bacon wrapped onion rings or air-fried frozen sweet potato fries for tasty side dishes instead of classic French fries.
- Make a lighter side like broccoli crunch salad or this spinach salad with goat cheese to enjoy with your chili hot dog.
- Take your chili hot dog up a notch with a drizzle of sweet and savory honey mustard mayo.
Recipe Tips
- Toast the buns: To prevent the hot dog buns from becoming soggy, toast them lightly in the oven before adding the hot dogs and chili.
- Freshly shred the cheese: Shredding cheese straight from the block is always better than prepackaged. It doesn’t have additives to keep it from sticking together so it melts easier and more evenly.
- Line your baking tray. This tip will make cleanup so much easier!
Recipe FAQs
Of course! Follow the oven directions to cook the chili cheese dogs and use your toaster oven instead.
Sure. Arrange the hot dogs in the air fryer basket, add the chili and cheese, then cook them at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.
Yes! Try this with your favorite homemade recipe or use this Crock Pot Hot Dog Chili.
Video
More Delicious Hot Dog Recipes
Do you like hot dogs? Here are some recipes you may also like to try!
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Baked Chili Cheese Dogs
Equipment
- Knife
- Baking Sheet
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 8 hot dog buns
- 8 hot dogs
- 1 15-ounce can chili
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sliced red onions
- ¼ cup sliced jalapenos
- ¼ cup sliced cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Line a 9x13 baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the hotdog buns to the baking sheet.
- Place the hotdogs in the buns.
- Top the hotdogs with the chili.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top of the chili.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the hotdog is heated through.
- Top the hotdogs with red onions, jalapenos, and tomatoes.
Notes
- Toast the buns: To prevent the hot dog buns from becoming soggy, toast them lightly in the oven before adding the hot dogs and chili.
- Freshly shred the cheese: Shredding cheese straight from the block is always better than prepackaged. It doesn’t have additives to keep it from sticking together so it melts easier and more evenly.
- Add toppings before baking: Add the onions and fresh jalapenos before baking to slightly soften them. It also keeps them from falling off.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in February 2018. It's been updated with new content, images, and an updated recipe.
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