Delicious Sides And Drinks To Serve With Chili Cheese Dogs

Chili cheese dogs are a classic American comfort food, perfect for game days, family get-togethers, and summer cookouts. This hearty and indulgent dish combines soft bread, chunky ground beef chili, hot dogs, and melted cheese, often served with a range of sides and toppings. To elevate your chili cheese dog experience, here are some delicious pairings to consider:

- Onions and Mustard – Onions add a crunchy texture and a bite of flavor, while mustard brings brightness that cuts through the richness of the chili.

- Potato Salad – A creamy and versatile side dish that complements the savory flavors of the chili dog. Amish potato salad, with its butter, mayo, and spicy mustard dressing, is a perfect pairing.

- Macaroni Salad – A classic comfort food that goes back to basics, with tender macaroni, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing. It's a match made in heaven when paired with indulgent chili dogs.

- French Fries – Chili cheese dogs call for special fries, like sweet potato fries or chili cheese fries. Sweet potato fries offer a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spicy chili, while chili cheese fries double down on the chili experience.

- Potato Chips – Homemade potato chips are light, crunchy, and salty, providing a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili dog.

- Corn on the Cob – Roasted or grilled corn on the cob balances the savory and spicy flavors of the chili dog with its natural sweetness and juicy flavor.

- Coleslaw – A crunchy and refreshing side, coleslaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing. It offers a burst of fresh flavors and a contrasting texture to the rich, hearty chili dog.

- Cornbread – The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread complements the spicy and savory elements of the chili dog.

- Salads – For a healthier option, try a Brussels sprout salad or a sweet Mexican corn salad. A fruit salad with a honey lime dressing can also add a refreshing touch to your meal.

French fries

If you're looking for a healthier option, sweet potato fries are a great alternative. They offer a boost of fibre and antioxidants while providing a gentle sweetness that pairs well with the spicy flavours of the chili dog.

For an extra special touch, try making your own French fries at home. Homemade fries are worth the effort, especially when paired with a hearty chili cheese dog. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as Italian herbs, to enhance the flavour of your fries.

Whether you choose classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or homemade fries, they are sure to be a delicious addition to your chili cheese dog meal.

Potato salad

The key to a successful potato salad lies in the dressing. A combination of butter, mayonnaise, and spicy mustard not only enhances the flavour of the potatoes but also adds a decadent creaminess that is simply irresistible. This dressing is then tossed with starchy potatoes and eggs, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The simplicity of this dish belies its ability to satisfy a variety of palates, making it a popular choice for summer barbecues and get-togethers.

For those who enjoy a little crunch in their potato salad, adding chopped vegetables like celery or onions can provide a delightful texture contrast. The crispness of these vegetables pairs beautifully with the soft potatoes, creating a more dynamic and interesting salad. Additionally, a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as chives or parsley can brighten the flavours and add a touch of elegance to this classic side dish.

When serving potato salad with chili cheese dogs, consider plating the salad chilled or at room temperature. This temperature contrast against the warm chili cheese dogs will create an enjoyable dining experience. Whether you choose to make it simple or loaded with extras, potato salad is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences.

So, the next time you're planning a meal around chili cheese dogs, don't forget to include a helping of potato salad on the side. Its creamy texture, delightful flavours, and crowd-pleasing appeal will surely elevate your dining experience and leave your guests asking for more.

Baked beans

For an extra kick of flavour, try adding a few dashes of Tabasco to your baked beans. This spicy and tangy condiment can enhance the flavour of your chilli dog meal and add an extra fiery touch to your side dish.

When serving baked beans with chilli cheese dogs, consider serving them on the side or as a topping on the chilli dog. They can also be mixed with other side dishes, such as tortilla chips and salsa, to create a hearty and flavourful combination.

Whether you prefer them straight from the can or homemade with your special blend of spices, baked beans are a classic choice that will elevate your chilli cheese dog dining experience.

Crispy onion rings

A great side dish to go with your chili cheese dogs, crispy onion rings are a popular snack food and side dish. They are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a garnish. Onion rings are a fantastic addition to your meal and can be made at home with relative ease.

Ingredients

• Oil for frying (canola oil or another variety with a high smoke point)
• Sweet or yellow onion (the larger the onion, the better)
• Milk (any variety)
• White vinegar
• Sour cream
• All-purpose flour
• Salt (fine sea salt is preferable)
• Black pepper (freshly ground)
• Garlic powder

Optional Ingredients for Dipping Sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Worcestershire sauce
• Creamy horseradish or hot sauce
• Paprika
• Salt

Method:

• Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, ensuring there is about an inch of oil in the pan.
• In a medium bowl, mix together milk and vinegar, letting the mixture sit for 5 minutes before whisking in the sour cream.
• In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
• Slice the onion into rings, separating them from each other.
• Dip each onion ring into the milk mixture, then coat with the flour mixture. Repeat this process a second time, transferring the coated rings to a plate.
• Once the oil is hot enough (around 375˚F), carefully place 3-4 onion rings into the oil in a single layer. Fry for approximately 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is crispy and golden brown.
• Remove the onion rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
• Repeat this process until all onion rings are cooked.
• Serve the onion rings with your chili cheese dogs, and enjoy!

Tips:

• The secret to extra crispy onion rings is double-dipping. This creates a crispy crust, while the inside remains tender and sweet.
• For gluten-free onion rings, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
• If you have a deep fryer, use it! It will help monitor and adjust the oil temperature automatically.
• If you want to add some extra flavour, you can add smoked paprika and oregano to the flour mixture.

Grilled vegetables

Grilling the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky savouriness that contrasts beautifully with the rich and saucy chilli dogs. The charring from the grill also adds a nice texture to the vegetables, making them slightly crispy on the outside while retaining a tender bite.

To prepare the grilled vegetables, start by slicing the vegetables into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Toss them in a large bowl with enough olive oil to coat them lightly, then season generously. You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or an outdoor grill for cooking. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat until it's nice and hot. Place the vegetables on the grill, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for a few minutes on each side until grill marks appear and the vegetables are tender.

If you're using an outdoor grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and thread the vegetables onto skewers before grilling. This makes it easier to handle them and ensures even cooking. Grill the vegetable skewers, turning occasionally, until they're nicely charred and tender.

Once cooked, transfer the grilled vegetables to a serving platter and sprinkle them with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness. Grilled vegetables are a delicious and healthy option that will round out your meal and provide a satisfying contrast to the hearty chilli cheese dogs.

Frequently asked questions