Chilli Cheese Dogs: The Perfect Pairing For A Spicy Kick

Chili cheese dogs are a classic American dish that can be served at summer cookouts, game days, dinners, and more. They are a hearty and delicious meal, but they can be messy to eat!

While chili cheese dogs are a meal in themselves, you might want to serve them with a side of tortilla chips, onion rings, French fries, or wedges. If you're looking for a drink to go with your chili cheese dog, an ice-cold beer or a margarita are always a good choice.

Chili cheese dogs are also often served with a variety of toppings, including mustard, crispy bacon, crispy fried onions, and jalapeños. So, if you're looking to elevate your chili cheese dog, why not try adding some of these toppings?

Now, if you're getting hungry just thinking about all of these delicious options, it might be time to fire up the grill and start cooking!

Mustard and onions

The sharpness of the mustard is a great contrast to the rich, meaty chilli and the salty, savoury cheese. It adds a bright, tangy flavour that cuts through the other ingredients. It is a crucial topping, and its absence would be notable. Deli, spicy brown, and Dijon mustards are all popular choices.

Onions, meanwhile, add a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavour. They are a crucial topping, providing a contrast in texture to the soft bun and chilli, and a burst of flavour that complements the other ingredients. Onions can be fried until crispy, or used raw for a sharper taste and a satisfying crunch.

When it comes to assembling the chilli cheese dog, there are differing opinions on whether the mustard and onions should go on top of the chilli and cheese, or underneath. Some people prefer to put the mustard directly on the hot dog, then add the chilli, cheese, and onions. Others prefer to put the mustard and onions underneath the hot dog, to prevent the toppings from sliding off. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference.

Whether you prefer your onions raw or fried, your mustard spicy or mild, and your toppings on top or underneath, mustard and onions are a classic combination that perfectly complements the flavours and textures of a chilli cheese dog.

Potato or macaroni salad

Chilli cheese dogs are a hearty meal, but if you're looking for a side dish, potato or macaroni salad are two great options.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with chilli cheese dogs. It is usually made with potatoes, celery, scallions or chives, and a mayonnaise-based dressing. It is important to consider the temperature when serving potato salad, as it needs to be kept cool to prevent the mayonnaise from spoiling. This side dish is a good source of potassium, vitamin C, fibre, and protein.

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is another option that is often served with hot dogs. It typically contains cooked macaroni pasta, vegetables such as celery and carrots, and a dressing made with mayonnaise. While macaroni salad can be a tasty side dish, it is higher in calories and fat compared to potato salad.

Comparison

Both potato and macaroni salads offer a contrasting texture and flavour to the chilli cheese dogs. Potato salad is generally considered a safer option for outdoor events, as macaroni salad may spoil more quickly if not kept at the proper temperature. Ultimately, the choice between potato and macaroni salad comes down to personal preference, as both can be delicious and satisfying accompaniments to chilli cheese dogs.

Crispy bacon

Chilli cheese dogs are a hearty, comforting dish, perfect for a summer cookout or a game day. While the classic combination of a hot dog, chilli, and cheese is delicious on its own, adding crispy bacon takes this dish to the next level.

How to Incorporate Crispy Bacon

There are a few ways to incorporate crispy bacon into your chilli cheese dogs:

• Topping: Crispy bacon can be crumbled or chopped into small pieces and sprinkled on top of the chilli cheese dog as a topping. This adds a crunchy texture and savoury flavour to each bite.
• Mix-in: You can also mix crispy bacon pieces into your chilli con carne. This infuses the bacon flavour throughout the chilli and creates a more cohesive dish.
• Wrap: For an extra indulgent touch, wrap your hot dog in crispy bacon before assembling the chilli cheese dog. This not only adds flavour but also creates a unique presentation.

Cooking the Bacon

To achieve crispy bacon, there are a few cooking methods you can use:

• Pan-frying: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. This method allows you to control the doneness of the bacon and ensures even cooking.
• Oven-baking: Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil and place the bacon strips on it. Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. This method is great for making larger batches of crispy bacon.
• Microwaving: Place the bacon strips between layers of paper towels and microwave on high for 4-6 minutes, or until crispy. This method is quick and convenient, but the bacon may not get as crispy as the other methods.

Final Thoughts

When serving chilli cheese dogs with crispy bacon, consider offering some refreshing sides, such as tortilla chips, onion rings, French fries, or wedges. These dishes complement the richness of the chilli cheese dog and provide a well-rounded meal.

So, the next time you're craving a chilli cheese dog, don't forget to add some crispy bacon for that extra flavour and texture!

Potato chips

Chilli cheese dogs are a hearty meal, so you might not want to serve too many sides with them. However, if you're looking for a full spread, here are some other options that go well with chilli cheese dogs:

• French fries
• Potato wedges
• Potato salad
• Grilled potatoes
• Onion rings
• Salad, such as fruit salad or a Caesar salad
• Tortilla chips
• Crispy fried onion
• Crispy bacon
• Beer
• Margaritas

Beer or a margarita

Chilli cheese dogs are a hearty meal, but if you're looking for a drink to pair with them, you might want to consider an ice-cold beer or margarita. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a "beergarita"—a fun combination of the two.

Beer is a classic choice for cutting through the richness of chilli and cheese, providing a refreshing contrast. It's a popular option for game days and summer evenings, and it can be the perfect complement to a chilli cheese dog. Beer also tends to be a versatile option, as it goes well with various side dishes that might accompany your meal, such as potato or macaroni salad, potato chips, or fries.

On the other hand, a margarita can bring a touch of summer refreshment to your chilli cheese dog experience. The tangy, citrus flavours of a margarita can help balance the hearty flavours of the dish. Like beer, margaritas can also be a versatile choice, pairing well with a variety of side dishes. If you're feeling creative, you could even try a fun variation like a strawberry margarita to add a sweet twist to your meal.

For a truly unique experience, you might consider combining beer and margaritas to create a "beergarita." This hybrid drink involves blending tequila, lime concentrate, ice, and beer, often served in a salted glass rim. It's a fun and unexpected way to enjoy the best of both worlds and elevate your chilli cheese dog feast into a memorable event.

Frequently asked questions