Cheese Dog Dreams: Top Chili Cheese Choices

Chili cheese dogs are a classic American dish, perfect for game day, cookouts, and dinners. This hearty meal consists of hot dogs piled with flavorful chili and gooey cheese, all stuffed inside a toasted bun. While there are many ways to make a chili cheese dog, the type of cheese you use can make a big difference in the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Mexican Cheese Blend

Cheddar is a popular choice for chili cheese dogs, as its strong flavour and melting capabilities make it a tasty, gooey topping. It is a versatile cheese that can be shredded or sliced, and has a long shelf life.

Monterey Jack is another great option, as it melts easily and has a mild, creamy flavour. It is a good choice for those who want a cheese that won't overpower the other flavours in the dish.

A Mexican Cheese Blend can also be a tasty addition to a chili cheese dog. This blend often includes cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Blanco, and Asadero, which combine to create a creamy, slightly tangy flavour.

When making a chili cheese dog, it is important to consider the type of cheese and its melting properties. A mild cheddar or Monterey Jack, for example, will melt more easily than a sharp cheddar. Shredding or grating the cheese will also help it melt more evenly. Toasting the bun before adding the toppings can also help prevent it from becoming soggy.

Chili cheese dogs are a classic American dish that can be customised to suit individual tastes. While some people prefer the simplicity of a hot dog with just chili and cheese, others enjoy adding toppings such as onions, jalapeños, bacon, or mustard. No matter the choice of toppings, the key to a delicious chili cheese dog is finding the perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Melty cheese options

When it comes to choosing a cheese for your chili cheese dog, you want something that's going to melt well and complement the other flavours in the dish. Here are some options to consider:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for chili cheese dogs. It has a sharp, tangy flavour that pairs well with the other components of the dish. When selecting a cheddar cheese, opt for a milder variety as they tend to melt better. You can find good melting cheddar cheeses from Wisconsin, such as Weyauwega sharp cheddar or Sartori brand cheddar. If you're in Wisconsin, you could also try Vern's medium cheddar or Bucky Badger brand cheese. For those outside of Wisconsin, Tillamook cheese is a good alternative.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is another excellent melting cheese that works well on chili cheese dogs. It has a mild, creamy flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients. This cheese also comes highly recommended by some sources.

Mexican Cheese Blend

A Mexican cheese blend can add a nice kick to your chili cheese dog. It often includes a combination of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso blanco, which melt together to create a creamy, flavourful topping.

Colby Jack or Pepper Jack

If you're looking for something a little different, Colby Jack or Pepper Jack cheese can add a nice twist to your chili cheese dog. Colby Jack has a mild, nutty flavour, while Pepper Jack offers a spicy kick.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is known for its excellent melting properties and mild flavour, making it a good choice for those who want their cheese to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

When selecting a cheese for your chili cheese dog, it's best to avoid pre-shredded varieties as they often contain anti-caking agents and preservatives that can affect melting. Shredding your own cheese is a better option.

Cheese sauce

One recipe for a cheese sauce that can be used on chili cheese dogs includes the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 tablespoon of flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Another option for a cheese sauce is to use Cheez Whiz, which can be melted and poured over the chili cheese dog. This is a convenient option as it is ready-made and easy to use.

Cheese and chilli quantities

The quantities of cheese and chilli you use for your chilli cheese dogs will depend on how many you are making and how chilli and cheese-heavy you like them.

As a general rule, you will need 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of chilli and 1/8 to 1/2 a cup of cheese per hot dog. You can always add more cheese to the tray while the chilli cheese dogs are in the oven.

If you are making the chilli from scratch, you will need to make sure that you have enough to cover all the hot dogs. This will depend on how much liquid you use and how thick the chilli is. As a rough guide, a batch of chilli made with 1lb of beef mince will be enough for 6-8 hot dogs.

If you are making chilli cheese dogs for a crowd, you can make the chilli in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to a month.

Cheese melting tips

There are several factors that can impact the melting process of cheese. The biggest factors are moisture content, fat, age, and acidity. The best cheeses for melting are those with higher moisture content and lower melting points.

Melting Cheese on the Stove

Use a non-stick pan and low heat. Slowly warm the cheese and stir continuously to prevent burning. Adding a little milk or water can also help the cheese melt more easily.

Melting Cheese in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grate the cheese or cut it into small pieces. Place the cheese on a baking tray and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until melted and golden brown.

Melting Cheese in the Microwave

Cut the cheese into small pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at low power for 30 seconds or until melted, stirring every 10 seconds to ensure even melting.

Melting Cheese with a Double Boiler

Fill the bottom pot of the double boiler with water and boil it. Place the cheese in the top pot and continuously stir to ensure even melting.

Additional Tips

• Let the cheese come to room temperature before melting. Melting cold cheese can result in slow or uneven melting.
• Shred or grate block cheese before melting for faster and more even melting.
• Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can impact meltability.
• For a smooth sauce, add a little wine or beer to the cheese as it melts.
• Always melt cheese at the lowest possible heat to avoid losing moisture and fat, which can result in lumpy or greasy cheese.
• Watch the cheese closely and stir often to prevent burning.
• Remove the cheese from the heat once it is smooth and evenly melted to avoid overcooking and impacting the flavour and texture.

Recommended Cheeses for Melting

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• American Cheese
• Gruyère
• Monterey Jack
• Colby Jack
• Pepper Jack
• Swiss Cheese
• Gouda (younger varieties)
• Fontina

Frequently asked questions