The Best Cheeses To Top A Chili Dog

Chili cheese dogs are a classic American dish, perfect for game days, cookouts, and dinners. While there are many ways to make them, the key ingredients are hot dogs, chili, and cheese. The type of cheese you use is important, as it needs to be able to melt into the gooey, messy goodness that defines this dish. Popular options include cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican Cheese Blend. You can also get creative and use mozzarella, Colby jack, or pepper jack for an extra kick. The key to success is shredding your own cheese, as store-bought shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents and preservatives that can impact melting.

What type of cheese is best for a chilli cheese dog?

The classic American chilli cheese dog is a decadent, indulgent, and messy affair. This hearty combination of soft bread, chunky beef chilli, a hot dog, and cheese is a match made in heaven. But what type of cheese is best for a chilli cheese dog?

Cheddar Cheese

The most popular choice for chilli cheese dogs is shredded cheddar cheese. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that melts easily and has a sharp, tangy flavour. It's a natural choice for a classic chilli cheese dog, providing a gooey, stringy texture and a punchy taste that complements the other ingredients.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack is another excellent option for chilli cheese dogs. This semi-hard cheese has a mild, buttery flavour and melts beautifully. It adds a creamy texture and a subtle tang without overwhelming the other flavours.

Mexican Cheese Blend

For an extra kick of spice, a Mexican cheese blend can be a fun choice. This blend typically includes cheeses like Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Queso Quesadilla, often with added spices like jalapeño and chilli. It adds a spicy, complex flavour to your chilli cheese dog.

Other Cheese Options

While cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blends are the most popular, you can also experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella, Colby Jack, and Pepper Jack are all great choices, offering different flavour profiles and melting qualities.

Tips for the Best Chilli Cheese Dog

When making chilli cheese dogs, it's essential to use a good-quality, hearty bun that can withstand the weight of the toppings and avoid sogginess. Toasting or grilling the buns before assembly can also help prevent sogginess and add a nice charred flavour.

While the type of cheese is important, don't forget the other toppings! Chopped red onions, parsley, and jalapeño slices are popular additions that provide a crunchy texture and a spicy kick.

Chilli cheese dogs are best served warm, straight out of the oven. They are messy but incredibly tasty and worth the extra napkins!

What are some good side dishes to accompany a chilli cheese dog?

Chilli cheese dogs are a messy, tasty, classic American dish. They are bold in flavour and simple to make. They are a great option for feeding a crowd, especially at a summer party or get-together.

If you're looking for some side dishes to accompany your chilli cheese dogs, here are some ideas:

• French fries—a classic side dish that goes well with the chilli cheese dogs. You can even make them into chilli cheese fries for a fun twist!
• Potato chips—these can be store-bought or homemade. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making your own potato chips with spices like ranch or your favourite herbs.
• Salad—a light and refreshing option to balance out the hearty chilli cheese dogs. You can go for a simple fruit salad or get creative with a shaved Brussels sprout salad, a broccoli salad, or a Mexican bean salad.
• Mac and cheese—this creamy comfort food pairs well with the spicy notes in the chilli cheese dogs. You can make it from scratch or opt for a quick fix with boxed mac and cheese.
• Potato salad—a creamy potato salad is a perfect side dish for chilli cheese dogs. The Amish potato salad is a popular choice with its combination of butter, mayo, and spicy mustard.
• Corn on the cob—sweet, savoury, spicy, and creamy, Mexican corn on the cob is a tasty side dish that complements the flavours of the chilli cheese dogs.
• Onion rings—homemade onion rings are a crispy and crunchy side dish that your guests will love. Serve them with a creamy garlic dipping sauce for extra flavour.
• Coleslaw—a cool and creamy side dish that pairs well with the rich, smoky flavours of the chilli cheese dogs. You can make your own or try replicating KFC's famous coleslaw.
• Pickles—dill pickle pasta salad is a refreshing option that will add a crunchy texture to your meal.
• Cornbread muffins—when chilli is on the menu, cornbread muffins are a must-have side dish. Jiffy cornbread muffins are a popular choice as they are moist and tender.

So, there you have it! These are just a few ideas for side dishes that will complement the flavours of chilli cheese dogs and make your meal even more enjoyable. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different options to find your perfect combination.

How do you make the chilli for a chilli cheese dog?

How to Make Chili for Chili Cheese Dogs

Chili cheese dogs are a delicious, hearty meal that can be easily whipped up for a crowd. The key to a good chili cheese dog is the chili, which should be thick and chunky to ensure it doesn't soak through the bun. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the chili for the perfect chili cheese dog:

Ingredients:

• Ground beef (lean or full-fat)
• Onion (white, yellow, or red)
• Garlic cloves
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Spices (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, etc.)
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for cooking
• Beef broth or water (optional)

Instructions:

• Chop the onion and garlic cloves. If you want to use the onion as a garnish, reserve a small amount for later.
• Heat some oil in a medium-sized pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
• If using garlic, add it to the pot and cook for a few minutes.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices to the pot. Stir well to combine.
• If using beef broth or water, add it to the pot now.
• Bring the chili to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Continue cooking the chili over low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes chunky. You can also cook it longer for a deeper flavour.
• Once the chili is ready, set it aside and start preparing the hot dogs.

Tips:

• If you're short on time, you can use canned chili, but homemade chili really elevates the dish.
• The chili for chili cheese dogs should be thicker than regular chili. Adjust the amount of liquid (broth or water) you add to get the right consistency.
• You can make the chili ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days before assembling the chili cheese dogs.
• Feel free to adjust the spices and ingredients to your taste preferences.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings! In addition to cheese and chili, you can add mustard, onions, jalapeños, or even slaw to your chili cheese dog.

What are some good toppings for a chilli cheese dog?

Toppings for the perfect chilli cheese dog

The classic American chilli cheese dog is a decadent, indulgent treat. It's a messy, spicy, and filling combination of hot dog, chilli, and cheese, that is best served with a side of fries or potato salad.

Cheese

The type of cheese you use is important. You want something that will melt well and give a good gooey texture. Cheddar is a popular choice, but Monterey Jack, Mexican Cheese Blend, and Colby jack are also great options. You could even add a little cheese underneath the hot dog for an extra indulgent touch.

Chilli

You can use canned chilli to save time, but making your own is recommended to take your chilli cheese dog to the next level. A good chilli should be thick and chunky, with not too much liquid, so it doesn't make the bun soggy. You can also add extra spices like paprika, cumin, and chilli powder to give it a kick.

Other toppings

Onions are a must for that extra bite of flavour and texture. You can use red or white onions, diced or crispy fried. You could also add mustard, which adds a nice brightness that cuts through the richness of the chilli. If you want to go all out, add some crispy bacon, jalapeños, or even ketchup and relish.

Sides

Chilli cheese dogs are pretty filling on their own, but if you want to serve them with something on the side, potato-based dishes like fries, potato salad, or chips are a great choice.

Tips

• If you're making your own chilli, allow it to simmer for at least 45 minutes to tenderise the meat and develop the flavours.
• Toasting the buns before adding the toppings will help them stand up to the weight of the chilli and cheese and stop them from going soggy.
• Shred your own cheese for better meltiness.
• If you like your hot dogs with a crust, grill or bake them before putting them in the bun.
• These don't save well, so only make what you need!

How do you cook the hot dog itself?

There are many ways to cook a hot dog, and the method you choose will depend on the type of texture and flavour you want to achieve. Here is a guide to cooking the hot dog itself, detailing some of the most popular methods.

Boiling

This is a tried and tested method for cooking hot dogs and is useful if you want to cook a large batch. Fill a large saucepan with enough water to cover the hot dogs (about 1 cup per hot dog) and bring the water to a boil. Add the hot dogs one at a time using tongs, then reduce the heat and allow them to simmer for 3-6 minutes. The longer you simmer them, the crispier they will be. Once they're done, use tongs to remove them from the water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Oven-roasting

Oven-roasting is a mess-free method that is also great for cooking large batches of hot dogs. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminium foil. Place the hot dogs on the sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until you hear a sizzle. If you want to crisp the outside even more, you can broil the hot dogs for a few minutes longer.

Grilling

Grilling is the classic method for cooking hot dogs and is a great way to achieve superior texture and flavour. Heat your grill to a medium-high heat and place the hot dogs on the grill at an angle to create diagonal grill marks. Grill the hot dogs for one minute on each side.

Pan-frying

If you want a crispy frank, you can try this simple pan-fry method. Fill a skillet with 1/2 inch of water, or a few tablespoons of butter or oil, and place over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a boil and use tongs to gently add a few hot dogs at a time. Use the tongs to roll the hot dogs frequently until all sides have been browned.

Slow-cooking

Slow-cooking is a hands-off method for cooking hot dogs in batches. Stand the hot dogs upright inside your slow cooker—you don't need to add any water as the hot dogs will release steam and moisture as they warm. Heat on high for two hours or on low for four.

Air-frying

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. You can optionally place the buns in the basket and cook for two minutes, then remove them. Place the hot dogs in the basket and cook for three minutes, then transfer to the buns.

Frequently asked questions