These Cheesy Chili Dog Cups are a fun twist on your favorite hot dogs! With a flaky dough wrapped around spicy chili and gooey cheese, they’re full of flavor and simply delightful!
Perfect for parties or a cozy movie night, everyone will love these little bites. Just beware of the cheese stretch—it might end up on your shirt instead of in your mouth! 😄
Making these is super easy! I like to serve them with a side of ketchup and mustard. They disappear in no time—trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll or Biscuit Dough: This forms the base of your cups. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you might use whole wheat dough or a gluten-free alternative if needed.
Hot Dogs: Standard beef hot dogs are great, but feel free to use turkey, chicken, or even meatless options like veggie dogs for a healthier twist.
Chili: Canned chili is quick and handy! If you prefer homemade, you can make it as spicy or mild as you like. For a veggie-friendly option, consider using bean chili.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a lovely sharp flavor, but you could swap it with Monterey Jack or even Pepper Jack for some heat.
Green Onions: These give a fresh crunch, but you could replace them with diced tomatoes or fresh cilantro if you prefer.
How Do You Make Sure the Dough is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the dough just right is key for these Cheesy Chili Dog Cups! Here are some handy tips:
- Preheating your oven is crucial. A hot oven ensures even cooking.
- Grease your muffin tin well. This helps the cups release easily.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Start checking around the 12-minute mark. The cups should be golden brown!
- Let them cool slightly before serving. This allows everything to set a bit and makes them easier to handle.
How to Make Cheesy Chili Dog Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cups:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or biscuit dough
- 6 hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
For The Filling:
- 1 cup chili (canned or homemade, with or without beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For The Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- Optional: mustard, ketchup, or relish for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to bake in the oven, so you’ll have delicious Cheesy Chili Dog Cups ready to enjoy in about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick snack, party, or game day treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a muffin tin to ensure your cups come out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll or biscuit dough and separate it into individual triangles or rounds. This will be the base of your cups!
3. Shape the Cups:
Press each piece of dough into the muffin tin cups to create small “cups” that will hold the filling. Make sure to cover the bottom and up the sides.
4. Add Hot Dogs:
Place a few slices of hot dog into each dough cup. Don’t be shy—load them up for a meaty bite!
5. Spoon in the Chili:
Now, spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of chili over the hot dogs in each cup. The amount is up to you, just make sure not to overflow the cups.
6. Top with Cheese:
Top each cup generously with shredded cheddar cheese. The more cheese, the better!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cups cool for a couple of minutes. Then, garnish each Cheesy Chili Dog Cup with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm, and don’t forget to add optional sides of mustard, ketchup, or relish for dipping!
Enjoy these cheesy, savory, and fun bite-sized treats as an appetizer or snack that everyone will love! Perfect for sharing (or not)! 😊
Can I Use Different Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While crescent roll or biscuit dough is recommended for a flaky texture, you can use pizza dough or puff pastry as well for a different twist. Just keep the baking time in mind as it may vary slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesy Chili Dog Cups?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
Can I Freeze These Cups?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking, let the cups cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the hot dogs with vegetarian sausage or use additional veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, along with the chili. Just make sure your chili is meat-free as well!
