Chili and Hot Dogs: A Tasty Combination
Chili is a popular meal to bring some warmth during colder months, while hot dogs on the grill are often one of the signs of summer. Combining chili and hot dogs? That’s a meal pairing that makes many people happy during any time of year. From the Chili Cheese Dog at the Freddy’s near you to your homemade chili dogs, find out why chili and hot dogs are such a tasty duo and explore recipes for this combination to try at home!
Why Do Chili and Hot Dogs Work So Well Together?
If you like chili and hot dogs on their own, then you may be curious about trying them together. Also, chili often includes flavors that are generally complementary and comparable to more traditional hot dog toppings. For example, many chilis feature ingredients like onion and tomato, along with being topped with melted cheese. People also opt for similarly sweet, tangy or savory toppings like caramelized onion, ketchup or a creamy sauce on their hot dogs. For those who like to incorporate a spicy element to as many meals as possible, chili for hot dogs is another vehicle for bringing some heat!
Beyond the flavor factor, other diners may appreciate the unique textural contrast and additional nutrients that chili can provide. The combination of chili and hot dogs may also help stretch or use up items on hand. As shared by Taste of Home, chili and hot dogs may also be a source of familiarity and comfort, since different regions across the country have their own unique variations on this dish. With so many reasons that this pairing works well together, it’s no surprise that many people choose to enjoy it!
Chili Recipes to Try with Hot Dogs
If you are craving chili dogs, you may be wondering what chili works for chili dogs. If you’ve already got a favorite can on hand or a homemade batch, you might simply put together this chili and the hot dogs that you like. For other ideas to try, check out these recipes featuring chili and hot dogs:
Bean-Free Chili: Although beans frequently appear in chili recipes, this one from Allrecipes focuses on other familiar chili basics, like ground beef, tomato and various seasonings. It’s also designed specifically for use as a hot dog topping. As shared in the notes, don’t forget that chili for chili dogs, like the chili you often eat in a bowl, can be frozen for longer storage and later use.
Chipotle and Cheese: If you want a chili and hot dog combination with some heat and a sprinkle (or more) of cheese, here’s a recipe from Food Network that may be of interest. Both the chipotle sauce and the recommended pepper jack cheese appear not once but twice in this recipe.
Slow Cooker Preparation: Slow Cooker Meals offers a chili preparation to make ahead of time, which will further tantalize diners with the prospect of chili for chili dogs. Plus, the recipe features a list of ingredients that may already be in your kitchen. There are also tips for flavor variations and substitutions to help you navigate any diner preferences.
Beans and Barbecue Sauce: As shared by Sandra Lee via Food Network, this chili for chili dogs gets its texture from two different kinds of beans and its flavor from the unique addition of barbecue sauce instead of the usual tomato sauce or ketchup. Consider exploring different barbecue sauces to experience a range of flavor nuances in this hot dog topping.
Skip the Bun: Did you just discover that there are no hot dog buns in the house? You can still have chili and hot dogs for your upcoming meal! In this recipe from Rachael Ray, the hot dogs are chopped up and incorporated into the chili. Then, the complete mixture is served on tortilla chips and finished with your choice of nacho-inspired toppings like cheese or sour cream.
Chili and Corn Dogs: With a list of only 5 ingredients, this recipe from Parade uses prepared chili and frozen corn dogs. While the directions here call for two different bakes, further simplify this approach to chili and hot dogs by using the warmed chili as a dip for the cooked corn dogs.
Our featured Chili Cheese Dog at Freddy’s includes chili, shredded cheese and diced onion, but our guests are also able to customize this dish to their preferences. Whether that’s omitting the cheese or adding bacon, you’ll be able to further refine your preferred combination of chili and hot dog. Stop by your local Freddy’s today for All-Beef Hot Dogs, Chili Cheese Dogs, and other mouthwatering menu selections!