Chili Cheese Dog Grilled Cheese Recipe

Updated on September 9th, 2025

Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that take two favorites and combine them into one, and that’s exactly what happens with this chili cheese dog grilled cheese. Instead of loading up a bun, the hot dogs, chili, and melted cheese are tucked between slices of bread and grilled until golden brown. It’s a fun twist that’s easy to make and doesn’t take much time at all. This recipe is also a great way to use leftover chili, making it feel brand new again.

Why this recipe works

• Fun mash-up of two classics: You get all the flavors of a chili cheese dog but in the form of a crispy, cheesy grilled sandwich.
• Simple ingredients with big payoff: With just hot dogs, bread, cheese, and chili, you create something that tastes like comfort food without a lot of effort.
• Customizable to your taste: You can use homemade chili or your favorite canned brand, add beans or no beans, and even try different cheeses for a new spin.
• Kid and adult friendly: This recipe has that nostalgic hot dog flavor kids love while being filling and flavorful enough to satisfy adults.
• Smart way to use leftovers: Any extra chili can be used for other meals like chili cheese fries, making this a practical and flexible recipe.

Serving suggestions

• With fries or tots: Pair your chili cheese dog grilled cheese with crispy French fries, tater tots, or even onion rings for a full diner-style meal.
• Add extra toppings: Caramelized onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce can make the sandwich even more flavorful without a lot of extra work.
• Keep it casual: This recipe works great for game day or movie night when you want something easy but fun to eat with your hands.
• Make it a meal: Add a fresh green salad on the side to balance the richness of the sandwich and round out dinner.
• Serve family style: Double or triple the recipe, slice the sandwiches into halves or quarters, and set them out on a platter so everyone can grab and enjoy.

Chili Cheese Dog Grilled Cheese Recipe

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Upgrade your grilled cheese with chili and hot dogs for the ultimate chili cheese dog grilled cheese, perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacks.

• Author: Bobby
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 Servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 3 hot dogs (sliced in half lengthwise)
• 1 can of chili
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 slices of white bread
• butter (for spreading)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add the hot dogs and cook until lightly browned on one side, flip and cook until lightly browned on the other side. Remove from the skillet.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, the chili until heated through, stirring occasionally.
3. Spread butter onto one side of each slice of bread. Top each bread slice with one slice of cheddar cheese and some of the sliced hot dogs, cut side down. Top with a little bit of the heated chili and an additional slice of cheddar cheese.
4. Heat a large skillet to medium-low heat. Place sandwiches into the skillet butter side down. Spread butter on the top of each sandwich. Cook over medium-low heat for about 6-8 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown. Turn the sandwiches and cook for 5-6 minutes longer or golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 331
• Sugar: 1.8 g
• Sodium: 769.8 mg
• Fat: 23.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 17.2 g
• Protein: 13.1 g
• Cholesterol: 65.4 mg