If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that combines all the best flavors of a classic chili cheese dog into one irresistible bite, look no further than this Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe. These sliders are a perfect blend of soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls cradling juicy hot dogs smothered in rich chili, gooey melted cheese, and a hint of tangy mustard and fresh onion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual get-together, or just craving a fun twist on an American favorite, this recipe is an effortless way to bring everyone together around the table with smiles and satisfaction guaranteed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet unbeatable, each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe a true game changer. From the sweet softness of King’s Hawaiian rolls to the hearty warmth of chili, every component is essential.
- King’s Hawaiian rolls (12-count): Their signature sweetness and pillowy texture provide a sturdy but tender base for the slider stack.
- Hot dogs (6, sliced lengthwise): Juicy and sliced for the perfect slider fit; they offer the meaty backbone of the dish.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup, cheddar or blend): Melts beautifully over the hot dogs and chili, adding creamy, cheesy richness.
- Chili (1 to 1½ cups homemade or canned): Packed with flavor and warmth, this topping makes every bite hearty and comforting.
- Diced red onion (¼ cup): Adds a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to balance the richness of the chili and cheese.
- Yellow mustard (to taste): Brings a tangy, bright note that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter (½ stick, melted): Used in the savory glaze that crisps the slider tops perfectly as they bake.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Enhances the savory notes in the butter glaze with a gentle punch.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Adds depth and warmth alongside the garlic in the topping.
- Dried chopped chives (1 tsp): Gives a mild oniony freshness and pretty green flecks on top.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prep the rolls
Set your oven to 350°F to warm up while you prepare the sliders. This temperature is perfect for melting cheese and heating the chili without drying out those wonderfully soft rolls.
Step 2: Slice and spread mustard
Carefully slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the rolls connected so it’s easier to assemble and serve later. Spread a thin layer of yellow mustard on both cut sides — this tangy layer adds a sharp contrast that brightens every bite.
Step 3: Layer the cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar or cheese blend onto the bottom half of the rolls. This creates a melty, gooey foundation that binds the hot dogs and chili together deliciously.
Step 4: Add the hot dogs
Place the sliced hot dog halves evenly over the cheese. The hot dogs should be nestled snugly to ensure every slider gets a meaty, satisfying portion.
Step 5: Spoon on chili and toppings
Using about 1 to 1½ cups of your favorite chili, spoon it evenly over the hot dogs. Top with more shredded cheese and sprinkle diced red onions for that zesty crunch that balances the richness perfectly.
Step 6: Close and brush
Place the top half of the rolls back onto the assembled sliders. Mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried chopped chives, then brush this flavorful glaze generously over the slider tops. This step adds a savory crust as they bake.
Step 7: Bake and enjoy
Cover the sliders with foil to prevent excessive browning and bake for 25 minutes. This warming process melts the cheese, heats the chili through, and lets all those wonderful flavors meld beautifully in every bite.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off your sliders with some fresh garnishes like sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of extra chives for color and a slight kick. A dab of sour cream or a drizzle of ketchup on the side can also add fun flavor contrasts that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Serve these sliders alongside crispy fries, crunchy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness. Pickles complement the chili’s savory depth wonderfully and keep the palate refreshed.
Creative Ways to Present
For game days or parties, consider carving the sliders out of the entire roll and serving them on a big wooden board or tray. You can include small bowls of extra chili, mustard, and chopped onions for guests to customize their sliders exactly to their taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders either before or after baking. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them a convenient party-ready option anytime.
Reheating
Reheat your sliders in a 350°F oven, still wrapped in foil, for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving to maintain the roll’s texture and ensure the toppings remain delicious.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot dog buns instead of Hawaiian rolls?
You absolutely can, but Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness and softness that complements the chili and cheese perfectly, giving these sliders their signature charm.
Is homemade chili better than canned for this recipe?
Homemade chili adds a fresh and customizable flavor, but a good quality canned chili works great in a pinch and makes the recipe even easier to throw together.
How spicy are these sliders?
The spice level depends largely on the chili you choose. You can control the heat by either using a mild chili or adding some spicy ingredients like jalapeños if you want a kick.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap the hot dogs for vegetarian sausages and use a vegetarian chili. They’ll still be just as cheesy and full of flavor.
What cheese is best for melting?
Cheddar is classic and melts well, but blends with Monterey Jack or mozzarella create extra gooeyness that’s perfect for these sliders.
Final Thoughts
These Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe are an absolute must-try for any occasion that calls for comfort food with a fun, retro twist. Simple to assemble, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles, these sliders transform classic ingredients into a vibrant, cheesy celebration. I can’t wait for you to try them and watch your friends and family dig in with the same excitement I always do!
Print
Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chili Cheese Dog Sliders combine soft King’s Hawaiian rolls, savory sliced hot dogs, melted cheese, and hearty chili to create an irresistible party favorite. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings, these sliders deliver a tasty twist on the classic hot dog with a cheesy, flavorful topping and a buttery, seasoned finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pack King’s Hawaiian rolls (12-count)
- 6 hot dogs, sliced lengthwise
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or blend)
- 1 – 1½ cups chili (homemade or canned)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Yellow mustard (to taste)
For the Topping
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried chopped chives
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time the sliders are assembled.
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the rolls connected to form a slab. Spread yellow mustard generously on both the top and bottom cut sides.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly on the bottom half of the sliced rolls to create a cheesy base layer.
- Layer Hot Dogs: Place the sliced hot dog halves evenly across the cheese-layered bottom rolls to ensure every slider has a good portion.
- Top with Chili and Onions: Spoon the chili evenly over the hot dogs, making sure all parts are covered, then sprinkle the diced red onions and remaining shredded cheese over the chili.
- Close Rolls: Carefully place the top half of the rolls back onto the layered bottom half to form the sliders.
- Prepare Butter Topping and Brush: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried chopped chives. Brush this flavorful butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls to add moisture and flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the assembled sliders with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted fully and the sliders are heated through.
Notes
- You can use homemade chili or a canned variety, depending on your preference or time constraints.
- For an extra kick, add jalapeño slices or hot sauce to the chili topping.
- Make sure not to slice the rolls completely through to keep the sliders intact.
- Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat covered to keep rolls moist.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with a cheese blend for different flavor nuances.
