Chili Dogs for a Crowd

Rumor has it there’s this big football game happening next weekend. Apparently lots and lots of people will be watching and Bruno Mars is performing at half-time so it must be a really big deal. I have to admit, I’m not a very big football fan (can you tell?) but I happen to be married to one so I’ll be watching the Bruno Mars Show, whoops – I mean the Super Bowl – right along with him. I love Bruno Mars (can you tell?).

Chili Dogs For a Crowd

Since we’ll be watching football, it’s time to talk about football food. The idea of baking a batch of chili dogs in the oven has been floating around from blog to blog for quite some time. If you like to gaze at zillions of pictures of food on Pinterest when you wake up in the middle of the night, like I do, you may have seen something similar. This one pan method means incredibly easy cleanup which is always a huge bonus in my book.

Here’s my take on it.

Chili Dogs For a Crowd

You’ll need the usual suspects – hot dogs, buns, a can of chili with beans or without (whatever you like), shredded cheddar and jack cheese, and a red onion.

Here’s the ingredient that I think makes these so special – Mezzetta Deli Sliced Jalapeno Peppers. I’m using the “Tamed” variety which adds tons of flavor and just a touch of heat. If you like these very spicy, go with the “Hot”. But be warned, “Hot” is HOT!

Chili Dogs For a Crowd

The pan you see above is a skosh bigger than 13″ x 9″ which is just perfect to fit 8 hot dogs. If you have something similar, go with it. If not, just grab your 13″ x 9″. If they are too squished, just do 7. Line the dish with foil and then place the buns with hot dogs inside.

Chili Dogs For a Crowd

Divide the chili, straight from the can, evenly between the hot dogs.

Chili Dogs For a Crowd

Next, top it all of with some shredded cheddar and jack cheese.

Chili Dogs For a Crowd-040.jpg

Scatter some diced red onion and diced jalapeno peppers over the top of it all. Cover the pan with a large piece of foil that has been coated on the underside with some non-stick cooking spray so that none of that glorious cheese will stick to the foil when you remove it later.

Chili Dogs For a Crowd

After 30 minutes in the oven you’re ready to serve.

Chili Dogs For a Crowd

Chili Dogs For a Crowd

The chili dog. Universally loved. Quickly consumed. You might want to make two batches.

Chili Dogs for a Crowd

4.50 from 18 votes
Servings: 8 chili dogs
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
An easy, one dish method for baking up a batch of classic chili dogs. If you've got a large crowd, grab another dish and do a second batch!
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Ingredients 

  • 1 8 count package hot dog buns
  • 1 8 count package of hot dogs
  • 1 15 ounce can chili (with our without beans)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup diced jarred jalapeno pepper rings, mild or hot

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 13" x 9" or slightly larger dish with foil.
  • Place hot dog buns in prepared pan and spread open slightly. Place a hot dog in each bun. Top each hot dog with some chili, dividing evenly between all the dogs. Evenly distribute the cheese over the top and then top with the diced red onion and jalapeno rings.
  • Spray the back side of another large piece of foil with non-stick cooking spray. Cover the pan with the foil, coated side down. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from oven, remove foil and allow to sit for a couple of minutes. Use a spatula to remove chili dogs from pan.

Like this? Please rate & comment below!

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About Valerie Brunmeier

Hello and welcome to my online kitchen! My focus here is to provide simple, seasonal meal solutions for busy households. I hope you find some inspiration while you’re here and visit again soon!

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4.50 from 18 votes (18 ratings without comment)

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Questions & Reviews

  1. Bethany@kicknation.org says:

    Was wondering if you could put these in a foil pan and do them on the grill for an easy camping dinner. What do you think?

    1. Valerie says:

      I think it would work! Let me know how it goes if you try it.

  2. Christine @ myblissfulmess says:

    This is absolutely genius! Not only does it feed a crowd, but it’s inexpensive! We throw a lot of get-togethers here and we get invited to a lot of potlucks. Particularly during this time of the year when the weather is nice. I’m always looking for fantastic, yet economical recipes to wow guests with. This is a wonderful thing! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Valerie says:

      You’re very welcome, Christine 🙂

  3. Jimmy says:

    I use basically the same recipe only thing i do differently is split the hot dogs not completely in half that way more of the fillings fill a little more of the hot dog.

  4. Michele says:

    Putting hot dogs in the oven for 30 minutes will not make buns too toasty??? The hot dogs are cooked through and there is no necessary boiling, etc. to do??? I love this recipe so easy just had those 2 questions for you.

    1. Valerie says:

      They do get slightly toasty but covering the pan with foil prevents them from toasting too much. I think they are just right! And, yes, hot dogs are fully cooked but always check your package if unsure. It is still recommended that you heat them before consuming. After 30 minutes at 375 they will be heated through and ready to eat. Click HERE for more information on this from the FSIS.

      1. m says:

        Thank you.

  5. Kim Beaulieu says:

    Um, dude, I’ll be right over. You saved me some right?

    1. Valerie says:

      Of course! 🙂

  6. Karen (Back Road Journal) says:

    Perfect when you have a group and don’t want to spend all you time in the kitchen.

  7. pam shamer says:

    i use fresh jalepeno’s and onions and tomatos always, we can not have a chili dog with out it

    1. Valerie says:

      I’d love them with tomatoes too. Yum!

  8. Beckie Bergeron says:

    These look yummy! What texture do the buns get? I couldn’t tell if they are more like a steamed bun or toasted.

    1. Valerie says:

      They get just slightly toasty, Beckie. It works beautifully!

  9. Julie says:

    You girls are hilarious. I was a truck driver too for both. Can’t wait to feature these tomorrow!

    1. Valerie says:

      I’m super excited too, Julie! 🙂

  10. Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says:

    You certainly know how to cook for a crowd of guys, Valerie! And one single pregnant lady for that matter… I could down a dozen of these scrumptious chili dogs! They look amazing.

    1. Valerie says:

      Georgia, I ate like a truck driver through each one of my pregnancies so I’m totally with you! Enjoy this time and go for it. That’s might advice. Somebody get this girl a chili dog! 🙂

  11. val says:

    Val – I thought I had a good chili dog recipe but this one blows mine out the door. I LOVE IT. The addition of jarred jalapeño – brilliant.