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This Chili Cheese Dog Dip is all about bringing folks together. It's loaded with spicy cheese goodness and chunky hot dogs. Hungry guests won't be able to keep their hands off the gooey center and soft, pillowy dough. Good news—it's super easy and quick to put together.
I still remember that first time I made this dip for New Year’s Eve. Suddenly, everyone circled around—it was gone so fast, nobody wanted to leave the table.
Ingredients
- Jalapeno: totally optional if you're feeling spicy, thin slices will add a real punch
- Green onions: gives your dip some bite and freshness, pick firm, crisp ones
- Cheddar cheese: packs a flavorful, cheesy punch, use both sharp and mild kinds for depth and golden color
- Cream cheese: adds serious creaminess, just make sure it's nice and soft before mixing
- Chili (no beans): makes the dip thick and rich, use your favorite can or homemade batch
- Crescent roll dough: or use puff pastry, just get something light and airy so the crust gets golden
- Hot dogs: classic, salty base—get fresh, decent ones for best taste
Step-By-Step Directions
- Garnish and serve:
- When it’s out of the oven, top with chopped green onion, toss on some jalapeno if you want. It’s best straight from the pan—hand out little forks or spoons and dig in.
- Fill and finish baking:
- Once baked, pull the pan out. Scoop the chili-cheese mix right in the center. Scatter the rest of the cheddar on top. Pop it back in for 8 to 10 minutes—look for bubbling, melty cheese on top.
- Mix up the chili cheese dip:
- Stir up chili, cream cheese, and half your cheddar in a big bowl. Best if your cream cheese is room temp—otherwise, it’ll go lumpy. You want everything silky and well mixed.
- Arrange and pre-bake:
- Those wrapped dogs go in a ring along the edges of your pan, with a little space between for even browning. Bake ‘em at 190C for 18 minutes until golden all over.
- Cut dough and wrap hot dogs:
- Unroll the crescent or puff pastry. Cut each triangle into three skinny strips so you’ve got enough for every piece of hot dog. Wrap a strip around each dog, laying the seam down.
- Prep your hot dogs:
- Slice each hot dog into three bits so everyone gets a good dough-to-dog ratio.
- Get the oven ready:
- Preheat to 190C. Lightly grease a cake pan or oven dish so nothing sticks later.
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Honestly, this is always a highlight when we play games at home. For my family it's tradition—this dip always disappears first, with lots of noise and laughs. Sharp cheddar totally makes the dish for me, can't have it any other way.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? Just cover and keep in your fridge for up to two days. To get the dough crisp again, stick it in the oven on medium heat for a few minutes—not the microwave. You can freeze it, but it’s way tastier fresh.
Ingredient Swaps
No hot dogs? Little sausages or veggie dogs also work. Go vegetarian with meatless chili. Try it with Gouda or mozzarella for a different cheese vibe. Wanna lighten it? Swap cream cheese for sour cream.
Serving Ideas
Perfect for parties, movie nights, or when you’re celebrating with kids. Put out bowls of sliced jalapenos and other dips. Crisp raw veg—think bell peppers or cucumbers—makes the cheesy flavors pop even more.
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Background and Inspiration
This dish was inspired by good ol’ American stadium food, but at my place, it turns into a mini party. The fun blend of homey German snacks and American-style street food is what folks talk about. Perfect for breaking the ice when company’s over.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What's the best cheese to use for this dip?
Cheddar melts super smooth and gives a punchy flavor. You can mix in Gouda too if you want a bit more taste.
- → Can I make the dip without jalapeños?
Of course, jalapeños are totally up to you. Skip 'em if you're not into spicy—it's still great.
- → How should I keep any leftovers?
Stick it in the fridge with a cover. Reheat in the oven before eating again so the cheese gets melted and gooey.
- → Can I use homemade chili?
For sure—homemade or store-bought both work. Just make sure it's nice and thick and loaded with flavor.
- → Could I swap in other sausages instead of hotdogs?
Yep! Bratwurst or Vienna sausages work well too. Just pick whatever you like or have available.