If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than these Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe. They’re the perfect blend of soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls, juicy hot dogs, gooey cheese, and rich chili that come together in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a casual party, or just craving something indulgent, these sliders are an absolute winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple but crucial ingredients, each playing its part in building that nostalgic, hearty taste. From the fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls that add a touch of sweetness, to the melty cheese and zesty chili that pack flavor and texture, these components make the sliders come alive right from the first bite.
- King’s Hawaiian rolls (12-count): Soft, slightly sweet rolls that hold everything perfectly together.
- Hot dogs, sliced lengthwise: Juicy and flavorful, sliced to fit just right on the rolls.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or blend): Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy goodness crucial to these sliders.
- Chili (1–1½ cups, homemade or canned): The rich, savory topping that brings warmth and depth to the dish.
- Diced red onion (1/4 cup): Provides a fresh bite and slight crunch for balance.
- Yellow mustard (to taste): Adds a tangy kick that complements the chili and cheese flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 stick, melted): Helps create a golden, flavorful crust on top.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds savory aroma and subtle zest.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Dried chopped chives (1 tsp): A fresh, mild onion flavor to finish off the buttery topping.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to go when assembling the sliders. Then, take your pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls and slice them horizontally, making sure to keep the layers connected like a sandwich so the sliders hold together in one go.
Step 2: Spread the Mustard
Next, open your sliced roll carefully and spread yellow mustard on both the top and bottom halves. This tangy layer is key to balancing the richness of the chili and cheese, offering that little zing to each bite.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese and Hot Dogs
On the bottom half of the rolls, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese. Then arrange the sliced hot dogs evenly across the cheese. This base layer ensures gooey, melted cheese in every mouthful paired with perfectly cooked hot dogs.
Step 4: Add the Chili and Toppings
Now, spoon the chili over the hot dogs evenly, creating a hearty and saucy layer. Follow that with more shredded cheese on top for extra melty goodness, and scatter the diced red onions to add fresh, crisp bites throughout the sliders.
Step 5: Assemble and Prepare for Baking
Place the top half of the rolls back over the chili and cheese, completing your slider stack. Then, whisk together melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried chopped chives. Brush this savory butter mixture over the tops of the rolls for a golden, flavorful crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled sliders with foil and bake them for about 25 minutes. This gently melts the cheese and warms the chili fully without drying out the rolls. Once heated through and beautifully toasted on top, they’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra sparkle, feel free to add mini pickles, jalapeño slices, or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or more chives on top right before serving. These garnishes add brightness and a pop of color, making your sliders not just tasty but visually appealing too.
Side Dishes
Chili Cheese Dog Sliders are indulgent on their own, but pairing them with fresh garden salad, crunchy coleslaw, or classic French fries can round out the meal beautifully. A side of baked beans or a tangy cucumber salad also pairs well, balancing the savory richness of the sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your sliders on a large wooden board or a festive platter for a casual party vibe. For a fun twist, create a slider bar with all the fixings on the side—extra cheese, chili, mustard, and diced onions—so guests can customize their own creation. Wrapping each slider with a colorful toothpick or decorative slider pick adds a charming touch and makes them even easier to handle for your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and trust me, that might be rare), simply cover the sliders tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the bread soft and the flavors intact for quick snacks or lunch the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sliders up to the point before brushing with butter. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, they can last up to one month. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy days.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen sliders overnight in the fridge. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, then brush with the butter mixture and bake for an additional 5 minutes uncovered to restore that golden, buttery finish fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot dog buns instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness and softness, regular buns work fine too—just be mindful they might not toast as nicely or hold together as seamlessly.
Is it better to use homemade chili or canned chili?
Both work wonderfully. Homemade chili offers more control over flavors and ingredients, but a good-quality canned chili will save time and still taste delicious in this recipe.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out hot dogs for vegetarian or plant-based sausages and use a vegetarian chili or bean chili. The cheese and other toppings remain the same for a flavorful meat-free version.
How long do these sliders keep their best texture after baking?
Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for that gooey, melty cheese and soft roll combo. Leftovers are still tasty but might lose a bit of freshness after a day or two in the fridge.
What cheese blend do you recommend?
A sharp cheddar mixed with Monterey Jack offers great meltability and flavor balance, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blends like Colby, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a twist.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people together quite like a plate of Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe that’s loaded with comforting, crave-worthy flavors. Whether for a casual party or a fun family dinner, these sliders will earn their place as an all-time favorite. I can’t wait for you to make them and share the smiles that come with every cheesy, chili-packed bite!
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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: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chili Cheese Dog Sliders are a fun and easy-to-make party favorite featuring sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls filled with hot dogs, chili, and melted cheese. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, this recipe combines classic flavors with a cheesy, savory twist, all baked to perfection for a warm, gooey treat.
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)
Butter 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’s ready for baking the sliders perfectly.
- Prepare Rolls: Carefully slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the roll connected as one piece. Spread yellow mustard evenly on both the top and bottom cut sides.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar or cheese blend evenly over the bottom half of the rolls, creating a cheesy base layer.
- Place Hot Dog Halves: Lay the sliced hot dog halves evenly across the cheese-covered bottom half of the rolls.
- Top with Chili and Onions: Spoon 1 to 1½ cups of chili evenly over the hot dogs, then add an additional sprinkle of shredded cheese followed by diced red onions for added flavor and texture.
- Close the Sliders: Place the top half of the rolls back over the assembled ingredients, pressing gently to fit.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried chopped chives, mixing well.
- Brush and Cover: Brush the butter mixture generously over the top of the rolls, then cover the entire pan with aluminum foil to protect and lock in moisture during baking.
- Bake: Place the sliders in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and all ingredients are warm and bubbly. Remove from oven and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use homemade or canned chili depending on your preference and time constraints.
- For extra crispiness, uncover the sliders during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Feel free to swap cheddar with your favorite cheese blend for different flavors.
- Serve with extra mustard or ketchup on the side for dipping.
- Leftover sliders can be reheated in the oven wrapped in foil to maintain moisture.
