Cheesy Chili Dog Cups are a fun twist on a classic. They combine soft dough, zesty chili, and gooey cheese all in one tasty bite!
These little guys are perfect for game day or a cozy dinner. I love pairing them with a side of crunchy veggies. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Using refrigerated biscuit dough is super convenient! It gives a lovely soft texture. If you want a healthier option, try whole wheat dough or even pre-made pizza dough for a different taste and texture.
Hot Dogs: Regular beef hot dogs work well, but feel free to substitute with turkey or veggie hot dogs for a lighter or plant-based version. You can also try sausages for a flavorful kick!
Canned Chili: Go for a classic chili or a spicier version if you like heat. If you’re making it from scratch or using leftovers, ensure it’s thick enough to hold up in the cups. No beans? No problem! Just skip them if you prefer a smoother texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but you can also mix it up with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor. For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese, but keep in mind it may not melt the same.
Green Onions: These are optional, but they add a nice crunch and extra flavor. If you don’t have them, you can use chives or leave them out completely for a simpler dish.
How Do I Ensure My Biscuit Cups Hold Their Shape?
Making sure the biscuit cups are shaped well is key to a successful Cheesy Chili Dog Cup. Here are some tips:
- Press the biscuit dough firmly into the muffin tin to create a strong base.
- Don’t over-fill with chili and hot dogs; leave some space for the cheese to melt without overflowing.
- If the dough puffs up too much while baking, press it down gently with a spoon right after removing from the oven for a better shape.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly shaped cups every time!
Cheesy Chili Dog Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count)
- 4 hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
For the Filling:
- 1 cup canned chili (with or without beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional garnish)
- Cooking spray or butter for muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and then around 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be looking at about 25-30 minutes for a fun and delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Muffin Tin:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, take a 12-cup muffin tin and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of butter. This will help your Cheesy Chili Dog Cups come out easily!
2. Preparing the Biscuit Shells:
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate it into individual biscuits. Flatten each biscuit with your hands or a rolling pin into a larger circle. Gently press each biscuit into the muffin cups so they form a small bowl shape. This is where all the deliciousness will go!
3. Adding the Hot Dogs:
Now it’s time to fill those biscuit shells! Place about 4-5 pieces of sliced hot dogs evenly into each dough cup. This will give your cups that classic chili dog flavor.
4. Spoon on the Chili:
Next, spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of chili over the hot dog pieces in each cup. Don’t overfill—just enough to cover the hot dogs without spilling over the sides!
5. Cheesy Goodness:
Now comes the best part! Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili layer. This will melt beautifully and hold everything together.
6. Baking Time:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the biscuit dough to turn golden brown and the cheese to be nice and bubbly. Keep an eye on it—it’s hard to resist the smell!
7. Cooling Down:
Once they’re baked to perfection, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the Cheesy Chili Dog Cups cool for a couple of minutes before gently lifting them out. A butter knife can help if they’re stuck!
8. Garnish and Serve:
For a pop of color and flavor, garnish with chopped green onions if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Cheesy Chili Dog Cups as a great snack or meal!
Dig in and have fun with these tasty bites! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply for a cozy night in. 🥳
Can I Use Other Types of Dough in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat dough, pizza dough, or even puff pastry as alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly; some may require a bit longer to fully cook.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Can I Freeze Cheesy Chili Dog Cups?
Yes, you can freeze them! After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 2 months. Reheat directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Can I Substitute for Chili?
If you’re not a fan of chili, you can use taco meat, barbecue sauce, or even cheese sauce as a filling. Just make sure the filling is thick enough to hold its shape in the cups!
