If you are searching for a fun, crowd-pleasing snack that brings together all the best comfort food flavors in one bite, look no further than Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe. These little bundles of joy combine sweet, soft King’s Hawaiian rolls with savory hot dogs, melty cheese, rich chili, and a buttery, herb-kissed top that’s baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a game day, casual get-together, or just craving something insanely satisfying, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for sharing smiles and seconds alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe is straightforward and fun. Each element adds its own magic—from the softness of the Hawaiian rolls to the spicy, cheesy, and meaty layers that give each slider its signature flavor and texture.
- King’s Hawaiian rolls (12-count): The sweet and pillowy base that holds all the layers together with gentle sweetness.
- Hot dogs (6, sliced lengthwise): The savory and juicy protein centerpiece, sliced so every bite gets plenty of flavor.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup cheddar or blend): Melts beautifully, adding creamy, gooey deliciousness.
- Chili (1 to 1½ cups, homemade or canned): Gives a rich, hearty, and slightly spicy kick that makes these sliders irresistible.
- Diced red onion (1/4 cup): Adds a fresh crunch and subtle sharpness for contrast.
- Yellow mustard (to taste): Enhances the layers with tangy brightness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 stick, melted): Creates a golden, flavorful crust when brushed on top.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Boosts savory notes in the buttery topping.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Complements the garlic and adds depth to the crust.
- Dried chopped chives (1 tsp): Brings a subtle oniony freshness to finish the sliders elegantly.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. This ensures a perfectly warm environment so that the cheese melts evenly and the rolls bake to a beautiful golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally, but keep them connected so you can handle the whole batch like a sandwich. Spread yellow mustard on both cut sides – this adds tang that balances the sweet roll and rich toppings.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle half of your shredded cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls. This layers in gooey, cheesy goodness from the very first bite.
Step 4: Layer the Hot Dogs
Arrange the hot dog halves neatly across the cheese-covered bottom rolls. The slicing means each slider will have a generous hit of savory hot dog flavor.
Step 5: Spoon on the Chili and Toppings
Evenly distribute your chili on top of the hot dogs to bring savory richness and a touch of spice. Follow with the remaining cheese and sprinkle diced red onions for a little crunchy pop.
Step 6: Seal and Brush
Carefully place the top half of the rolls back on. Mix melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried chives, then brush this fragrant mix over the top. This coating will create a flawlessly crisp, flavorful crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the pan with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 25 minutes. When done, the cheese is melted, chili is heated through, and the buttery top is golden and inviting.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, add garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or extra chives scattered on top right after baking. A drizzle of more mustard or a squirt of your favorite hot sauce can also brighten up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with classic sides like crispy potato chips, crunchy celery sticks, or a fresh garden salad. Coleslaw is another wonderful side—it adds a cool, creamy element that complements the cheesy, meaty sliders perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the platter! Arrange the sliders in a fun circular pattern on a wooden board or serve with toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking at your party. You can even present them with mini dipping bowls of extra chili, mustard, or cheese sauce for a hands-on, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. They stay moist and flavorful, making for a quick snack or meal later on.
Freezing
Wrap the sliders tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delicious textures and flavors. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the sliders covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method keeps the bread soft while melting the cheese back to gooey perfection, just like when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot dog buns instead of King’s Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! Regular buns will work fine, but you’ll miss out on the unique sweet-soft texture that Hawaiian rolls bring to these sliders. If you want that perfect balance of sweet and savory, Hawaiian rolls are worth the extra effort.
Is it better to use homemade chili or canned chili for this recipe?
Both options are great depending on time and preference. Homemade chili adds a personalized touch and fresh flavor, while quality canned chili offers convenience and consistent taste. Either way, it makes these sliders wonderfully rich and hearty.
Can I add other toppings to these sliders?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with jalapeños for spice, pickles for crunch, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce for an added flavor twist. These sliders are versatile and welcome your creativity.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level generally depends on the chili you use. If you prefer mild, choose a milder chili or control the heat by limiting spicy add-ins. For those who love a kick, add hot sauce or spicy mustard to suit your palate.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the hot dogs for vegetarian or plant-based dogs and use a vegetarian chili. The flavors and textures come together just as well, making this recipe a hit with vegetarians or anyone looking to cut back on meat.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like biting into these Chili Cheese Dog Sliders: Easy Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe to instantly lift your mood and party vibes. They are simple to make, endlessly customizable, and deliciously satisfying. Next time you want to wow your friends or family with something irresistibly cheesy and comforting, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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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: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chili Cheese Dog Sliders are an easy, cheesy party favorite perfect for gatherings or game day. Made with sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with hot dogs, chili, and shredded cheese, baked until melty and topped with a flavorful buttery herb glaze, they deliver a satisfying and crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Slider Components
- 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)
Buttery Herb 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 prepare for baking the sliders evenly.
- Prepare Rolls: Carefully slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally through the middle, keeping all the rolls connected to form a sandwich-style slab. Spread yellow mustard evenly on both the cut sides of the rolls for added tang and flavor.
- Layer Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the bottom half of the rolls to create a cheesy base layer.
- Add Hot Dogs: Lay the hot dog halves lengthwise side-by-side across the cheese layer on the rolls.
- Top with Chili and Onion: Spoon 1 to 1½ cups of chili evenly over the hot dogs, then sprinkle additional shredded cheese and diced red onions on top to add richness and texture.
- Close Sliders: Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back over the layered fillings to enclose the sliders.
- Prepare Butter Glaze: In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried chopped chives. Brush this flavorful mixture generously over the top of the slider rolls to enhance browning and taste.
- Bake Covered: Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the sliders are heated through, and the tops have a light golden finish.
Notes
- You can use either homemade chili or your favorite canned chili to save time.
- If you prefer spicier sliders, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili layer.
- Make sure not to separate the rolls completely to help maintain the sliders’ structure while baking and serving.
- For an even cheesier experience, add extra shredded cheese between layers.
- These sliders can be prepared in advance, then baked just before serving to keep them fresh.
