A&W Inspired Chili Cheese Dogs
Indulge in a beloved classic with this A&W Inspired Chili Cheese Dogs recipe! Perfect for lunch or snacks, this dish features juicy beef hot dogs nestled in soft rolls and topped with a rich, savory chili sauce. With a hint of sweetness from the sugar, a kick of chili powder, and optional cheddar cheese for that creamy touch, each bite is a flavor explosion. Easy to make and great for gatherings, these chili cheese dogs will be a crowd-pleaser at any cookout or family get-together. Gather your loved ones, sip on a cold beverage, and enjoy these hearty treats!
N/A
Servings
650
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot dogs, beef
2 ounces (7 1/2-inch long)
Hot dog roll
1 (warmed)
White onion
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Mild cheddar cheese
1/2 tablespoon (shredded (optional))
Ground chuck
1 lb (for A&W Coney Island Chili Dog Sauce)
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can
Water
1 cup
Sugar
1 tablespoon
Prepared yellow mustard
1 tablespoon
Dried onion
1 tablespoon (minced)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon
Salt
1 teaspoon
Celery seed
1/2 teaspoon
Cumin, ground
1/2 teaspoon (heaping)
Black pepper, ground
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart saucepan, cook the ground chuck over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it browns. Lightly season with salt and pepper while cooking, and do not drain the fat.
2
Once the beef is browned, add the tomato paste, water, sugar, mustard, minced onion, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, celery seed, cumin, and black pepper to the pan. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
3
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook uncovered for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens to your desired consistency.
4
Allow the chili sauce to cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This sauce can be made ahead of time for added convenience.
5
When ready to serve, bring a 2-quart saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Remove the pan from heat and add the hot dogs, covering the pan with a lid. Let the hot dogs sit in the hot water for about 10 minutes to heat through.
6
While the hot dogs are warming, microwave the desired amount of chili sauce until steaming hot. You can also microwave the hot dog rolls for about 10 seconds to warm them slightly.
7
Using tongs, carefully remove the hot dogs from the water and place them inside the warmed rolls.
8
Top each chili dog with approximately 3 tablespoons of the prepared chili sauce, followed by the chopped onion and shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. Enjoy your delicious A&W Inspired Chili Cheese Dogs!
Nutrition Information
45g
Fat
40g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are A&W Inspired Chili Cheese Dogs?
They are a classic comfort food dish featuring beef hot dogs in soft rolls topped with a rich, savory chili sauce, onions, and cheese.
How many calories are in these chili cheese dogs?
Each serving contains approximately 650 calories.
What type of beef is used for the chili sauce?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground chuck to make the Coney Island style chili sauce.
Do I need to drain the fat from the ground chuck?
No, the instructions specify that you should not drain the fat after browning the beef to maintain the sauce's flavor.
How long does the chili sauce need to simmer?
The chili sauce should simmer uncovered for approximately 30 to 45 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I make the chili sauce in advance?
Yes, the chili sauce can be made ahead of time, cooled, and refrigerated until you are ready to serve.
What is the best way to heat the hot dogs?
Bring a saucepan of water to a boil, remove it from the heat, add the hot dogs, and let them sit covered for 10 minutes.
Should I boil the hot dogs on active heat?
No, the instructions recommend removing the pan from the heat before adding the hot dogs to the water.
How do I warm the hot dog rolls?
You can microwave the hot dog rolls for about 10 seconds to warm them slightly before assembly.
What are the recommended toppings for these hot dogs?
Each dog is topped with about 3 tablespoons of chili sauce, chopped white onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Is the cheddar cheese mandatory for this recipe?
No, the shredded cheddar cheese is an optional topping based on your preference.
What spices are used in the chili sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with chili powder, celery seed, ground cumin, and black pepper.
How much chili sauce should I put on each dog?
It is recommended to use approximately 3 tablespoons of the prepared chili sauce per hot dog.
What is the protein content of this meal?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
This recipe contains 45 grams of fat per serving.
What type of mustard is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of prepared yellow mustard.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried onions in the sauce?
The chili sauce uses dried minced onions, while fresh chopped white onions are used as a garnish.
Why is sugar included in the chili recipe?
One tablespoon of sugar is added to provide a hint of sweetness to the savory chili sauce.
What size hot dogs are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 7.5-inch long beef hot dogs.
How do I reheat the chili sauce if I made it ahead?
You can microwave the desired amount of chili sauce until it is steaming hot before topping your hot dogs.
What gives the chili its signature flavor?
The combination of tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of spices like cumin and celery seed creates the signature flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 16 ingredients used to make the hot dogs and the specialized chili sauce.
What size saucepan is needed?
A 2-quart saucepan is recommended for both cooking the chili and heating the hot dogs.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, these chili cheese dogs are described as a crowd-pleaser and are great for cookouts or family get-togethers.
How do I ensure the chili has the right consistency?
Cook the chili sauce uncovered and stir occasionally to allow it to thicken naturally as it simmers.
Can I use ground beef other than ground chuck?
The recipe specifies ground chuck, which is preferred for its fat content and flavor in this specific chili sauce.
What kind of onion is used for the topping?
Freshly chopped white onion is the recommended variety for topping the finished dogs.
Is Worcestershire sauce a key ingredient?
Yes, the recipe includes one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to add depth to the chili flavor.
How long do you microwave the rolls?
The rolls only need about 10 seconds in the microwave to become soft and warm.