Grilled Hot Pepper and Cheese Sauce Chili Dog
A spicy twist on the classic chili cheese dog featuring grilled hot peppers and a luscious cheese sauce. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 25 minutes blends hot dog buns, all-beef hot dogs, shredded cheddar cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 hot dog buns
- 4 all-beef hot dogs
- 3 medium, sliced into thin rings jalapeño peppers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush 4 all-beef hot dogs with 1 tbsp olive oil and grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until nicely charred and heated through.
- Step 2: While the dogs grill, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling and lightly golden.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 5: In a separate small skillet over medium heat, sauté 3 sliced medium jalapeño peppers for 3 minutes until softened and slightly blistered.
- Step 6: Toast 4 hot dog buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
- Step 7: Assemble each hot dog by placing the grilled sausage in a toasted bun, topping with 1/4 cup chili sauce, a generous drizzle of the warm cheese sauce, and the sautéed hot peppers.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Hot Pepper and Cheese Sauce Chili Dog take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Hot Pepper and Cheese Sauce Chili Dog?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Hot Pepper and Cheese Sauce Chili Dog?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Hot Pepper and Cheese Sauce Chili Dog for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Hot Pepper and Cheese Sauce Chili Dog?
American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
