Cheesy Chili Dog Cups are a fun and tasty treat! These little cups are made with soft dough, filled with zesty chili, and topped with gooey cheese.
They’re perfect for parties or a cozy night in. I always find myself sneaking an extra cup—who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🧀 Plus, they’re super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is the star here. It gives a fluffy and buttery base. If you want to mix it up, consider using crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Hot Dogs: Any kind of hot dog works—beef, turkey, or plant-based. I often use turkey hot dogs for a lighter option. You could even substitute them with sausages or kielbasa for more flavor!
Canned Chili: Canned chili is a time-saver, but homemade chili adds a personal touch. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, there’s plenty of great plant-based chili available now, or you can make a simple bean chili at home.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar brings that gooey cheesiness. Monterey Jack or a pepper jack adds a fun kick. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Green Onions: They add fresh flavor to the cups. If you don’t have them, chopped parsley or cilantro can be nice substitutes. They brighten up the dish!
How Can I Shape the Biscuit Cups Perfectly?
Shaping the biscuit cups is crucial for holding all that delicious filling. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a light dusting of flour on a clean surface to prevent sticking.
- Take each biscuit and gently flatten it with your fingers or a rolling pin until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the flattened biscuit into the muffin cup, pressing the dough evenly up the sides to create a cup shape.
This way, they won’t overflow and will hold all the yummy chili and cheese inside. Enjoy the process and don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; they’ll still taste great!
Cheesy Chili Dog Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cups:
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz cans)
For the Filling:
- 4 hot dogs, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup canned chili (with or without beans, depending on preference)
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, for a total of around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your delicious cups!
2. Prepare the Biscuit Cups:
Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. Take each biscuit and flatten it slightly with your fingers or a rolling pin. Carefully place each one into a muffin cup of a greased 12-cup muffin tin, pressing the dough down and up the sides to create a cup shape.
3. Fill with Chili:
Now, take your canned chili and spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons into the bottom of each biscuit cup. It’s best not to overfill them at this point.
4. Add the Hot Dogs:
Next, sprinkle a few slices of hot dog pieces on top of the chili in each cup. This is where the flavor really starts to build!
5. Top with Cheese:
Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili and hot dogs. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and take them out once the biscuit dough turns golden brown and the cheese is all melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cups cool for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to take out of the pan. Once cooled, gently lift out the cups.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch, then serve warm. Enjoy your cheesy chili dog cups with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Dough?
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough is traditional, feel free to use crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a different texture and taste. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cheesy Chili Dog Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free biscuit dough options available in stores. You can also make your own gluten-free biscuit mix using gluten-free flour and other necessary ingredients!
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add jalapeños for heat, diced bell peppers for crunch, or even a drizzle of sour cream or salsa before serving for extra flavor. Enjoy experimenting!
