Oh, you are going to love this one! The Hawaiian Roll Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe combines soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls with savory little smokies and a rich, flavorful chili topping that’s bursting with bold spices and a subtle kick from cayenne pepper. The melty cheddar cheese on top finishes things off perfectly, making every bite a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and hearty. It’s the ultimate comfort finger food that’s incredibly easy to make but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, whether you’re hosting a casual party or craving a cozy meal, this recipe will steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you—each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the saucy, spiced chili to the irresistibly soft and slightly sweet rolls, these ingredients come together to create an unforgettable dish.
- Lean ground beef (1¼ lb): The hearty base for the chili, providing rich flavor and texture.
- Tomato paste (8 Tbsp): Adds a deep, concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Infuses the chili with enticing aromatic depth.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 Tbsp): Brings a subtle tangy umami boost that rounds out the chili.
- Coca-Cola (1 cup): This little trick softens the chili’s acidity and enhances sweetness and caramel notes.
- Chili powder (2½ Tbsp): The star spice combo that spices things up without overpowering the palate.
- Dried minced onion flakes (1 Tbsp): For a mild onion flavor and a bit of texture.
- Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle heat that lifts the entire chili.
- Little smokies (12 sausages): The bite-sized, smoky sausages that nestle perfectly inside the rolls.
- Hawaiian rolls (1 12-ct package): Soft, sweet, and pillowy, these rolls are the perfect vehicle for all the toppings.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts over the chili to add creamy, sharp contrast.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This will ensure that when you’re ready to bake the assembled chili dogs, the oven is perfectly hot and ready to melt the cheese to gooey perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, cook your lean ground beef until browned and no longer pink inside. This is your chili’s main protein, so be sure to break it up well and cook thoroughly. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the chili from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Build the Chili Sauce
Now, add the tomato paste, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Coca-Cola, chili powder, dried minced onions, cayenne pepper, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together well, then simmer the mixture over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice it thickens and bubbles nicely as the flavors meld into a rich, layered chili sauce. Once ready, remove it from the heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls and Little Smokies
Grab a long serrated knife to make two angled shallow cuts along the top of each row of Hawaiian rolls, creating a V-shaped groove down the center without slicing all the way through. Gently pull out the cut pieces so you end up with soft rolls that resemble split-top hot dog buns. Nestle one little smokie sausage into each groove, creating the perfect base for your chili topping.
Step 5: Load Up the Chili and Cheese
Generously spoon the savory chili over each smokie-filled groove, making sure to cover it nicely. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. The cheddary layer will melt beautifully in the oven, creating that irresistible gooey texture.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Place your assembled rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. You’ll want to watch for the cheese to melt completely and everything to be warmed through. This step brings together all the flavors and textures into one delectable package that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about the Hawaiian Roll Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe is how flexible it is to dress up. Classic garnishes like diced onions, jalapeño slices, fresh cilantro, or even a drizzle of sour cream add pops of freshness and texture. You can’t go wrong with a little extra shredded cheese or some crunchy crushed tortilla chips on top for contrast.
Side Dishes
These cheesy chili dogs pair beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like a garden salad or homemade coleslaw. If you’re after something heartier, try crispy fries or baked potato wedges. For a lighter option, crunchy veggie sticks with dip provide a nice balance to the rich, savory main.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Arrange the chili cheese dogs on a festive platter garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve with individual ramekins of extra chili or mustard for dipping. You can also cut the rolls into bite-size sliders, making them perfect for parties or game day snacking that’s both fun and mess-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making for an easy and indulgent quick meal on busy days.
Freezing
These chili cheese dogs freeze well if you want to prep in advance. Wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chili dogs in a conventional oven or toaster oven at 350ºF until warmed through and the cheese is melty again, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the rolls soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot dog buns instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely, though Hawaiian rolls add that special soft and sweet element that complements the chili and cheese beautifully. Regular buns will work if that’s what you have on hand, but expect a slightly different flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Hawaiian Roll Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe?
You can swap the ground beef and little smokies for plant-based crumbles and veggie sausages. Just be sure to season the chili well to maintain the robust flavors.
Can I make the chili ahead of time?
Yes! The chili actually tastes better after resting for a few hours or overnight since the flavors have more time to meld. Just warm it gently before assembling your chili cheese dogs.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Cheddar is classic for a reason, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for some heat, mozzarella for extra meltiness, or even a smoky gouda to deepen the flavor.
How spicy is the chili in this recipe?
The chili has a mild to medium heat from the chili powder and a hint of cayenne pepper. If you want it spicier, you can always increase the cayenne or add diced jalapeños when cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about pulling these cheesy, chili-loaded Hawaiian rolls out of the oven and sharing them with friends or family. The Hawaiian Roll Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe brings together comfort food favorites with just the right balance of sweet and spicy, soft and hearty. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your go-to crowd-pleasers. So, don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and get ready for a flavor-packed treat that everyone will love!
Print
Hawaiian Roll Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 chili cheese dogs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hawaiian Roll Chili Cheese Dogs are a delicious twist on classic chili dogs, featuring juicy little smokies nestled in sweet Hawaiian rolls, topped with a flavorful homemade chili made from lean ground beef, and melted shredded cheddar cheese. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a comforting and crowd-pleasing snack or meal.
Ingredients
Chili
- 1¼ lb lean ground beef
- 8 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup Coca-Cola
- 2½ Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Main
- 12 little smokies sausages
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian rolls
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF to prepare for baking the assembled chili cheese dogs later.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the chili lean.
- Make Chili Sauce: Add the tomato paste, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Coca-Cola, chili powder, dried minced onion flakes, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then simmer the mixture over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until bubbly and thickened. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Rolls: Using a long serrated knife, carefully make a shallow 45-degree cut along the top of each row of Hawaiian rolls, then make a second opposing 45-degree cut to create a V-shaped groove. Gently pull out the cut pieces to form split-top style buns designed to hold the sausages and chili.
- Assemble Dogs: Nestle one little smokie into each groove of the rolls. Spoon the prepared chili evenly over each sausage, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
- Bake and Serve: Place the assembled rolls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cheese has melted beautifully. Garnish with your favorite toppings if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Be sure not to slice all the way through the Hawaiian rolls to keep the buns intact for holding the chili and sausages.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount if you prefer a milder or spicier chili.
- For a richer chili, you can substitute Coca-Cola with root beer or a beef broth.
- You can customize toppings such as diced onions, jalapeños, or mustard for added flavor.
- These chili cheese dogs reheat well and can be made ahead for parties.
