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
Scale
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.
