Your taste buds are in for a treat with these Cheesy Chili Dog Cups! They feature tasty hot dogs and zesty chili, tucked into soft dough cups and topped with gooey cheese.
These little bites are perfect for a party or movie night. I could eat them all by myself, but I guess I should share… maybe! 😉
What I love most is how easy they are to make. Just fill, bake, and enjoy—yum! They always vanish fast, so I keep a few extra hidden just for me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: This is the foundation of your cups. If you don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough, try using crescent roll dough or even puff pastry for a flaky option. They both offer a different, yet delightful texture!
Hot Dogs: Classic beef hot dogs work great, but feel free to use turkey or veggie dogs if you’re looking for healthier or meat-free options. Cut them into coins for easy distribution in each cup.
Chili: You can use canned chili for convenience, but if you’re up for it, homemade chili is even better! A thicker chili won’t soak the dough and keeps everything intact. Try black bean chili for a veggie twist.
Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite for this recipe, but you could also use pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mixing different cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack can add more flavor and creaminess.
Green Onions: These add a nice crunch and fresh flavor. If you don’t have them, you can substitute with chives or even diced red onions for a sharper taste.
How Do I Ensure My Biscuit Cups Are Flaky and Cooked Through?
The key to perfect biscuit cups lies in how you handle the dough. First, make sure to flatten each biscuit dough round evenly; this helps them cook uniformly. Press deep enough into the muffin tin so the sides reach the top but be careful not to tear the dough.
- Preheat your oven so it’s ready when you pop them in. This helps the biscuits rise nicely.
- Baking for 15-18 minutes allows the cups to brown. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
- If you notice the edges browning too quickly, loosely cover them with foil during baking.
Letting them cool for a few minutes helps them set, making them easier to remove without falling apart! Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Chili Dog Cups!
Cheesy Chili Dog Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (8-10 biscuits)
- 4 hot dogs, sliced into coins
- 1 cup prepared chili (store-bought or homemade, thick consistency)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing muffin tin)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15-18 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to delicious finish. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, take a muffin tin and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Form the Biscuit Cups:
Open the can of biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Flatten each biscuit round slightly with your hands or a rolling pin. Then, press each round firmly into the muffin tin cups to create little dough cups that will hold all your tasty ingredients.
3. Add Chili to Each Cup:
Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of thick chili into each biscuit dough cup. Don’t overfill, as you’ll want to leave room for the hot dogs and cheese!
4. Layer with Hot Dogs:
Next, take the sliced hot dog coins and place a few on top of the chili in each cup. Feel free to add as many slices as you like for extra flavor!
5. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the hot dogs and chili. This will make them gooey and delicious!
6. Bake Your Cups:
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes. You want the biscuit dough to be golden brown and fully cooked, and the cheese should be all melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the cups cool for a few minutes as they will be very hot! Then, garnish with thinly sliced green onions for that fresh touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Cheesy Chili Dog Cups are ready! Serve them warm as a fun snack or appetizer at parties and watch them disappear in a flash. Enjoy every cheesy and meaty bite! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough! Just make sure to thaw it completely before using. Follow the packaging instructions to ensure proper thawing and baking.
What Can I Substitute for Chili?
If you’re not a fan of chili, you can fill the cups with taco meat, barbecue pulled pork, or even a mix of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option. Just make sure the filling has a thick consistency to prevent soggy dough.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cups up to the baking stage and cover them with plastic wrap or foil, then refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. When you’re ready, just bake them as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if they’re chilled.
