Want all the messy, satisfying goodness of a chili dog without the inevitable sauce down your shirt? These chili dog sliders pack classic ballpark flavor into a perfectly portioned bite that’s manageable to eat. They’re one of my favorites for game day parties and casual get-togethers.
I created these sliders because I wanted something with the same comfort food appeal of chili dogs but without the cleanup drama. These little sliders solve everything. You get all the flavor, none of the mess, and people can hold a conversation while eating them.
What makes these sliders work so well is the ratio. They have the perfect balance of soft slider bun, mini hot dog, chili, and melted cheese in every bite. The chili doesn’t slide off the sides, and the cheese acts like edible glue, keeping everything together.
This is a super-easy recipe, too! It uses store-bought slider buns and cocktail sausages, so all you’re doing is assembling and heating. The secret is building them in a baking dish so they all cook together. It’s a nostalgic flavor that evokes memories of baseball games and backyard barbecues.
Learn the simple steps to layering for maximum flavor and share my favorite tips! Once you try these mini chili cheese dog sliders, regular hot dogs just won’t cut it anymore.
Looking for more easy game day appetizers? Try my pickle egg rolls, honey garlic wings, or buffalo chicken meatballs.
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Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Hawaiian rolls
- Cocktail sausages: My family loves the classic Lit’l Smokies, but any brand works great.
- Chili: A 15-ounce can of your favorite chili works perfectly here. Leftover homemade chili is also a great choice.
- Sliced cheddar cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Garlic salt
- Onion powder
How to Make Chili Dog Sliders
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place your Hawaiian rolls in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Keep them connected – this makes assembly much easier!
- Using a sharp knife, cut a slit into the top of each roll. Don’t cut all the way through; instead, create a pocket for the fillings.
- Take your sliced cheddar cheese and cut each slice into quarters. Place one piece into each roll.
- Nestle a cocktail sausage into each roll on top of the cheese.
- Spoon a few tablespoons of chili over each sausage. Don’t overfill, or it’ll get messy when eating.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until it is just liquid. Stir the garlic salt and onion powder into the melted butter.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the butter mixture evenly over all the rolls.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over everything.
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tops are golden brown.
Serving Ideas
These mini chili cheese dog sliders are perfect for game day parties! They’re always one of the first things to disappear from the buffet table. They are also great for birthdays or casual family get-togethers.
For a complete spread, I like to set out some of my favorite toppings, which include:
- Diced white onions
- Sliced green onions
- Ketchup and mustard
- Pickled jalapeños
- Extra shredded cheese
- Sour cream
How to Store
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap each slider individually in foil and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 8-10 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- You can use regular hot dogs instead of cocktail sausages – just cut them to fit the rolls.
- Try different cheese varieties. Pepper jack adds a nice kick, or use American cheese for a classic hot dog flavor.
- Mix up the toppings. Try diced tomatoes, pickle relish, or crispy bacon bits.
- Don’t overfill the rolls with chili, or they will get soggy.
- Let them rest for 2-3 minutes after baking, allowing the cheese to set slightly.
- If you’re planning to make these ahead of time for a party, it’s best to prepare all the ingredients separately and assemble them just before baking. This way, you’ll get that perfect fresh-from-the-oven taste.
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Chili Dog Sliders Recipe
Ingredients
- 12- count Hawaiian rolls
- 3 slices cheddar cheese
- 12 cocktail sausages
- 1 can chili 15 ounces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- Toppings white onion, scallions, ketchup, and mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place your Hawaiian rolls in a 9×13-inch baking dish.12- count Hawaiian rolls
- Cut a slit into the top of each roll.
- Cut each slice of cheddar into quarters and place one piece of cheddar into each roll.3 slices cheddar cheese
- Place one sausage into each roll. Top each sausage with a spoonful of chili.12 cocktail sausages, 1 can chili
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter. Stir the garlic salt and onion powder into the butter.2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Brush the melted butter mixture onto the rolls.
- Top the whole thing with the shredded cheddar cheese.1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
- Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and melty.
- Top with your favorite hot dog toppings.Toppings
Notes
- You can use regular hot dogs instead of cocktail sausages – just cut them to fit the rolls.
- Try different cheese varieties. Pepper jack adds a nice kick, or use American cheese for a classic hot dog flavor.
- Mix up the toppings. Try diced tomatoes, pickle relish, or crispy bacon bits.
- Don’t overfill the rolls with chili, or they will get soggy.
- Let them rest for 2-3 minutes after baking, allowing the cheese to set slightly.
- If you’re planning to make these ahead of time for a party, it’s best to prepare all the ingredients separately and assemble them just before baking. This way, you’ll get that perfect fresh-from-the-oven taste.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
