Chili Dog Recipe – Perfect for Camping
The hot dog. A camping classic. I’ll go out on a limb and say the vast majority (nearly all?) of people who go camping have had hot dogs at least once out in the great wilderness. (Okay, that’s really not much of a limb at all is it?) As awesome as the classic hot dog is, sometimes you want something a little more. A little “fancied up.” Here it is! The nearly-as-classic-as-a-hot-dog-with-mustard Chili Dog with Cheese and (of course) Onions! Maybe it’s the new American classic!
You already know about my lunch issues (if you read this), but I’m really trying to make progress in the camping lunch department. And I think I’ve come up with a winner! It’s easy (SO easy), it’s super tasty, and almost no cleanup (except for your messy hands). So for that meal that’s right after the breakfast dishes are cleaned and right before dinner prep begins, the Chili Dog with Cheese and Onions solves the problem!
Just imagine holding onto this charred to perfection hot dog topped with thick and rich chili, sharp and tangy cheddar cheese, sprinkled with just enough spicy red onions (yeah, there probably won’t be lots of kissing on the heels of this lunch), all nestled in a freshly toasted bun. Mmmmm….. And while you might try to pick it up with your hands, trust me when I tell you (from experience) that it just might be easier to dig into it with a fork on a plate. These really are messy! Yummy, but messy!
Tips for a Perfect Chili Dog with Cheese and Onions at Your Campsite
Pretty simple, actually. First, grill your hot dogs over medium-high heat until nicely charred. Heat up the chili (you can use store-bought or this awesome homemade chicken chili recipe) in a pot right on the grill grates or over whatever heat source you have. Remove hot dogs from heat and grill buns for 20 seconds. Place hot dog in toasted bun, top with warm chili, shredded cheese and a sprinkling of chopped red onion. Enjoy the mess you make! It’s delicious!
If you’re short on storage or refrigeration space, you may want to dice the onions and store them in a zip top bag before you leave for your camping trip. It takes up less space than a whole onion. Likewise, empty the can of chili into a zip top storage bag and store in your fridge or cooler until you need it. No need to bring a can opener this way. Or, bring everything as is and throw it together at the campsite! No matter how to pack it, the Chili Dog with Cheese and Onions is sure to be a hit. And it makes your camping lunch life easier!
Post a pic on Instagram of the mess you and your family make when eating these awesome chili dogs! Don’t forget to tag me in it. I’d love to see it! (Find me here on Instagram!) And if you’re looking for more easy lunch ideas check out my Avocado Toast Recipe and my Grilled Chicken Quesadilla Recipe. Lots of good ideas there!
Chili Dog Recipe - Perfect for Camping
Ingredients
- 8 Hot Dogs
- 8 Hot Dog Buns
- 1 Red Onion, Chopped
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 28 Oz. Can Chili
Instructions
- Grill hot dogs over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes or until nicely charred. While dogs are grilling, heat chili in a small pot over medium heat. When dogs are done, remove to a platter. Toast buns on grill for 20-30 seconds. Place dog in bun and top with chili, cheese, and onion. Have lots of napkins ready!