If you’re like me, you LOVE chili cheese dogs — they’re perfect for lunch or dinner: quick, comforting, and always delicious.
I wanted to share a familiar favorite with a fun twist that will have everyone raving. Follow along — you’ll love these!
I’ve included step-by-step photos so you can recreate this tasty dish at home for family and friends.
Arrange your hot dog buns in a baking dish.
With a knife, carefully cut a rectangle from the center of each bun without slicing through the bottom, then press the tops inward. SMASH the tops down as shown in the photo.
Brush the buns with your garlic butter mixture.
Stuff each bun with cheese.

These chili cheese dog boats are ready to bake and enjoy — perfect for a casual dinner or game-day treat.
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Magic Chili Cheese Dog Boats!
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Ingredients
- 1 8 pack of hot dog buns roll style, not split top
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 8 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite)
- 1 15-ounce can of chili or leftover homemade
- 1 medium onion diced
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cut rectangles from the center of each bun, leaving a rim so the bun forms a boat to hold the filling.
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Press the removed bread pieces back into the bottom of each bun to create a firmer base.
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In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Brush the buns and the hollowed centers with the garlic butter, reserving a small amount for the onions.
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Bake the buns for 5–7 minutes to toast and firm them so they can hold the fillings.
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Place a slice of cheese into each bun, then spoon a bit of chili into each one.
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Trim a little off both ends of each hot dog, then slide the hot dogs into the buns, pressing gently so they sit snugly.
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Top each hot dog with more chili. Mix the reserved garlic butter with the diced onion and spoon this over the hot dogs for extra flavor.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and everything is heated through.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
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Adapted via Buzzfeed.com









