Keto Chili Cheese Dogs

These chili cheese dogs have no bun. The hot dogs are browned in olive oil, set in a baking dish, covered with warm keto-friendly chili and shredded cheddar, and baked until the cheese bubbles. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking takes 20, and the recipe makes 4 servings. A serving has 4 g of carbohydrates according to the card.

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The chili can be homemade or store-bought, and the only seasoning added to it is a short list of spices, so the dish comes together quickly on a weeknight.

What Goes Into It

The full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. These are the parts that matter.

• Hot dogs (1 pound, beef or turkey): the protein base, with the classic hot dog taste.
• Keto-friendly chili (1 cup): the main topping, homemade or store-bought, which brings the hearty richness.
• Shredded cheddar (1 cup): melts into a creamy, gooey layer over the top.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): used to brown the hot dogs.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper: stirred into the chili to season it.
• Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped): a fresh garnish at the end.

How It Comes Together

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the hot dogs and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning until they are browned on all sides.

While they cook, warm the chili in a separate pot over low heat with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. If you are using homemade chili, make it first.

Put the browned hot dogs in a baking dish, pour the chili over them and cover with the cheddar. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with the green onions before serving.

Tips

• Choose good hot dogs. Beef or turkey hot dogs without fillers or artificial ingredients taste better.
• Try another cheese. Pepper jack adds heat and mozzarella gives a milder, gooey texture.
• Cook extra chili. A large batch of keto chili is useful for meal prep, for quick lunches or dinners, or as a topping for other meals.

You need a skillet, a baking dish and a medium pot for the chili.

Variations

• Jalapeños: stir diced jalapeños into the chili before pouring it over the hot dogs.
• Different cheese: pepper jack or mozzarella in place of the cheddar.
• Sausages: keto-friendly sausages can replace the hot dogs.
• Plant-based: swap the hot dogs for plant-based keto-friendly sausages.

What to Serve With Them

• Cauliflower rice: a low-carb alternative to rice, sauteed with a little olive oil and spices.
• Zoodles: zucchini noodles tossed with olive oil, garlic and herbs.
• Coleslaw: shredded cabbage in a creamy dressing, which can be made ahead and contrasts with the warm, cheesy dogs.
• Drinks: unsweetened sparkling water with lemon or lime, or unsweetened iced tea, herbal or green.

Nutrition per Serving

Each serving has about 350 calories, 28 g of fat (10 g saturated), 4 g of carbohydrates, 0 g of fiber, 1 g of sugar, 20 g of protein and 800 mg of sodium.

FAQ

Can I use turkey hot dogs instead of beef?

Yes. Turkey hot dogs are leaner and lower in fat. Pick a brand that is free of added sugars.

How can the dish be made spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the chili, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top, or use pepper jack.

What should store-bought chili be like?

Look for chili labeled low-carb and sugar-free, and check the nutrition label against your own carb limit.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us