Easy Oven Dogs
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If you’re anything like me, you know there’s nothing quite like a hot dog fresh off the grill—especially when the sun is shining and there’s a breeze in the air. But when the weather turns chilly or unpredictable, firing up the grill isn’t always an option. Sure, you can pan-fry, boil, or microwave your hot dogs… but let’s be honest, they don’t quite hit the spot. I’ve even tried making them in the slow cooker, and I have to say, that method is surprisingly tasty!
Recently, though, I stumbled across a game-changing way to cook hot dogs—thanks to my favorite online rabbit hole: Pinterest. Can we just take a moment to appreciate Pinterest? It’s my digital best friend for organizing recipes, gathering inspiration, and giving my blog a little sparkle. So when I discovered oven dogs, I knew I had to give them a try.
What makes oven dogs so special? Well, these little beauties get dressed up before they bake. Imagine hot dogs tucked into soft buns, layered with sweet relish, hearty chili, and melty cheddar cheese—then baked until everything is perfectly warm and the buns develop a delicious golden crispness. It’s a flavor combo I hadn’t tried before, and wow, was I pleasantly surprised!
The spicy kick of the chili paired with the sweetness of the relish totally elevated this humble dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving comfort food on a cozy evening in, these oven dogs are absolutely worth a spot in your rotation. So next time you’re skipping the grill, pop your pups in the oven and discover a whole new way to love hot dogs!
Ingredients for Easy Oven Dogs
- HOT DOG BUNS
- MAYONNAISE
- ALL BEEF HOT DOGS
- SWEET RELISH
- BUTTER
- ONION
- CHILI
- CHEDDAR CHEESE
Instructions for Easy Oven-Baked Hot Dogs Recipe
Prep the Buns: Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the inside of each hot dog bun. This not only adds flavor, but also keeps everything deliciously moist during baking.
Assemble the Dogs: Place a hot dog inside each bun and snug them tightly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to give them a gentle squeeze to fit—don’t worry, they’ll bake up just fine!
Add the Relish: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of relish over each hot dog, letting it settle into the nooks of the buns.
Make the Chili Topping: In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until tender and golden. Stir in the chili and mix well until heated through and combined.
Top and Cheese It: Spoon the warm chili-onion mixture evenly over the hot dogs, then sprinkle the whole dish with shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible melty finish.
Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and serve warm!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the dogs—buns, hot dogs, relish, chili, and cheese—then cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
What kind of chili works best?
Use your favorite! Canned chili makes it super convenient, but homemade chili adds a personal touch. If you’re serving kids or picky eaters, consider a milder version without beans.
Can I use different cheese?
Of course! Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, but pepper jack adds a spicy kick, mozzarella gives a milder vibe, and a blend can be super fun too.
Do the buns get soggy?
Nope! The mayo lining helps protect the buns, and baking uncovered for the last few minutes can crisp them up even more. If you’re a crispy bun fan, remove the foil for the final 5–10 minutes of baking.
What sides go well with oven dogs?
Potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, or crispy fries make perfect companions. For a lighter touch, serve with a crisp green salad or veggie sticks.
Can kids help make these?
Definitely! Little hands can help spread mayo, layer the relish, sprinkle cheese, and even assemble the dogs. It’s a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Easy Oven Dogs
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 hot dog buns
- mayonnaise
- 8 all beef hot dogs I like Ball Park Franks
- ½ cup sweet relish
- 1 Tbsp butter
- ½ medium onion diced
- 30 oz canned chili or 2 cups of your own chili
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Spread a coating on mayonnaise on the inside of the hot dog buns.
- Fill the buns with the hot dogs and place in a 9x 13 inch baking dish. You will have to squeeze then into the dish.
- Top each dog with a Tablespoon of the relish.
- In a pan, saute the butter and onion until tender. Add the chili to the onions and stir until well combined.
- Top the dogs with the chili and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil at bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
