Name: Vegan Chili Cheese Dogs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 4 vegan hot dogs; 4 hot dog buns; 2 cups vegan chili (, cooked); ½ cup vegan cheese sauce ((or shredded vegan cheese)); onion (, chopped (optional)); tomato (, chopped (optional)); parsley (, chopped (optional)); cilantro (, chopped (optional))

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5 from 1 vote. Leave a review!

This easy vegan chili cheese dog recipe is a great way to enjoy a classically non-vegan meal as a vegan! Using tasty chili and some vegan cheese sauce (or shredded vegan cheese), this is a delicious and simple vegan lunch or dinner.

Row of vegan chili cheese dogs topped with red onion, tomato and cilantro on a wooden board

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Make a Vegan Chili Cheese Dog

Making vegan chili cheese dogs is really simple if you have access to vegan hot dogs! For this recipe, use any brand of vegan hot dog you enjoy.

There are two options for the cheese: vegan cheese sauce or shredded vegan cheese. Either works. I typically have homemade vegan cheese sauce on hand (in the freezer) so it’s quick and easy to thaw and use for this recipe.

If using shredded vegan cheese, I recommend placing it on top of the chili but under the hot dog in the bun. Heat from the chili and hot dog will help it melt better.

Row of vegan chili cheese dogs on a wooden board with bite taken from first hot dog

Best Chili for a Chili Dog

The other critical ingredient for a chili cheese dog is chili!

The best chili to use is whatever recipe you like the best. Many recipes for chili cheese dogs use ground meat to make a quick “chili” with just a few extra ingredients. This is certainly an option if you want to use vegan fake meat, but I prefer a regular chili with beans and corn.

Maybe it’s because I’m vegan, but I love bean chili and don’t see why most chili dog recipes exclude the beans.

As with the cheese sauce, I often have homemade vegan chili in the freezer. This, along with the pre-made cheese sauce, allows for such a simple meal.

Vegan chili dog in whole wheat bun being held up above plate with another hot dog on it

Vegan Chili Cheese Dog Topping Ideas

Of course, a chili cheese dog is topped with chili and cheese. However, there are plenty of other tasty vegan toppings to spice up your hot dog. Get creative and customize to your taste.

Some delicious vegan hot dog topping ideas include:

Red onion
Green onion
Tomato
Vegan sour cream
Hot sauce
BBQ sauce
Sliced jalapeno peppers
Banana peppers
Caramelized onions
Pickles
Avocado

Mayo/ spicy mayo
Sauerkraut or kimchi
Corn (if not in the chili)
Lettuce
Mac and cheese (because, why not?!)
Mustard/ honey mustard
Sliced radishes
BBQ pulled jackfruit
Vegan bacon bits
Salsa

The list could go on; don’t hold back - get creative!

White plate with two loaded vegan hot dogs

Baked Vegan Chili Dogs

If you’re looking for variety, you can also make this into a baked vegan chili dog recipe.

Simply line a baking dish with hot dog buns, fill with chili, hot dogs and any other toppings, then top with cheese and bake.

To make this even more delicious, brush the buns with some garlic butter first. To make a quick vegan garlic butter, simply mince 2 cloves of garlic and place into a small glass dish with ¼ cup of vegan butter or margarine. Microwave for 20-30 seconds, until the butter is melted.

Chili cheese dog with bite taken held up over plate of hot dogs in buns

If you make this recipe, please rate and comment below to help others benefit from your experience!

Close up of a row of loaded hot dogs in buns with onion, tomato, chili and cheese sauce.

Vegan Chili Cheese Dogs

This simple recipe for vegan chili cheese dogs won’t disappoint. With a tasty chili and vegan cheese sauce, these vegan hot dogs are packed with flavor!

5 from 1 vote. Leave a review!

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Prep chili and cheese sauce 1 hr 20 mins

Total Time 1 hr 40 mins

Servings Hot dogs

Calories 376 kcal

Cuisine American-inspired, Vegan

Equipment

Ingredients

4 vegan hot dogs
4 hot dog buns
2 cups vegan chili , cooked
½ cup vegan cheese sauce (or shredded vegan cheese)
onion , chopped (optional)
tomato , chopped (optional)
parsley , chopped (optional)
cilantro , chopped (optional)

Instructions

Cook the vegan hot dogs according to package directions. I typically either barbecue them or pan fry them in some oil (most vegan hot dogs are really low in fat so this helps add flavor).
4 vegan hot dogs
Prepare vegan chili and vegan cheese sauce (or shredded cheese). Chop onion, tomatoes and parsley/ cilantro (if using).
2 cups vegan chili, ½ cup vegan cheese sauce
To assemble, place about ¼ cup of chili into each bun followed by the cooked hot dog.
2 cups vegan chili, 4 hot dog buns
Top with vegan cheese sauce, onion, tomato and parsley/ cilantro.
onion, tomato, parsley, cilantro
Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Accuracy of nutrition information cannot be guaranteed (certain ingredients may not have all nutrients listed in the database); amounts may vary (and will vary depending on brands of ingredients used); all nutrition fact values rounded to the nearest whole number.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Chili Dog (¼ of recipe)Calories: 376 kcalCarbohydrates: 49 gProtein: 27 gFat: 9 gSaturated Fat: 1 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3 gMonounsaturated Fat: 3 gSodium: 1099 mgPotassium: 970 mgFiber: 9 gSugar: 9 gVitamin A: 2253 IUVitamin C: 18 mgCalcium: 152 mgIron: 6 mg

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