Walking Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe

Name: Walking Chili Cheese Dogs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 (15-oz.) cans chili with beans (such as Hormel); 1 (12-oz.) pkg. little smokies sausages, chopped (about 2 cups); 1 cup finely chopped white onion (from 1 medium [8 oz.] onion); 1 (4-oz.) packet processed cheese sauce (such as Velveeta); 8 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups), divided; 8 (.75-oz.) Funyun bags, tops trimmed; 1/2 cup sour cream; Finely chopped scallions and sliced pickled jalapeño chiles, for serving

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Turns out, you dont need buns to enjoy a classic chili cheese dog. Our Walking Chili Cheese Dog recipe puts a fun, laid-back twist on the beloved favorite that's perfect for everything from tailgating to camping. With hearty chili, smoky little sausages, and gooey cheese sauce, you get all the comforting flavors of a chili cheese dog packed into a crunchy, portable bag of Funyuns yes, Funyuns! Its the ultimate no-mess, no-fuss dish thats packed with flavor and texture.

So fun to make and eat!

Ingredients

2 (15-ounce) cans chili with beans (such as Hormel)
1 (12-oz.) package little smokies sausages, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 cup finely chopped white onion (from 1 medium [8 oz.] onion)
1 (4-ounce) packet processed cheese sauce (such as Velveeta)
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
8 (.75 ounce) Funyun bags, tops trimmed
1/2 cup sour cream
Finely chopped scallions and sliced pickled jalapeo chiles, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients.
Step 2: Heat the chili, little smokies, and white onion in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 3 minutes until heated through and the edges just begin to bubble.
Step 3: Add the cheese sauce and 1 1/2 cups of the Cheddar cheese to the chili mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Spoon 3/4 cup of the chili mixture into each bag of Funyuns.
Step 5: Top each Funyun bag evenly with 1 tablespoon of sour cream, chopped scallions, sliced pickled jalapeos, and the remaining 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol	Sodium	Total Carbohydrate	Dietary Fiber	Total Sugars	Protein	Vitamin C	Calcium	Iron	Potassium
536	35g	15g	87mg	1346mg	35g	5g	6g	22g	4mg	476mg	5mg	645mg

Walking Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe

The History of Walking Chili Cheese Dogs

The Walking Chili Cheese Dog is a modern twist on the classic American chili dog, which dates back to the early 20th century. Chili dogs themselves emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, with street vendors in Texas and New York experimenting with hot dogs topped with chili, cheese, and onions. The walking versionserved in a bag of crunchy Funyunsadds a portable, snackable element to this traditional comfort food, combining convenience with indulgence. It reflects the American love for handheld meals, especially for events like tailgating, fairs, and casual outdoor gatherings.

Regional Variations

While classic chili dogs are associated with Texas, Chicago, and New York, the Walking Chili Cheese Dog has a more playful, cross-regional appeal. In the Midwest, chili dogs often feature a sweeter chili with mild spices, while West Coast versions may include avocado or jalapeos. The use of Funyuns as a vessel gives it a uniquely snack-oriented twist, popular in areas where creative, portable foods are trendy, such as California and other metropolitan regions. This version emphasizes both crunch and convenience, making it ideal for urban food festivals and family-friendly outdoor events.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional chili cheese dogs served in a soft bun, the Walking Chili Cheese Dog uses Funyuns to hold the chili, cheese, and little smokies. This creates a crispy, salty exterior that contrasts with the warm, savory filling. Compared to corn dogs or standard hot dogs, this dish is more customizable, allowing for toppings like pickled jalapeos, scallions, and sour cream. It is less formal and messier to eat than plated chili dogs, yet more portable than a bowl of chili, combining the best of both worlds.

Typical Serving Occasions

Walking Chili Cheese Dogs are usually served at casual gatherings where handheld foods are preferred. They are perfect for tailgate parties, sports events, picnics, and camping trips. Their easy-to-carry presentation makes them ideal for situations where seating or plates are limited. Additionally, food trucks and street vendors have embraced this format as a fun, novelty snack that appeals to both kids and adults.

Interesting Facts

The idea of serving chili dogs in a bag of Funyuns was inspired by a trend in portable, snackable meals designed for outdoor events.
This dish combines multiple texturescrunchy, creamy, and chewycreating a satisfying eating experience in every bite.
The recipe highlights American ingenuity in comfort food, transforming a familiar dish into something playful and unconventional.
Although it may seem modern, chili dogs have roots in early 20th-century American street food culture, blending immigrant culinary traditions with local ingredients.
Many variations now exist, including vegetarian versions using meatless sausages and chili, demonstrating the dishs adaptability and popularity.

FAQ about Walking Chili Cheese Dogs Recipe

Leftover Walking Chili Cheese Dogs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best to store the chili mixture and toppings separately to maintain freshness. Reheat the chili mixture in a skillet or microwave before serving. The Funyun bags should be eaten immediately for the best crunch, as they may lose their crispiness over time.

Yes, you can prepare the chili mixture in advance. Cook the chili with beans, little smokies, and onions as instructed, then let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture and proceed with assembling the Walking Chili Cheese Dogs.

Yes, the chili mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

If you don't have Funyuns or prefer a different base, you can substitute with other types of crunchy snacks like tortilla chips, potato chips, or even pretzels. Just make sure to trim or break them into small pieces for easy serving.

Yes, you can use other types of sausage, such as regular hot dogs or bratwurst. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces to mix well with the chili and cheese sauce.

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by using plant-based sausages or omitting the sausages altogether. You can also add additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

While the processed cheese sauce gives a smooth and creamy texture, you can substitute it with shredded cheese like cheddar or a blend of cheeses. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different, and you might need to add a bit of milk to achieve a similar creamy consistency.

This recipe yields 8 servings. It’s perfect for a small gathering or as a fun snack for a tailgate or camping trip.

Absolutely! To make it spicier, you can add more pickled jalapeños or even some hot sauce to the chili mixture. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the jalapeños or omit them altogether.