Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

My husband LOVES Chili Cheese Dogs. . .but not me. He thinks there's nothing better than cranking open a can of fake chili, and smothering a hot dog in it. Top that with a slice of American Cheese. . .and it's heaven for him! I however, am not a fan of American Cheese either. But I found a meal idea online for a baked chili cheese dog and it actually looked good. Again. . .they were using canned chili and American Cheese.

This version of a Chili Cheese Dog, however, is doable for me! More than that, it's delicious! The first thing I had to do away with was the American Cheese. . .I traded that for a nice, sharp, Cheddar. Second thing that had to go was the canned Chili. I mean really, a meaty stew in a can? C'mon. I made a nice sweet/hot chili for dinner two days ago. . .and this is my leftovers! My pot of chili made just enough for dinner one night, lunch for Dave the next day, and these babies right here!

I bought some really good buns, slathered them lightly with a mayo/mustard mix, and then topped them with the dogs, chili, and cheese. I know the mayo/mustard combo may sounds weird, but trust me on this.

The fact that they're baked makes a "hot dog" actually feel like a special meal. The buns get just the right amount of toasty crunchiness to them. They're hit.

Baked Chili Cheese Dogs

8 hot dog buns
8 hot dogs ( I LOVE Nathans!)
2 cups of chili
1 1/2 cups of cheese
mayo/mustard mix

1. Split open buns, and spread the mayo/mustard mix on each one.

2. Top each bun with a hot dog, and place in a baking dish.

3. Top each hot dog with 1/4 cup of chili, and a heavy sprinkle of cheese.

4. Top with foil, and bake at 350 for about 45 minutes.