Hot Dogs Are 10X More Flavorful When You Cook Them In This Savory Topping

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All hot dogs are not created equal. From "dragged through the garden" Chicago dogs to the Coney Island franks of the East Coast, some of the best hot dogs in America are characterized by their toppings. However, one of the most impactful (and often overlooked) ways to pack hot dogs with maximum flavor happens before that link ever reaches the bun. It's the reason why we swear by hitting hot dogs with a marinade before cooking. Although, when an impromptu cookout strikes, there isn't always time to wait for a marinade to work its magic. For maxed-out flavor and moisture — without tacking on a lot of extra prep time — cook those dogs directly in a pot of chili. As they cook, they'll soak up the pepper spice and hydration from the chili, packing every juicy dog with major moisture and dynamic flavor.

To do it, start by whipping up your go-to chili recipe as you normally might. For specific directions and measurements, feel free to take a cue from our best-ever hot dog chili recipe, which comes together in less than 30 minutes. While the chili is simmering, brown a few hot dogs in a pan with a bit of oil. That surface char makes a major difference in the flavor of the finished dogs. Once the chili is ready, those hot dogs can be transferred into the pot to simmer for several minutes more, fully cooking and soaking up the flavor and moisture from the chili.

To serve, simply pop that chili-cooked dog in a bun and garnish it as you normally might. Alternatively, if you're feeling adventurous, you could also serve those hot dogs bowl-style, sliced into coins and bobbing in the chili in which they were cooked. At a first glance, it might seem like a far-out presentation. But, chili cheese dog bowls aren't a far cry from classic beanie weenies or a spicy chili with kielbasa. If you go this route, that hearty bowlful of hot dog chili can be topped with a generous handful of shredded cheese, a pinch of diced onion, and scooped up with Fritos — did someone say, ultimate comfort food?

Here at Tasting Table, Kayem Old Tyme Beef is our all-time favorite grocery store hot dog brand for its flavorful combination of a beef interior and lamb casing. If Kayem isn't available in a market near you, we're also loving classic Sabretts Beef Frankfurters for their quintessential snap. Whatever brand you choose, leftover hot dog chili holds up well in an airtight container in the fridge, and tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to deepen. Pro tip: If you're keeping your chili-cooked hot dogs intact (i.e. unsliced), add a scoop of chili to the airtight container in the fridge. As they sit in the chili, those dogs will soak up even more flavor from the spices and aromatics.