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If there’s one thing I know about feeding a hungry family, it’s that easy and cheesy always wins. These Mini Chili Cheese Dog Sliders are one of my favorite go-to recipes when I need something quick, fun, and totally kid-approved. Whether we’re having a laid-back movie night, a big game day party, or just a regular Wednesday where I forgot to defrost anything, these little sliders come to the rescue. They’re packed with all the goodness of a classic chili cheese dog, but baked in the oven on soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls so everything gets melty, buttery, and golden.  These turn our favorite chili dogs into the perfect bite sized snacks. 

This is one of those recipes that makes people think you put in a lot more effort than you actually did. The prep is super simple, the ingredients are easy to keep on hand, and the final result is always a hit with kids and adults alike. I love using cocktail sausages for this because they fit perfectly in each roll, but you can use regular hot dogs if that’s what you’ve got. The chili makes everything extra hearty and comforting, and once you brush that seasoned butter on top and sprinkle on the cheese, it’s game over in the best way.

I’m always looking for easy party food ideas, make-ahead game day snacks, and fun dinner recipes for picky eaters, and this checks every box. It’s fast, it’s customizable, and it feeds a crowd without a lot of cleanup. If you’ve got a few staple ingredients and twenty minutes, you’ve got a dinner or snack that feels like a total win. So whether you’re feeding your own little crew on a weeknight or showing up to a summer cookout with something warm and gooey in hand, these oven baked mini chili cheese dogs are going to become a regular on your menu. Trust me, they disappear fast.

These are so delicious because the savory hot dogs are nestled in the soft, sweet buns, filled with melty cheese, flavorful chili and topped with scallions.  Brushed with garlic butter these are full of flavor and so so easy! 

Ingredients

• Hawaiian Rolls 
  These soft, slightly sweet rolls are the perfect base for sliders. Their pillowy texture holds up to the chili without falling apart, and they bake up golden and buttery every time.
• Cheddar Cheese Slices 
  Classic cheddar gives you that rich, creamy melt we all love. Sliced cheese makes it easy to tuck inside each roll, giving every bite a cheesy surprise.
• Cocktail Sausages 
  These mini sausages are the perfect fit for slider-sized buns. They cook quickly and have that classic hot dog flavor with a fun, bite-sized twist. You can also use chopped regular hot dogs if needed.
• Canned Chili 
  No need to make chili from scratch when you’ve got a trusty can on hand. It adds tons of flavor and heartiness to these sliders, making them extra satisfying.
• Butter 
  Melted and brushed over the tops of the rolls, butter gives the sliders that golden, crave-worthy finish.
• Garlic Salt 
  Adds that savory kick and flavor boost to the butter topping. Just enough to make everything taste homemade and comforting.
• Onion Powder 
  Pairs perfectly with the garlic salt to give your butter mixture an extra pop of flavor that seeps into every roll.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese 
  Sprinkled on top before baking, the shredded cheddar melts into gooey, bubbly perfection and brings that cheesy chili dog vibe to the whole tray.
• Optional Toppings (white onion, scallions, ketchup, mustard)
  Customize each slider with your favorite hot dog toppings. Diced onion and scallions add crunch and freshness, while ketchup and mustard keep it classic for the kids.

 

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use regular hot dogs cut to size instead of cocktail sausages

• Swap in pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor

• Add sliced jalapeños or banana peppers for a spicy kick

• Try homemade chili if you want to go the extra mile (but canned totally works!)

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How to Make Mini Chili Cheese Dog Sliders

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Arrange your Hawaiian rolls in a 9×13 baking dish.

3. Cut a slit into the top of each roll (like a little pocket).

4. Add cheese: Place a quarter-slice of cheddar into each slit.

5. Add sausage: Nestle one cocktail sausage into each roll.

6. Top with chili: Spoon a bit of chili over each sausage.

7. Butter magic: Melt the butter, then stir in garlic salt and onion powder. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.

8. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar all over the top.

9. Bake for about 15–20 minutes, until golden and melty.

10. Finish with toppings: Add chopped onion, scallions, ketchup, mustard, whatever your heart (or your kids) desire.

11. Serve hot and watch them disappear!

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FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them a few hours in advance, cover, and pop them in the fridge until ready to bake.

Can I freeze them?
They’re best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Wrap tightly and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Do kids like these?
Yes x100. The mini size is perfect for little hands, and you can leave off the toppings for picky eaters.

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️ Serving Ideas

• Serve with a side of potato chips or fries

• Add a simple coleslaw or pasta salad for a complete meal

• Great for party trays or potlucks, just slice and go

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Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the rolls crispy

• Freeze individually wrapped sliders for quick snacks later

 

Did you make these MINI CHILI CHEESE DOG SLIDERS, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

More Easy Dinner Ideas You’ll Love:

• Texas Toast Sloppy Joes

• Slow Cooker Rodeo Sloppy Joes

• Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes

• Arby’s Beef and Cheddar Sloppy Joes

• Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Sloppy Joes

• Slow Cooker Frito Pie

• BBQ Baked Kielbasa

• Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

  Continue to Content

  

  Mini Chili Cheese Dog Sliders

  Yield: 12

  Prep Time: 10 minutes

  Cook Time: 20 minutes

  Total Time: 30 minutes

  Mini Chili Cheese Dog Sliders are the ultimate game day or party snack. Sweet hawaiian rolls are stuffed with hot dogs, chili, cheese and everyone’s favorite toppings. Easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

  Print

  Ingredients

  • 12 count hawaiian rolls
  • 3 slices cheddar cheese
  • 12 cocktail sausages
  • 1 (15 ounce) can chili
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Toppings like white onion, scallions, ketchup and mustard

  Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

  1. Place your hawaiian rolls into a 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Cut a slit into the top of each roll.
  3. Cut each slice of cheddar in quarters and place one piece of cheedar into each roll.
  4. Place one sausage into each roll.
  5. Top each sausage with a spoon full of chili.
  6. In a small microwave safe bowl melt your butter.
  7. Stir in the garlic salt and onion powder.
  8. Brush the melted butter mixture onto the rolls.
  9. Top the whole thing with the shredded cheddar cheese. 
  10. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and melty.
  11. Top with your favorite hot dog toppings.
  12. Serve!

  Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • You can add jalapenos for kick. 
  • Use any sausages or hot dogs you like.  I like to use the cocktail sausages because they fit perfectly but you can use regular size hot dogs too, just cut them to fit.
  • Top with any flavor cheese you like, pepperjack would add a nice kick.

  Nutrition Information:

  Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
  Amount Per Serving: Calories: 285Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 629mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 12g