Topped with chipotle aioli, fried onions, and chili, this Dog Haus Chili the Kid Copycat might be the best chili dog you ever make! There’s a reason everyone loves Dog Haus famous hot dogs and now you can make them at home in just a few minutes.
Easy Dog Haus Famous Hot Dogs
Dog Haus is one of the latest chain restaurants to make a big statement across the country. Dog Haus locations have spread from California and New York to Arizona, Maryland, Texas, Washington D.C., Wisconsin and more. Big city or small, everyone is going crazy for these hot dogs.
We love them too so, of course, I had to figure out how to make them at home. Our family favorite is the Chili the Kid hot dog, which is essentially a loaded chili dog with a few twists. Turns out it’s surprisingly easy to make, you just need to swap hot dog buns for Hawaiian rolls and add a few toppings. Super easy, super tasty!
What Makes These Chili Dogs So Special?
Why is Chili the Kid, and Dog Haus in general, so famous? And what makes this the best chili dog you might ever make? A few things!
- Made on a sweet Hawaiian roll instead of a basic hot dog bun
- Perfectly creamy and garlic chipotle aioli for flavor
- Topped with crunchy fried onions
- All around just bursting with flavor!
Ingredients Needed
These Dog Haus famous hot dogs don’t actually require any crazy ingredients – just ones that you may not normally consider adding to your hot dogs.
(Scroll to the bottom for our easy printable recipe with the complete directions.)
- Hot dogs – Any hot dogs you prefer can be used.
- Canned chili – You can also use your favorite homemade chili with or without beans as well.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls – The sweetness of the rolls pair perfectly with the other savory ingredients.
- Butter – Spread on the exterior rolls.
- American cheese – White American is usually used.
- Crispy fried onions – Adds a nice, delicious crunch to the hot dog.
- Chipotle Aioli – A mixture of mayonnaise, chipotle powder, and minced garlic.
How to Make Dog Haus Chili the Kid Hot Dogs
Here’s a summary of how to make these easy loaded hot dogs.
(Scroll to the bottom for our easy printable recipe with the complete directions.)
- Make the aioli. Combine the mayonnaise, chipotle powder, and garlic. Cover and place in the fridge.
- Cook the hot dogs. Cook the hot dogs as you desire. We like to grill ours.
- Warm the chili. Whether using homemade or canned chili, it should be warmed up.
- Toast the rolls. Take 3 of the Hawaiian rolls, making sure they stay attached to one another, and spread with butter on the outside. Toast in the skillet until golden brown on both sides.
- Assemble the chili dogs. Cut the buns 3/4 of the way through the rolls. Add two slices of white American cheese, followed by a hot dog. Top with the warm chili. Drizzle some aioli on top and finish with the crispy fried onions. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
If this is your first time making these Dog Haus famous hot dogs copycat, here are a few tips that might help.
- Be careful with the Hawaiian rolls. The rolls will easily come apart so be very gentle when working with them.
- Add the butter to the pan. You can also add the butter directly to the pan instead of spreading it over the rolls, if preferred.
- What kind of chili should I use? Whatever you prefer! Use your favorite canned chili without beans, or your favorite hot dog chili. We love our homemade chili recipe.
- Look for Hawaiian hot dog rolls. The Kings Hawaiian brand has started to make hot dog rolls as well, so if you find them in the store, they work great with this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These chili dogs make a fun lunch or dinner for any occasion. Since there are so many flavors going on, I like to keep things simple and just serve them with a side of fries or even just potato chips. Potato salad or Macaroni salad are also great sides for loaded hot dogs.
How to Store Leftovers
Once assembled, Dog Haus famous hot dogs should be enjoyed immediately. The hot dogs are best when cooked just before assembling as well. If you are using homemade chili, you can prepare that a few days in advance and keep any extras stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chipotle aioli can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge for that long as well.
More Hot Dog Recipes:
- Mummy Dogs
- Spiral Grilled Hot Dogs
- Create Your Own Hot Dog Bar
- Threaded Spaghetti Hot Dog Bites
- Pigs in a Blanket
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Dog Haus Chili The Kid Copycat
Ingredients
For the Chipotle Aioli
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
For the Hot Dogs
- 4 hot dogs
- 1/2 cup canned chili without beans (or your favorite homemade chili)
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 8 slices white American cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, chipotle powder, and garlic. Cover and place in the fridge until ready to use.
- Cook your hot dogs to your liking (we like to grill ours for this recipe.) Keep warm.
- Whether you're using homemade chili or canned, warm it up.
- Very carefully take 3 of the Hawaiian rolls at a time, making sure they stay attached to one another. Spread some softened butter along the two outer sides of the rolls.
- Place the rolls, butter side down, into a skillet over medium heat; toast until golden brown on both sides. (We do two at a time to not crowd the pan and cook evenly.)
- Toasted side up, cut the buns with a serrated knife about 3/4 of the way through the rolls.
- Add two slices of white American cheese. Place a warm hot dog, then top with the warm chili. Drizzle some of the aioli on top followed by the crispy fried onions. Serve immediately and enjoy – they're so good!
