If you’re looking for the ultimate chili cheese coneys, this recipe is about to become a favorite. Juicy hot dogs are tucked into soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian hot dog buns, then loaded with rich homemade chili, melty cheddar cheese, and classic toppings.

The combination of sweet Hawaiian buns, savory chili, salty hot dogs, and gooey cheese makes every bite incredibly satisfying. These chili cheese coneys are perfect for game days, cookouts, family dinners, parties, or an easy weekend meal when you want something indulgent and delicious.

Why You’ll Love These Chili Cheese Coneys

Classic chili cheese coneys are already delicious, but using Hawaiian hot dog buns takes them to another level. Their soft texture and subtle sweetness create an amazing contrast with the hearty, savory chili.

Here’s why this recipe is a winner:

• Easy to make
• Uses simple ingredients
• Rich and flavorful homemade chili
• Soft Hawaiian hot dog buns
• Loaded with melted cheddar cheese
• Perfect for parties and game days
• Great for family dinners
• Easy to customize
• Ready in about 30 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chili

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

For the Hot Dogs

• 8 beef hot dogs
• 8 Hawaiian hot dog buns
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Toppings

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• Yellow mustard
• Diced jalapeños, optional
• Pickled relish, optional
• Chopped green onions, optional

How to Make Chili Cheese Coneys

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart into small crumbles as it cooks.

Add the diced onion and continue cooking for about 3–4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

The beef should be nicely browned and well broken up because smaller crumbles make the chili much easier to spoon over the hot dogs.

Step 2: Build the Chili

Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth to the skillet.

Stir everything together.

Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for approximately 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The chili should become thick and rich.

You don’t want it to be too watery because a thick chili stays on the hot dog much better.

Quick Tip

If your chili becomes too thick, add a small splash of beef broth.

If it seems too thin, continue simmering uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Hawaiian Hot Dog Buns

While the chili simmers, prepare the buns.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place the Hawaiian hot dog buns in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.

Lightly brush the inside or tops with melted butter.

Warm them in the oven for approximately 3–5 minutes.

You don’t want to toast them until they’re hard. The goal is simply to warm the buns and lightly crisp the edges while keeping the inside soft.

The slight sweetness of the Hawaiian buns works beautifully with the savory chili.

Step 4: Cook the Hot Dogs

You can cook the hot dogs using several methods.

Skillet Method

Heat a lightly greased skillet over medium heat.

Cook the hot dogs for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through and lightly browned.

Grilling Method

Grill the hot dogs over medium heat until warmed through with light grill marks.

Air Fryer Method

Place the hot dogs in an air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning halfway through.

Any method works well, so choose whichever is most convenient.

Step 5: Assemble the Chili Cheese Coneys

Place a warm Hawaiian hot dog bun on a plate.

Add one cooked hot dog.

Generously spoon the homemade chili over the top.

Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese while the chili is still hot.

The heat from the chili will begin melting the cheese immediately.

Add finely diced onions and a small drizzle of yellow mustard.

If you enjoy heat, add sliced jalapeños.

Repeat with the remaining hot dogs.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

For extra-gooey chili cheese coneys, arrange the assembled hot dogs in a baking dish.

Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the tops.

Place them in a 350°F oven for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Watch carefully so the Hawaiian buns don’t become overly toasted.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the chili cheese coneys from the oven.

Finish them with chopped green onions, extra diced onions, jalapeños, or your favorite toppings.

Serve immediately while the buns are warm and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Tips for the Best Chili Cheese Coneys

Make the Chili Thick

A thick chili is essential.

Thin chili can make the Hawaiian buns soggy and difficult to eat.

Let the chili simmer long enough for excess liquid to cook away.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Freshly shredded cheddar melts beautifully over the hot chili.

Sharp cheddar provides plenty of flavor, while mild cheddar creates a classic creamy topping.

Warm the Buns Gently

Hawaiian buns are naturally soft, so you don’t need to toast them aggressively.

A few minutes in the oven is enough.

Don’t Overload the Bun

Although it’s tempting to add a huge amount of chili, too much can make the coney difficult to eat.

Add enough chili to generously cover the hot dog while keeping the bun intact.

Best Cheese for Chili Cheese Coneys

Cheddar is the classic choice, but there are plenty of delicious alternatives.

Try:

• Sharp cheddar
• Mild cheddar
• Colby Jack
• Monterey Jack
• Pepper Jack
• American cheese
• Cheddar-Monterey Jack blend

For a spicy version, Pepper Jack is an excellent choice.

Easy Chili Variations

Extra Spicy Chili

Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce.

Smoky Chili

Add a little smoked paprika and chipotle powder for a deeper flavor.

Bean Chili

Traditional coneys are often served with a bean-free chili, but you can add a small amount of drained kidney or pinto beans if you prefer.

Bacon Chili Cheese Coneys

Cook some crispy bacon, crumble it, and sprinkle it over the melted cheese.

The combination of bacon, chili, and cheddar is incredibly delicious.

What to Serve With Chili Cheese Coneys

These coneys make a great meal on their own, but classic sides make the experience even better.

Try serving them with:

• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Onion rings
• Tater tots
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• Pickle spears
• Corn on the cob
• Macaroni salad

For game day, serve them alongside crispy fries and an assortment of dipping sauces.

How to Store Leftover Chili

If you have leftover chili, let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

The chili can also be frozen for up to 2–3 months.

When you’re ready to make another batch of coneys, simply thaw the chili overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop.

Storing the Assembled Coneys

It’s best to store the chili, hot dogs, buns, and toppings separately.

Keeping them separate prevents the Hawaiian buns from becoming soggy.

Reheat the hot dogs and chili, then assemble fresh coneys when you’re ready to eat.

Can You Make These Ahead?

Absolutely.

The chili can be prepared 1–2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chili, cook the hot dogs, warm the Hawaiian buns, and assemble everything.

This makes the recipe especially convenient for parties and game-day gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular hot dog buns?

Yes. Regular buns work perfectly, but Hawaiian hot dog buns add a delicious sweet contrast to the savory chili.

Can I use canned chili?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time, your favorite canned chili can be used instead of homemade chili.

What kind of hot dogs are best?

Beef hot dogs are excellent because their rich flavor pairs beautifully with chili and cheddar.

Can I make these spicy?

Definitely. Add jalapeños, hot sauce, cayenne, or Pepper Jack cheese.

Can I freeze the chili?

Yes. Freeze cooled chili in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.

Final Thoughts

These Delicious Chili Cheese Coneys with Hawaiian Hot Dog Buns are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, cheesy, and comforting. The soft Hawaiian buns provide just the right amount of sweetness, while the juicy hot dogs, rich homemade chili, melted cheddar, and fresh onions create an unforgettable bite.

They’re easy enough for a casual family dinner but fun enough for game days, parties, cookouts, and gatherings.

Serve them piping hot with crispy fries, pickles, or onion rings, and don’t forget plenty of extra cheese and mustard.

Soft Hawaiian buns + juicy hot dogs + hearty chili + gooey cheddar = the ultimate chili cheese coney!