Spicy Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs

Hot Dogs, Pepper Jack Cheese done “grilled cheese style” on the barbecue, topped with spicy chili and green onions. #MasterSummer

Summertime is finally here.  Lazy days of patio sitting and eating our favorite foods right off the barbecue.  Time for family and friends, and enjoying impromptu get togethers outside.  Welcome back, summertime, my… have we have missed you.

This post has been sponsored by Tyson, Unilever and Bimbo, the thoughts and opinions in it are my own.  Thank you for supporting the products and companies that make an Affair from the Heart possible. 

In our family, our house has kind of always been the summer hang out spot.  We tend to gather other places during the winter, but in the summer, everyone knows, just drop by, no need for an invite, there is always plenty of food and drink, room by the pool and a seat on the patio.  This past winter seemed to drag on and on and on.  We technically hadn’t even opened our pool yet when these Grilled Cheese Chili Dogs were made.  This was the latest we have ever opened it.  But then, all of the sudden, the weather got warm (and even on a weekend! Yay!) it was time to sit on the patio and enjoy a little.

And just like that, people started popping in.  The kids were home, my nephew, my niece and her family stopped down, my husband’s siblings and their spouses —  they just kept trickling in.  This was Friday night, and the weather was perfect to sit outside.

 Luckily, the day before, I had made my monthly run to Sam’s Club to stock up.  I loaded up on all of the things we go through so much of in the warmer months.  I like to do my big shopping at Sam’s, buying in bulk saves me so much money, so much time, plus,  I know I am always prepared. I’ve had a recipe swirling around in my brain for a while, and I was waiting to be able to fire up the grill to do it.  My plan was to combine a few of my favorite things; Grilled Cheese, Hot Dogs and Chili — all spiced up in one perfect grilled bun.

I picked up some Ball Park Beef Franks, Ball Park Tailgaters Brat Buns and a tub of Country Crock.  Gather all of your ingredients together, and get to prepping.  Once the buns and the Franks hit the grill, it goes really quickly.

Open the buns and gently flatten them with a rolling pin, spread the Country Crock on both sides.  Set Aside.

Slice the franks lengthwise without going all of the way through.  Open them up.  Place the hot dogs on the grill over medium heat, and the buns on a Grilling Mat.  Flip the hot dogs after about 2 minutes.  A minute or so more for the franks, and you can flip the buns over.

Lay the grilled hot dog on one side of the bun, and load it up with shredded pepper jack cheese.

Fold the top side over, give it a little press, grill for a minute or two, flip it over, grill for a minute or two more.

Top with some warm spicy chili and sprinkle with some green onions.

Then DIG IN!! So much flavor!! These babies got RAVE reviews!!

I mean, look at that CHEESE!!!

What are you waiting for?  Summer will be gone in a flash.  Pop into your local Sam’s Club today, and pick up all of the essentials for your family Backyard Blast!  Make sure you check out the Sam’s Club Webpage to see all of the products offered, as well as unique and delicious recipes you and your family are sure to enjoy!

Who’s ready to grill some Ball Park Beef Franks??

Let’s get to it!