There’s nothing better than an easy, delicious, and fun-to-eat meal when you’re out camping! Walking chili dogs combine all the classic flavors of a chili cheese dog with the crunch of Funyuns, making them the ultimate handheld campfire meal.

A small yellow bag of onion-flavored rings is opened and topped with sour cream and chopped green onions, with a plastic spoon and an onion ring resting on the edge of the bag.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry group of campers or just want a simple dinner at home, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers — just toss in whatever chili and cheese you have on hand!

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An open bag of corn chips filled with chili, cheese, and sour cream, topped with a plastic fork, sits next to crispy onion rings on a wooden surface. Text below reads: walking recipe CHILI DOGS campfirefoodie.com.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This walking chili dog recipe is everything you love about a traditional chili cheese dog, but without the mess! Instead of dealing with buns that get soggy or fall apart, everything is packed into a portable Funyun bag, making cleanup a breeze.

A small open bag of potato chips topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and an onion ring, with a white plastic fork sticking out. Several onion rings are scattered nearby on a wooden surface.

It’s a perfect meal for camping trips, tailgating, or backyard BBQs. The best part? It’s totally customizable! You can swap in your favorite chili, cheese, or toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients

Funyuns onion-flavored rings – These crunchy, onion-flavored chips add a unique twist and make this walking chili dog extra fun to eat.
Canned chili with beans – A hearty, flavorful base that brings all the comforting flavors of a chili dog. Feel free to use leftovers from our Dutch oven chili!
Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes – Melts beautifully into the chili for a creamy, cheesy finish. Leftover homemade cheese sauce works great, too!
All-beef hot dogs, cooked, sliced, and quartered – Juicy, beefy bites that give this recipe that classic chili dog taste.
Tex-Mex shredded cheese – Adds extra cheesiness and a little zip with its blend of melty, flavorful cheeses.
Sour cream – Cool and creamy, this balances the rich chili and cheese.
Salsa – Brings freshness and a touch of heat.
Green onion stalks, finely chopped – Perfect for a pop of color and a mild oniony crunch.

A black cast iron skillet contains baked beans, cubed yellow cheese, and sliced hot dogs, ready to be cooked. The skillet sits on a newspaper-lined wooden surface with chopped green onions and shredded cheese nearby.

Instructions

1. In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, combine the chili, Velveeta cheese, and sliced hot dogs. Stir occasionally until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.

A pot of creamy, chunky sausage and bean stew sits on a wooden table, with shredded cheese and chopped green onions nearby as toppings. The stew has a rich, orange-brown color and visible sausage slices.

2. Open each Funyun bag, crushing the chips slightly, and roll down the tops to create easy-to-hold pouches.

An open bag of corn chips sits on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by shredded cheese, green onions, and newspaper sheets on a rustic table.

3. Spoon a generous portion of the chili mixture into each bag.

An open snack-size chip bag filled with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and other toppings sits on a wooden board over newspaper. Some cheese and green onion pieces are scattered nearby.

4. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, then add sour cream, salsa, and green onions.

5. Grab a fork and enjoy your walking chili dog straight from the bag!

An open snack-size chip bag filled with shredded cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes, with a plastic fork sticking out. Curly chips and utensils are scattered nearby on a rustic wooden surface.

Tips and Tricks

Make it spicier by adding jalapeños or use a hot variety of chili for extra heat.
If Funyuns aren’t your thing, try Fritos, Doritos, or even classic potato chips.
Add more toppings. Chopped tomatoes, black olives, or avocado slices can bring extra flavor and texture.
If you’re making this for a group, keep the chili mixture warm in a Dutch oven over low heat.
If you have leftover grilled hot dogs or chili from another meal, this is a great way to repurpose them.

A hand holds a white plastic fork with a bite of cheesy, loaded Fritos topped with ground meat, sour cream, and shredded cheese. A yellow Fritos bag, cutting board, and onion rings are visible in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chili mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it and assemble the walking chili dogs.

What’s the best way to cook the hot dogs?
Grilled, boiled, or pan-seared hot dogs all work great in this recipe. If you’re camping, you can even roast them over the fire for a smoky flavor!

Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?
Absolutely! Leftover homemade chili is even better and adds extra depth of flavor. If you need a great recipe, check out our Dutch oven chili — it’s perfect for this dish!

Walking chili dogs are the ultimate campfire comfort food — fun, easy to make, and totally customizable. Whether you’re enjoying them under the stars or at a backyard cookout, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Looking for more easy & delicious camping recipes? Be sure to check out our….

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