National Chili Dog Day (last Thurs in July)

One weird holiday on the last Thursday in July is National Chili Dog Day – not to be confused with National Hot Dog Day, which takes place on July 19th. Check out the other silly holidays in July!

Every year, on the last Thursday of July, food enthusiasts across the United States celebrate National Chili Dog Day, a day dedicated to one of America’s favorite fast foods—the chili dog.

This savory treat consists of a hot dog served in a bun and topped with chili con carne.

Often garnished with cheese, onions, and sometimes mustard, the chili dog is a staple at cookouts, ballparks, and diners. This article delves into the history of the chili dog, explores some famous chili dog competitions, and highlights how various regions in the U.S. have put unique spins on this beloved dish.

When is National Chili Dog Day?

National Chili Dog Day takes place each year on the last Thursday of July. Here are the dates for National Chili Dog Day for upcoming years:

Thursday, July 31, 2025
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Thursday, July 29, 2027
Thursday, July 27, 2028
Thursday, July 26, 2029
Thursday, July 25, 2030
Thursday, July 31, 2031
Thursday, July 29, 2032
Thursday, July 28, 2033

These dates provide a reference for planning how to celebrate National Chili Dog Day in upcoming years, whether you’re looking forward to participating in local events, visiting renowned chili dog spots, or simply enjoying this classic American dish at home.

Who Invented National Chili Dog Day?

The specific origin of National Chili Dog Day is not well-documented, and it is unclear who exactly invented or established this celebration. Like many food-themed days, National Chili Dog Day likely emerged from promotional efforts by food industry businesses or enthusiasts who wanted to celebrate and promote this popular American dish.

These observance days often gain traction through social media, local events, or by being highlighted by restaurants and food brands as a way to draw attention and increase sales. The day has become embraced by chili dog lovers and is used as an opportunity to enjoy and promote this beloved fast food.

Crafting the Classic Chili Dog: Methods and Toppings

The chili dog is a simple yet delicious dish that combines a grilled or steamed hot dog with a generous helping of chili con carne, served in a soft bun. This section will explore the most common methods for making a chili dog and the variety of toppings that can enhance its flavor and texture.

Preparation of the Hot Dog: The foundation of a great chili dog is, of course, the hot dog itself. The most common method of preparing the hot dog for a chili dog is grilling or steaming. Grilling the hot dogs provides a nice char and a smoky flavor that complements the richness of the chili. Alternatively, steaming the hot dogs makes them juicy and tender, which can be particularly good at absorbing the chili flavors. Once cooked, the hot dog is placed in a soft, warm bun, which is sturdy enough to hold the hot dog and the toppings without falling apart.

Making the Chili Con Carne: The chili for a chili dog is typically a thick, meaty sauce without beans, though some regional variations might include them. The base ingredients include ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, chili powder, paprika, and sometimes a touch of cayenne for heat. Tomato paste and beef broth are added to create a rich, hearty sauce. The chili is simmered until thickened to a consistency that can be easily spooned over the hot dogs without making the bun soggy.

Typical Toppings: While the chili itself is rich in flavor, the addition of various toppings can enhance the chili dog experience:

Cheese: A sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the hot chili allows it to melt slightly, adding a creamy texture and a sharp, tangy taste that balances the spiciness of the chili.
Onions: Diced raw onions offer a crisp, pungent counterpoint to the meaty chili, adding both texture and a burst of freshness.
Mustard: A drizzle of classic yellow mustard adds acidity and spice, cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese.
Jalapeños: For those who prefer their chili dog with a bit more heat, sliced jalapeños provide a spicy kick that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the chili.
Relish or Pickles: Sweet or dill relish can add a hint of tanginess and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the chili dog.

The beauty of the chili dog lies in its versatility. These toppings can be mixed and matched according to personal taste preferences, making each chili dog a customized creation. Whether it’s the simplicity of just chili and cheese or a fully loaded dog with all the suggested toppings, each variant holds the heart of what makes a chili dog an enduring favorite across America.

Scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of delicious chili dog recipes.

The Rich History of the Chili Dog

The chili dog, a beloved staple of American street food, traces its origins back to the melding of various culinary traditions brought by immigrants to the United States. The story of the chili dog is deeply intertwined with the history of the hot dog and chili con carne—two distinct dishes that found a delicious synergy.

The Hot Dog’s Journey to America: The hot dog itself, originally known as the frankfurter, was brought to America by German immigrants in the late 19th century. The practice of serving a frankfurter in a bun is attributed to multiple origins in American history, but it most famously became a popular item at Coney Island, New York, in the early 1900s. Vendors found that placing the sausage in a bun made it easier for people to eat while walking around, thus creating the modern hot dog.

Chili Con Carne’s Evolution: Chili con carne, often simply called “chili,” is a dish that originated with the Tejano people in Texas. It was a simple stew composed primarily of ground beef and chili peppers. Its heartiness and ease of preparation made it a popular meal among the working class, particularly in the growing urban centers of the American Southwest. By the early 20th century, chili parlors began opening throughout the United States, making the dish a national staple.

The Birth of the Chili Dog: The exact origins of the first chili dog are not well documented, with various regions across the United States claiming to have originated the combination. However, it is widely accepted that the chili dog began gaining popularity as a street food in the United States in the 1920s. The concept is simple: a hot dog smothered in a layer of chili con carne, effectively combining two comfort foods into one portable and highly satisfying meal. This combination likely emerged from vendor experiments aiming to create a new and enticing fast food option that would appeal to the American palate.

As the chili dog gained popularity, it began to appear at diners and drive-ins across the country, each region adding its own local flavors and toppings. For instance, in Michigan, the “Coney Dog” (a version of the chili dog) uses a beanless chili and is typically topped with mustard and onions. In other areas, unique local spices may be added to the chili, reflecting the diverse culinary landscapes of the United States.

Chili Dog Competitions and Celebrations

National Chili Dog Day is marked by numerous events and competitions across the country, where both amateurs and professional chefs showcase their takes on this classic dish. One of the most renowned events is the annual Chili Dog Eating Contest held in Coney Island, New York. This contest not only celebrates the dish but also tests the limits of participants’ appetites, drawing large crowds and media attention.

Another notable celebration occurs in Detroit, Michigan, where the chili dog is a part of the city’s culinary soul. Detroit’s annual Chili Dog Fest features live music, family-friendly activities, and, of course, a plethora of chili dogs from the city’s best eateries. This event not only celebrates the beloved dish but also serves as a gathering point for the community.

Famous Chili Dog Establishments

Across the United States, several establishments have gained fame for their unique takes on the chili dog, becoming landmarks in their own right. For instance, Pink’s Hot Dogs in Los Angeles is renowned for its Chili Dog, served with mustard, chili, and onions. Pink’s has become a cultural icon in L.A., attracting celebrities and food enthusiasts alike.

In Cincinnati, Ohio, the chili dog takes a different spin with the “Coney,” a smaller hot dog smothered in Cincinnati-style chili, which is made with unique spices and often served over spaghetti. Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili are famous spots that offer this regional variant, blending Greek seasoning influences with American chili traditions.