If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food classic that’s both effortless and outrageously delicious, look no further than this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole. Imagine all the nostalgia of ballpark hot dogs, gooey cheese, and hearty chili, but baked into one bubbling, golden dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day or just craving something cozy and indulgent, this recipe brings all the fun and flavor with minimal fuss. Trust me, this is one for the repeat list!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is how simple the ingredient list is. Each item plays a crucial role in delivering the classic flavors you expect, while making sure every bite is cheesy, savory, and satisfying.
- Hot dogs: Choose your favorite variety or try turkey or plant-based for a twist—these are the meaty heart of the dish.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Buttery and flaky, this dough wraps each hot dog in a golden embrace and adds irresistible texture.
- Prepared chili: Whether canned or homemade, chili brings the rich, saucy base that soaks into every layer for maximum flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar is the perfect finish, creating that gooey, cheesy blanket everyone loves.
- Butter (melted): Brushing the tops with butter keeps the crescent rolls moist and enhances their golden color.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note to the buttery topping—just enough to make you go “yum!”
- Onion powder: A pinch in the butter mixture gives a gentle, sweet depth to the crust.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle at the end adds color and a pop of flavor.
- Cooking spray: Just a quick spritz ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make serving a snap. This step sets you up for easy assembly and an easy cleanup—always a win!
Step 2: Wrap the Hot Dogs
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Take each hot dog and wrap it in one of the triangles, starting at the wide end and rolling towards the tip. Place each wrapped hot dog seam-side down in your prepared dish. This gives you a neat and tidy presentation, plus ensures the dough bakes up perfectly around every hot dog.
Step 3: Add the Chili
Pour your prepared chili evenly over and around the wrapped hot dogs. The chili will seep into the spaces and hug each crescent roll, infusing everything with rich, savory goodness. If you like things spicy, feel free to use a zesty chili or even stir in a few chopped jalapeños here!
Step 4: Load on the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire dish. This is where the magic happens—the cheese melts into the chili, bubbles on top, and creates that irresistible gooey finish you dream about in a Chili Cheese Dog Casserole.
Step 5: Brush with Seasoned Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of the crescent dough. Not only does this add a beautiful golden color, but it infuses the crust with a savory, aromatic touch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden and the cheese is bubbling. The aroma at this point is absolutely mouthwatering—prepare yourself for hungry onlookers!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top if you like. This little touch of freshness brightens up the whole dish and adds a splash of color. Serve your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole hot and enjoy the smiles all around the table.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Garnishes
Top your casserole with a handful of chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. If you love a little heat, a few sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce can take things to the next level. A dollop of sour cream also adds a cool, creamy contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think crisp coleslaw, a fresh green salad, or roasted veggies to balance out the richness. Even a classic bag of potato chips or sweet potato fries makes for a playful, all-American meal alongside your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, slice the casserole into finger-friendly portions and serve them on a platter with toothpicks and dipping sauces—perfect for game day or potlucks. Or, let everyone build their own plate with extra toppings like diced onions, pickles, or jalapeños. Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is as fun as it is flavorful, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering the dish tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole freezes surprisingly well! Once cooled, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. For individual portions, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick—just cover to keep the moisture in. If the cheese looks a little dry, add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating for that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese for that signature gooey top.
Is there a vegetarian version of Chili Cheese Dog Casserole?
Yes! Simply use your favorite plant-based hot dogs and vegetarian chili. The crescent dough and cheese are already vegetarian-friendly, so it’s easy to adapt this casserole to suit your preferences.
Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
What’s the best way to keep the crescent rolls from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy crescent rolls, make sure to bake the casserole uncovered so the tops get nicely golden and the dough cooks through. Also, don’t skimp on preheating the oven—this helps the dough start baking immediately.
Can I make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole spicy?
Definitely! Use a spicy chili, add diced jalapeños, or even sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. You can easily tailor the heat level to your liking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and downright fun to make, give this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole a try. It’s comfort food at its best, packed with bold flavors and nostalgic vibes. Grab your ingredients and get ready to watch this casserole disappear!
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Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is an easy and comforting baked dish combining hot dogs wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, smothered with hearty chili and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this casserole delivers all the flavors of a classic chili cheese dog in a convenient and shareable form.
Ingredients
Hot Dogs and Dough
- 1 (8-count) package hot dogs
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
Chili and Cheese
- 2 cups prepared chili (canned or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wrap Hot Dogs: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into the individual triangles. Take each hot dog and wrap it with one crescent triangle, starting at the wide end and rolling towards the tip, ensuring the dough fully encases the hot dog. Place the wrapped hot dogs seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Chili and Cheese: Pour the prepared chili evenly over and around the wrapped hot dogs in the dish. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chili-covered hot dogs.
- Season the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush this flavorful butter mixture evenly over the tops of the crescent dough wrapped hot dogs to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls have turned golden brown and are fully cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, then serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the hot dogs with beef, turkey, or plant-based varieties to match your dietary preferences.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños to the chili or use a spicy chili recipe.
- Serve this casserole alongside coleslaw or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
