If you’re searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, let me introduce you to Chili Cheese Dog Casserole. This dish brings together everything we love about classic chili cheese dogs—savory hot dogs, gooey cheddar, zesty chili, and pillowy crescent rolls—in one bubbling, golden-brown bake. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for the ultimate game day treat, this casserole is a guaranteed hit that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves you don’t need a long shopping list to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, from the flaky crescent rolls to the rich chili and sharp cheddar cheese. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole shine:
- Hot dogs: Choose your favorite—beef, turkey, or plant-based all work perfectly for this recipe.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: These make wrapping your hot dogs quick and easy while adding a buttery, golden crust.
- Canned or homemade chili: Use a hearty, flavorful chili for a saucy base; feel free to spice it up with jalapeños if you like a kick.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Melted butter: Brushed over the dough for extra richness and a perfect golden sheen.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle aromatic punch to the butter topping.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory notes in every bite.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): Sprinkle on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures that your casserole lifts out easily and the crescent rolls stay perfectly intact.
Step 2: Wrap the Hot Dogs
Unroll your crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Take a hot dog and roll it up in a triangle of dough, beginning at the wide end and rolling toward the tip. Repeat with the remaining hot dogs. This is a fun step to get kids involved—they’ll love rolling up the dogs!
Step 3: Arrange and Add the Chili
Place your crescent-wrapped hot dogs seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly. Next, pour the chili evenly around and partially over the wrapped hot dogs. The chili will bubble up as it bakes, infusing everything with hearty flavor.
Step 4: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the chili and hot dogs. The cheese will melt into a gooey, golden layer that holds everything together and adds irresistible creaminess.
Step 5: Brush with Flavored Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a pastry brush to coat the tops of the crescent dough with this savory mixture. This little extra step guarantees a flavorful crust with an inviting aroma.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crescent rolls are puffed up and golden brown, the cheese is bubbling, and the kitchen smells like pure comfort food heaven.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the finished Chili Cheese Dog Casserole for a pop of freshness and color. Serve piping hot and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Garnishes
A finishing touch of chopped green onions or fresh parsley makes all the difference, adding a fresh, vibrant note that balances the richness of the casserole. If you’re feeling bold, sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce can give your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole a spicy kick that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or classic coleslaw adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the gooey, cheesy bake. You could also serve it alongside corn on the cob, baked beans, or even a batch of sweet potato fries for a nostalgic diner-style supper.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at parties, slice the casserole into smaller portions and serve as finger food or appetizers. If you’re hosting a crowd, set up a toppings bar with sour cream, extra cheese, jalapeños, and diced onions so everyone can customize their serving of Chili Cheese Dog Casserole just the way they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s a big “if”!), simply transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate. Chili Cheese Dog Casserole stays fresh for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen as they rest, making for an even tastier second meal.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave single servings on medium power until hot, but use caution to avoid overcooking the crescent rolls and making them tough.
FAQs
Can I use different types of hot dogs?
Absolutely! Beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based hot dogs all work beautifully in this dish. Feel free to use your favorite or mix and match for a variety of flavors.
What’s the best chili to use for Chili Cheese Dog Casserole?
You can use your go-to canned chili for convenience, or whip up a homemade batch if you have time. If you like things spicy, stir in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili before baking.
Can I prepare Chili Cheese Dog Casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead (excluding the butter topping), cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, brush with the flavored butter and pop it in the oven as directed.
How do I keep the crescent rolls from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake the casserole until the crescent rolls are golden and fully cooked through. Pouring the chili mostly around (not directly on top of) the wrapped hot dogs helps keep the dough from getting too soft.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the playful combination of hot dogs, cheese, and flaky bread. Plus, rolling up the hot dogs in crescent dough is a great way to get little helpers involved in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Chili Cheese Dog Casserole before, now’s the perfect time to dive in. It’s easy, comforting, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at the table. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole featuring hot dogs wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, smothered with chili and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Hot Dogs
- 8 hot dogs
Dough
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
Chili and Cheese
- 2 cups canned or homemade chili
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning & Toppings
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wrap hot dogs: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Wrap each hot dog with one crescent triangle, starting at the wide end and rolling to the tip. Place each wrapped hot dog seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add chili and cheese: Pour the chili evenly around and partially over the crescent-wrapped hot dogs. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
- Season the dough: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Use a brush to apply this mixture over the top of the dough-wrapped hot dogs and cheese to enhance flavor and promote browning.
- Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use beef, turkey, or plant-based hot dogs according to your preference or dietary needs.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños to the chili or drizzle hot sauce on top before serving.
- Serve the casserole alongside a simple green salad or coleslaw to complete your meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
