The Best Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe Everyone Will Love

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering chili cheese dog casserole that combines classic favorites into one irresistible dish.

Layers of savory hot dogs and hearty chili create a crowd-pleasing meal that screams pure indulgence.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of melted cheese, juicy sausages, and robust chili flavors.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-stopping dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Kids and adults alike will devour this cheesy, comforting creation without hesitation.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this no-fuss, flavor-packed casserole that brings serious satisfaction to the table.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of hot dogs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use any variety of hot dogs like beef, turkey, or even vegetarian options. Just ensure they’re sliced evenly for consistent cooking.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Children typically love the combination of hot dogs, chili, and cheese. It’s a fun and easy meal that most kids will enjoy.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for several hours. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.

• What can I serve as a side dish with this casserole?

Simple sides like green salad, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables work great to balance the richness of the casserole.

Why Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Wins at Dinner

• Create Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a warm, hearty stew that wraps you in pure comfort, perfect for those moments when you crave something soul-satisfying and nutritious.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Simplify your cooking with this single-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Pack Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew delivers a balanced meal that nourishes both body and taste buds in every spoonful.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to your preferences by swapping vegetables, adjusting seasonings, or adding your favorite protein for a personalized culinary experience that never gets boring.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chili Dog Casserole

• Hot Dogs: Classic protein that provides the signature flavor of the casserole.
• Chili: Savory sauce that adds rich, spicy texture to the dish.
• Crescent Roll Dough: Soft, flaky base that creates a delicious foundation for the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that brings a creamy, tangy element to the recipe.

• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: Essential spices that enhance the overall taste and depth of the casserole.
• Onion: Optional ingredient that contributes additional flavor complexity.

• Cooking Spray: Non-stick agent used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.

Steps for Baking Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Savory Ingredients

• Sliced hot dogs
• Prepared chili
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Diced onions (optional for extra kick)

Step 3: Create The Base Layer

Gently unroll crescent roll dough and press it evenly across the entire bottom of the baking dish, creating a smooth foundation.

Step 4: Layer The Delicious Mixture

Spread the hot dog and chili mixture uniformly over the crescent roll base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheesy Goodness

Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a melty golden blanket.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crescent roll turns golden brown and the cheese becomes wonderfully bubbly.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve this mouthwatering comfort food while warm.

Notes for Gooey and Cheesy Casserole Success

• Press the dough carefully into the baking dish corners to create a uniform base that prevents uneven cooking.
• Add diced onions or a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the chili's richness and give the casserole more complexity.
• Sprinkle cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning and ensure a perfectly golden, gooey top.
• Select good-quality hot dogs and sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust and satisfying flavor profile.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to help the bottom crust set and maintain its crispy texture.

Fun Twists for Chili Cheese Dog Lovers

• Vegetarian Chili Delight: Replace hot dogs with plant-based sausages or crumbled tofu, using vegetarian chili for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap crescent roll dough with gluten-free biscuit mix or cauliflower crust for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini boats instead of crescent rolls, and opt for lean ground turkey chili to reduce carbohydrate content.

Pairings to Serve With Chili Cheese Casserole

• Pair Zesty Pickles: Cut tangy dill pickles into spears to balance the rich, heavy casserole and provide a crisp, refreshing counterpoint.
• Cool Down with Coleslaw: Prepare a creamy, slightly tangy coleslaw that cuts through the heaviness of the chili cheese dog casserole and adds a light, crunchy texture.
• Crack Open a Cold Beer: Choose a light lager or pale ale that complements the hearty flavors and helps cleanse the palate between bites of the cheesy, spicy dish.
• Serve with Fresh Salad: Toss a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to add a fresh, lighter element that contrasts with the rich casserole and provides a nutritional balance.

Storing Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed. Avoid overheating to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent cheese from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes to restore crispness.

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this irresistible Chili Cheese Dog Casserole, blending classic American flavors into one hearty dish. Layers of savory hot dogs, zesty chili, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 packages (8 ounces/226 grams each) hot dogs, sliced
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) chili (with or without beans)
• 1 can (8 ounces/226 grams) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 cup (240 milliliters/100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters/60 grams) diced onion (optional)
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine sliced hot dogs, chili, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and optional chopped onions in a mixing bowl.
3. Spread crescent roll dough across the entire bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing to create an even layer.
4. Distribute the hot dog and chili mixture uniformly over the crescent roll base.
5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crescent roll crust turns golden brown and cheese becomes melted and bubbling.
7. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and facilitate easier serving.
8. Cut into squares and serve while still warm for maximum flavor and cheese stretch.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy chili to suit different taste preferences.
• Swap traditional hot dogs with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the chili mixture for extra vegetables and flavor complexity.
• Use low-fat cheese and lean hot dogs to create a lighter, more health-conscious rendition of this comfort food classic.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 276 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 749 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg