The Best Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering chili cheese dog casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Layers of hearty ingredients create a symphony of flavors you’ll absolutely adore.

Juicy hot dogs nestled between zesty chili and melted cheese make this dish irresistible.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing meal.

Families and friends will dive into this comforting classic that combines classic American favorites in one epic dish.

Crispy edges, gooey cheese, and savory chili come together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience culinary magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Hot Dog Casserole Is a Crowd-Pleaser

• Boost Family Comfort: This casserole delivers ultimate comfort food that kids and adults will absolutely devour, creating instant smiles around the dinner table.
• Simplify Meal Prep: With minimal ingredients and super easy assembly, anyone can whip up this delicious dish without complicated cooking skills or extensive kitchen experience.
• Quick and Satisfying: Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole requires just a few minutes of preparation and delivers a hearty, filling meal that satisfies serious hunger pangs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for casual gatherings, game day parties, or potluck events where you need a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy digging into.

What’s in a Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Hot Dogs: Tasty sausages perfect for a comforting meal.
• Chili: Hearty sauce with meat and spices for extra flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds richness.
• Crescent Roll Dough: Soft, buttery pastry that creates a golden base.

• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: Classic seasonings that boost overall taste.
• Onion: Optional ingredient that brings extra zesty flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Hot Dog Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Dish

Fire up your oven to 375°F and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Hot Dog Flavor Explosion

• Sliced hot dogs
• Chili
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Chopped onions (optional)

Mix all ingredients until they’re well combined and smell amazing.

Step 3: Create The Dough Base

Unroll crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, making sure it covers every inch of the pan.

Step 4: Layer The Deliciousness

Pour the hot dog and chili mixture evenly across the crescent roll base, creating a mouthwatering layer of flavor.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, ensuring maximum cheesy coverage.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and bubbly, melted cheese.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Slice, serve warm, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Tips for Cheesy, Savory Layers Every Time

• Select low-sodium or turkey hot dogs to reduce overall salt content and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
• Mix homemade or store-bought chili with different heat levels to match personal spice preferences, making the casserole adaptable for various taste buds.
• Experiment with cheese blends like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a four-cheese mix to add depth and complexity to the traditional cheddar flavor profile.
• Swap crescent roll dough with gluten-free alternatives or use cauliflower crust for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the casserole's delicious essence.
• Assemble the entire casserole in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, which helps streamline meal preparation for busy households.

How to Store and Reheat This Casserole Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Let the casserole cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese melts perfectly.

Favorite Pairings for Chili Cheese Casseroles

• Pair with Cool Coleslaw: Crisp, tangy coleslaw cuts through the rich, heavy casserole, balancing flavors with its refreshing crunch and acidic notes.
• Complement with Crisp Beer: Light lager or pale ale provides a perfect counterpoint, cutting through the casserole's richness and cleansing the palate with its carbonation.
• Match with Zesty Pickles: Dill pickle spears offer a sharp, briny contrast that enhances the casserole's savory profile and adds a bright, acidic element to each bite.
• Serve with Fresh Green Salad: Lightweight mixed greens dressed in a light vinaigrette help lighten the meal, providing a fresh, nutritious side that offsets the casserole's hearty nature.

New Takes on Chili Cheese Dog Bakes

• Vegetarian Chili Cheese Casserole: Replace hot dogs with plant-based sausages or chopped vegetable protein crumbles, using vegetarian chili for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute crescent roll dough with a cauliflower crust or thinly sliced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and increase vegetable intake.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough or swap with almond flour-based crust, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Variation: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute with 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! This casserole combines classic kid-favorite ingredients like hot dogs, chili, and cheese, making it a perfect meal that children will love and enjoy.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to serve.

• What chili works best for this recipe?

Canned chili or homemade chili both work great. If using canned, choose a variety without beans for a smoother texture, but bean-based chili is fine too.

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Loaded with nostalgic comfort, chili cheese dog casserole brings classic American diner flavors straight to your dinner table. Melted cheese, hearty chili, and crispy hot dogs create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 packages (8 ounces/226 grams) 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/113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters/75 grams) diced onion (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cooking Preparation:

• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Slice hot dogs and mix them with chili, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a large mixing bowl, incorporating diced onions for enhanced flavor.
3. Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough and gently press it across the entire bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base layer.
4. Distribute the hot dog and chili mixture uniformly over the crescent roll foundation, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a complete cheese layer.
6. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crescent roll crust and melted, bubbling cheese.
7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the layers to set and cool slightly.
8. Cut into square portions and serve warm, providing a hearty and satisfying meal with rich, comforting flavors.

Notes

• Select lean hot dogs or turkey dogs for a healthier version of this comforting casserole.
• Consider using whole wheat crescent roll dough to boost nutritional value and add extra fiber.
• Customize the spice level by choosing mild or spicy chili, and add a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
• Make this dish vegetarian by substituting hot dogs with plant-based sausages and using vegetarian chili.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 910 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg