Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for families who love the classic chili cheese dog but want it in an easy, baked dinner form. This dish layers juicy hot dogs, hearty chili, gooey melted cheese, and sometimes a biscuit or crescent roll topping, creating a fun, filling, and crowd-pleasing meal.
It’s a casserole that works perfectly for game day, weeknight dinners, or potlucks when you want something casual yet satisfying. Kids love it, adults love it, and best of all, it requires minimal prep and simple pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chili (with or without beans)
- 8 beef hot dogs, sliced into rounds
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or biscuit dough)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Layer the Chili and Hot Dogs
- Spread 1 can of chili in the bottom of the dish.
- Top with sliced hot dogs, then spread the second can of chili on top.
Step 3: Add the Crescent Roll Topping
- Unroll crescent dough and place triangles on top of the chili mixture, slightly overlapping.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika over the dough.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the crescent topping is golden brown.
Step 5: Add Cheese
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Return to oven for another 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variations
- Cornbread Topping: Replace crescent dough with cornbread batter.
- Loaded Version: Add sautéed onions, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy chili and pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based hot dogs and vegetarian chili.
Cooking Notes
- Use beef hot dogs for classic flavor, but chicken, turkey, or veggie hot dogs also work.
- Homemade chili can be substituted for canned for richer flavor.
- Crescent roll dough bakes quickly, don’t overbake or it may dry out.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- Serve with coleslaw or corn on the cob for a cookout-style dinner.
- Add tortilla chips on the side for scooping.
Tips
- Cut hot dogs into even slices for consistent bites.
- If using biscuit dough, increase baking time slightly.
- Let casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing for easier serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days.
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 21g
- Sodium: 920mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make chili cheese dog casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble up to the crescent dough step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, freeze baked casserole up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q3: Can I use homemade chili?
- Absolutely, homemade chili makes it even more flavorful.
Q4: What’s the best cheese for chili cheese dog casserole?
- Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or pepper jack work great.
Q5: Can I use veggie hot dogs?
- Yes, plant-based hot dogs and veggie chili work perfectly for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a fun, easy, and satisfying dish that transforms the flavors of the classic chili cheese dog into a hearty baked dinner. With hot dogs, chili, crescent roll topping, and gooey cheese, it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for casual weeknights, game day, or potluck gatherings. Quick to assemble, customizable, and crowd-pleasing, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.