Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chili Cheesedog Bake takes everything people love about classic chili cheese dogs and transforms it into a warm, satisfying casserole that is perfect for sharing. This recipe is unapologetically comforting, hearty, and nostalgic. I tested it as a casual family dinner and quickly realized how well it works for busy nights, game days, and potlucks. The hot dogs become juicy as they bake, the chili adds depth and heartiness, and the melted cheese brings everything together into a cohesive, indulgent dish. What truly makes this recipe appealing is its simplicity. It relies on familiar ingredients, requires minimal prep, and delivers bold flavor with very little effort. Served straight from the oven, this Chili Cheesedog Bake feels fun, filling, and universally appealing, especially when paired with a simple salad or coleslaw.
Chili Cheesedog Bake: A Comfort-Food Classic Turned Crowd-Pleasing Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chili Cheesedog Bake is a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole made with hot dogs, fluffy baked dough, savory chili, and melted cheese—perfect for game days, potlucks, or an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough or biscuit dough
- 6 beef hot dogs, sliced into thirds
- 1 1/2 cups canned chili (no beans or with beans)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup diced onion (optional)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cut dough into bite-sized pieces and spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Scatter sliced hot dogs evenly over the dough.
- Spoon chili evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add diced onions if using.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until dough is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with mustard or ketchup drizzled on top if desired.
- Use turkey hot dogs for a lighter version.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing for cleaner portions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Hot dogs are the foundation of the dish. Beef hot dogs provide the richest flavor, but any variety works well.
Prepared chili adds hearty texture and savory depth. Both homemade and canned chili work effectively in this recipe.
Refrigerated crescent roll dough creates a soft, golden base that holds the filling and absorbs flavor as it bakes.
Shredded cheddar cheese brings sharpness and creaminess, melting beautifully over the chili and hot dogs.
Mozzarella cheese adds extra stretch and a mild balance to the sharper cheddar.
Onion enhances the savory profile with a subtle sweetness as it bakes.
Yellow mustard adds tang and classic cheesedog flavor without overpowering the dish.
Butter helps brown the dough and adds richness to the base.
Garlic powder provides subtle seasoning that complements the chili and cheese.
Black pepper sharpens the overall flavor and balances the richness.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a rectangular baking dish and set it aside.
Unroll the crescent dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the dish, sealing any perforations. Brush lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper.
Slice the hot dogs lengthwise and arrange them evenly over the dough. Spoon the chili over the hot dogs, spreading it evenly to cover.
Sprinkle the chopped onion evenly across the chili layer. Drizzle lightly with mustard for classic flavor.
Top generously with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a baking time of approximately 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature for best texture, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
Chili Cheesedog Bake is highly adaptable and easy to customize. For extra spice, use chili with beans and add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder. If you prefer a milder version, choose a no-bean chili and reduce the onion.
You can swap crescent dough for cornbread batter for a more Southern-style twist. For added richness, mix cream cheese into the chili layer before assembling.
If you want a lighter option, use turkey hot dogs and reduced-fat cheese without sacrificing flavor. Toppings such as diced tomatoes, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips can be added after baking for extra texture and visual appeal.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein (g) | 20 |
| Carbs (g) | 36 |
| Fat (g) | 32 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 14 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 |
| Sugar (g) | 6 |
| Sodium (mg) | 1,180 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Dough sealing: Press crescent seams firmly to prevent gaps in the base.
Balanced layers: Avoid excess chili to keep the bake from becoming soggy.
Cheese blend: Combining cheeses improves melt and flavor depth.
Resting time: Let the dish sit briefly before slicing for cleaner portions.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chili?
Yes, homemade chili works very well.
Should the hot dogs be pre-cooked?
Most hot dogs are already cooked and bake perfectly as is.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ahead and bake just before serving.
What size baking dish works best?
A standard rectangular dish provides even layers.
Can I freeze Chili Cheesedog Bake?
Freezing is not recommended due to dough texture changes.
Is this dish spicy?
It depends on the chili used; spice level is easily adjustable.
Can I add beans?
Yes, chili with beans works well.
What sides pair best?
Coleslaw, salad, or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Can I use puff pastry instead?
Crescent dough is recommended for best texture.
Can children enjoy this recipe?
Yes, it is very family-friendly.
Conclusion
Chili Cheesedog Bake is a fun, satisfying casserole that brings together bold flavors and familiar comfort in one easy dish. Perfect for casual dinners and gatherings, this recipe delivers hearty portions, minimal prep, and guaranteed crowd appeal every time.
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