Introduction

When I first tried making Chili Cheese Dog Casserole, I didn’t expect it to become such a hit with my family. The combination of hearty chili, savory hot dogs, cheesy goodness, and the flaky crescent roll crust was an instant favorite. The dish is a complete comfort food, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Every bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it a meal everyone looks forward to. My kids loved it, and it was a great way to get them to eat their veggies (if you sneak in some extra ingredients). Whether you serve it for dinner or as a fun twist on a party dish, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Quick and Easy: This casserole takes just 10 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to bake. It’s an incredibly simple recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Comforting and Hearty: The combination of chili, hot dogs, and melted cheese makes it the perfect comfort food for cold days or busy nights.
Kid-Friendly: It’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for family dinners. The flavors are familiar, but the casserole format makes it fun and unique.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs, whether you prefer spicy chili or want to add extra toppings like jalapeños or bacon.
Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients like hot dogs, crescent rolls, and canned chili, this casserole is easy on the wallet while still being filling and satisfying.

Ingredients

2 packages (8 oz each) hot dogs, sliced
1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans)
1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Dogs

In a large bowl, combine the sliced hot dogs, chili, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. If you’re adding diced onion, include it at this stage for an extra burst of flavor. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Layer

Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Ensure the dough covers the entire base, creating a uniform layer. This will act as the crust for the casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the hot dog and chili mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough. Spread it out so that it covers the entire base layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, ensuring the cheese melts perfectly during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure the crust doesn’t overbake.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares or rectangles. This lets the dish set and makes it easier to serve.
Serve warm and enjoy this delicious and cheesy comfort food!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (varies depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)

Preparation Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve

As a main dish: This casserole is a filling and hearty meal, perfect for a family dinner. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed veggies for balance.
For parties or gatherings: Cut the casserole into smaller squares and serve as a fun, party-friendly appetizer. It’s a great dish for game day or casual get-togethers.
With a side of chips or fries: For a classic comfort food experience, serve the casserole alongside potato chips, french fries, or tater tots.
Topped with extra cheese or sour cream: Add an extra layer of melted cheese on top after baking for even more cheesy goodness. You can also serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
With a side of pickles or jalapeños: If you like a tangy or spicy contrast, serve this casserole with a side of pickles, jalapeños, or even a spicy hot sauce drizzle.

Additional Tips

Use quality chili: For the best flavor, opt for a high-quality canned chili. You can also make your own chili from scratch if you prefer a fresher taste.
Add vegetables: Sneak in some extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Try different cheeses: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for added variety and flavor.
Customize with toppings: Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, crumbled bacon, or chopped green onions to elevate the casserole.
Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

FAQ

Can I use turkey hot dogs instead of regular hot dogs?
Yes, turkey hot dogs work just as well as regular hot dogs in this casserole. They’ll provide a lighter alternative without compromising on flavor.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the hot dogs and use a plant-based sausage or beans instead. For a more hearty vegetarian version, add extra vegetables and seasonings.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until hot.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.
Can I use a different type of dough?
While crescent roll dough is the easiest option, you can substitute it with biscuit dough, puff pastry, or even pizza dough for a different twist.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or potato wedges for a complete meal. For a more casual setting, chips or French fries are perfect.
Can I add beans to the chili?
If you prefer chili with beans, feel free to use it instead. The beans add a nice texture and flavor to the dish.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add diced jalapeños to the chili mixture or use spicy sausage in place of regular hot dogs for an extra kick.
Can I add more cheese to the top?
Yes! Feel free to add an extra layer of cheese before baking or after it comes out of the oven for an even cheesier result.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
If you don’t have a 9×13-inch dish, you can use a slightly smaller or larger one. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since it may vary depending on the size of the dish.

Conclusion

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a fantastic, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. With its rich, cheesy, and savory flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a casual party, or a weekend treat, this casserole delivers on taste and ease. Plus, with its flexibility to be customized with various toppings and ingredients, it’s a dish you can make your own. Try it today, and I’m sure it’ll become a new favorite in your household!