Cheesy Chili Hot Dog Bake Recipe: A Fun Family Feast

Sizzling and packed with bold flavors, this chili cheese hot dog bake recipe delivers comfort food that makes game nights unforgettable.

Layers of melted cheese, hearty chili, and juicy hot dogs combine in a mouthwatering casserole that screams indulgence.

Weeknight dinners rarely get this exciting or easy to assemble.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will devour.

Crispy edges, gooey cheese, and zesty chili make this dish a true winner for casual gatherings.

Meat lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely adore this no-fuss, delicious bake that satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Get ready to become the dinner hero with this irresistible recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients in Chili Cheese Hot Dog Bake

• Crescent Roll Dough: Provides a soft, flaky foundation that cradles the hearty filling with buttery goodness, choose a fresh tube for best texture.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking, opt for a neutral flavor spray.

• Hot Dogs: Adds classic comfort food protein, select all-beef or quality frankfurters for richer taste.
• Chili: Delivers robust, spicy undertones, choose thick-style chili for better consistency.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances depth of savory flavor, look for pure ground garlic without additives.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more vibrant taste.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies overall seasoning, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner flavor.
• Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and texture, fresh yellow or white onions work best.

• Cheddar Cheese: Creates golden, melty crown with tangy richness, sharp varieties offer more intense flavor.

Tools That Help with Hot Dog Bake Prep

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining hot dogs, chili, and seasonings with plenty of room to stir.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for creating the casserole base and ensuring even cooking.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Knife: Needed for slicing hot dogs into bite-sized pieces.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: For adding precise amounts of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for mixing ingredients and spreading mixture evenly.

How to Layer Chili, Cheese, and Dogs for Max Flavor

• Comfort Zone Prep

Warm up your kitchen by turning the oven to a cozy 375°F. Grab a large baking dish and give it a quick spray to prevent sticking.

• Flavor Fusion

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in sliced hot dogs with hearty chili. Sprinkle in some garlic powder and black pepper for an extra kick. Feel free to add chopped onions for more zest.

• Dough Foundation

Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently press it across the bottom of your baking dish. Make sure it covers every corner for a perfect base.

• Cheesy Glory

Pour the spiced hot dog and chili mixture over the dough. Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes until the dough turns golden and the cheese melts into a bubbly landscape.

• Serving Magic

Let your creation rest for a few moments after pulling it from the oven. Slice into hearty portions and serve while it’s still steaming and irresistible.

Tips to Make It Saucy, Cheesy, and Satisfying

• Enhance the dish by mixing in cooked ground beef or turkey for extra protein and heartier texture.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a spicy Mexican cheese blend to elevate flavor profiles.
• Sprinkle diced jalapeños, bell peppers, or green onions on top for added freshness and nutritional value.
• Swap regular hot dogs for turkey or chicken dogs, use low-fat crescent roll dough, and choose lean chili to reduce overall calories.

Serving This Hot Dog Bake for Casuals

• Sprinkle Fresh Green Toppings: Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh chives to add a bright, crisp contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Pair with Cool Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty, warm flavors of the hot dog bake.
• Add Zesty Condiment Station: Set out small bowls of mustard, ketchup, and jalapeños so everyone can customize their slice with their favorite hot dog toppings.
• Serve with Crunchy Sidekick: Complement the dish with crispy potato chips or a quick coleslaw for added texture and a satisfying crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Without a Soggy Mess

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover Chili Cheese Hot Dog Bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispy crust and prevent soggy texture. Microwave works in a pinch but may soften the base.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature for even heating.

Hearty Chili Cheese Hot Dog Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Comfort classics merge in this chili cheese hot dog bake, blending hearty flavors from American diner culture. Melted cheese, spicy chili, and crisp hot dogs create a simple meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 packages (8 oz / 226 g) hot dogs, sliced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chili (with or without beans)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (8 oz / 226 g) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• ½ cup diced onion (optional)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mixture Creation: Combine sliced hot dogs, chili, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and chopped onions in a large mixing bowl, blending flavors thoroughly.
3. Base Layer: Unroll crescent roll dough and press evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a complete foundation for the casserole.
4. Assembly: Spread the hot dog and chili mixture uniformly across the crescent roll base, ensuring consistent coverage.
5. Cheese Topping: Generously cover the entire surface with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a rich and melty layer.
6. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and cheese bubbles enticingly.
7. Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to set the layers, then slice into square portions and serve warm, savoring the robust flavors and satisfying textures.

Notes

• Customize Chili Heat: Adjust chili spiciness by choosing mild, medium, or hot varieties to match personal preference and family tolerance.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Opt for sharp cheddar or blend multiple cheeses like monterey jack and pepper jack for deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Onion Enhancement Tip: Sauté chopped onions briefly before mixing to develop richer, sweeter caramelized undertones and reduce raw sharpness.
• Dough Handling Hack: Ensure crescent roll dough is evenly pressed and sealed to prevent uneven baking and create a consistent, golden-brown crust.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg