Craving a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in under an hour? This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole combines the nostalgic flavors of chili dogs with the ease of a baked casserole. Perfect for game days, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, this dish is loaded with savory hot dogs, zesty chili, melty cheese, and flaky crescent roll crust. It’s comfort food at its finest—quick to make and impossible to resist!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible casserole:

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced hot dogs, chili, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and diced onion (if using). Stir until evenly coated.
3. Layer Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, sealing any perforations.
4. Assemble Casserole: Spread the hot dog and chili mixture over the dough in an even layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice into squares and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love It

• Kid-Approved: A fun twist on classic chili dogs that kids adore.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with minimal prep.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for game-day parties, potlucks, or busy weeknights.
• Comfort Food Bliss: Combines flaky crust, savory chili, and gooey cheese in every bite.

Tips and Tricks

• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Homemade Chili: Use homemade chili instead of canned for a fresher flavor.
• Crispy Crust: For extra crunch, brush the crescent dough with melted butter before baking.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Variations and Customizations

• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend cheese for a flavor twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based hot dogs and vegetarian chili.
• Add Veggies: Mix in corn, bell peppers, or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.
• Biscuit Base: Substitute crescent dough with refrigerated biscuit dough for a thicker crust.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve this casserole with:

• Classic Sides: Pair with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer ketchup, mustard, or ranch dressing on the side.
• Game-Day Spread: Serve alongside nachos, wings, or loaded potato skins.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole (covered tightly) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use hot dog buns instead of crescent dough?
Yes! Layer torn hot dog buns at the bottom for a breadier base.

2. Can I add baked beans to the filling?
Absolutely—stir in ½ cup of baked beans for extra sweetness and texture.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crescent dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. Can I substitute ground beef for hot dogs?
Yes! Browned ground beef seasoned with chili powder works well.

Conclusion

This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. With its golden crescent roll crust, hearty chili filling, and melty cheese topping, it’s a dish that’s both nostalgic and effortless. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Whip it up tonight and watch it disappear!