Of course! The Chili Cheese Dog Bake is the ultimate easy, crowd-pleasing meal. It takes all the elements of a classic ballpark treat and transforms them into a hearty, shareable casserole that’s perfect for game day, a busy weeknight, or a fun family dinner.
Here are a couple of fantastic versions, from the super-easy to the “from-scratch” deluxe.
Version 1: The Classic & Easy Casserole
This version uses canned chili for maximum simplicity and speed. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients
· 8 hot dogs (beef are classic)
· 1 (15 oz) can of your favorite chili (with or without beans)
· 1 tube (16 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or 1 can refrigerated crescent sheet)
· 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· Optional toppings: diced onion, jalapeño slices, pickled relish, a drizzle of yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Base: Unroll the crescent roll dough. If using sheets, press it into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared baking dish. If using perforated triangles, press the seams together to form a single sheet.
- Add the Fillings: Spread the canned chili evenly over the crescent roll dough. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.
- Arrange the Hot Dogs: Place the hot dogs in a single layer, side-by-side, on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the chili is bubbly.
- Add Final Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the hot dogs so it melts.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite hot dog toppings on the side!
Version 2: The “From-Scratch” Deluxe Bake
This version elevates the dish by making a quick homemade chili and using a more substantial dough base. It’s well worth the extra effort.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Quick Chili:
· 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
· 1 small onion, finely chopped
· 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
· ¼ cup water
· 2 tablespoons tomato paste
· 1 tablespoon chili powder
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon cumin
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ¼ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
For the Casserole:
· 8 hot dogs
· 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· 1 tube (16 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
· Optional for serving: sour cream, sliced scallions, pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Make the Quick Chili: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper (and beans, if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Create the Base: Unroll the crescent dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the baking dish, sealing any seams.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the prepared chili evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese. Arrange the hot dogs lengthwise on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
- Final Touch: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the hot dogs. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let it stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set. Garnish with your favorite toppings.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
· Dough Alternatives: Don’t have crescent rolls? A can of refrigerated biscuit dough (flattened into a sheet) or even a sheet of puff pastry works great.
· Spice it Up: Use spicy hot dogs, pepper jack cheese, or add a diced jalapeño to the chili mixture.
· Make it “Cheesy Bread” Style: For an even cheesier base, mix 1 cup of the shredded cheese directly into the crescent dough before pressing it into the pan.
· Hot Dog Prep: For easier serving, you can slice the hot dogs in half lengthwise before arranging them.
· Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chili (for the deluxe version) up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
No matter which version you choose, you’re in for a fun, delicious, and satisfying meal. Enjoy