Hey y'all! If you're looking for a fun, hearty, and downright delicious meal that will bring smiles to everyone's faces, this Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner is about to become your new favorite. With gooey melted cheese, savory chili, and plump hot dogs all wrapped in buttery dough, it's a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners, game day get-togethers, or even a casual weeknight treat. Ready to make dinner unforgettable? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner
- Quick and easy to assemble with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Combines all the classic flavors of a chili cheese dog in a cozy casserole form.
- Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and chili varieties.
- Kid-approved and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
Ingredients for Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner
- 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans, your choice)
- 8 hot dogs
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a light coat of butter.
Step 2: Assemble the Chili Base
Spread the chili evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful base for your bake.
Step 3: Wrap the Hot Dogs
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Roll each hot dog in a crescent triangle, starting at the wide end and working your way to the point. Place the wrapped hot dogs seam-side down on top of the chili in the baking dish.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over and around the wrapped hot dogs. Brush the tops of the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the cheese to melt and flavors to set. Garnish with dried parsley, if desired.
Notes & Tips for the Perfect Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner
- Use your favorite store-bought or homemade chili for extra flavor. For a great homemade chili recipe, check out Simply Recipes' Chili Con Carne.
- For a crispier top, broil for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Swap cheddar for a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.
Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy chili and add sliced jalapeños under the crescent dough for heat lovers.
- Vegetarian: Opt for veggie dogs and meatless chili for a meat-free version.
- Mini Bites: Cut hot dogs in half and use mini crescent rolls for bite-sized party appetizers.
Required Equipment for Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Oven
- Basting brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board (if adding garnishes)
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Store leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until hot. Freezing is not recommended as the dough may become soggy upon thawing.
Serving Recommendations for Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner
- Serve with a crisp green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness.
- Pair with classic sides like tater tots, fries, or baked beans for a true comfort meal.
- Top with diced onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flair.
Pro Tips for the Best Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner
- Let the bake rest for a few minutes to set before slicing, so each piece holds together better.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melt and flavor, as bagged pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. Learn more about why grating your own cheese is better.
- Experiment with different chili varieties or even homemade chili for a personalized touch.
FAQ: Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner
- Can I make Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Bake just before serving for best results.
- What’s the best chili to use?
- Any chili you love works well, from canned to homemade. For nutrition tips, check out EatRight's guide to healthier chili.
- Can this be made gluten-free?
- Yes, just use gluten-free crescent dough and hot dogs to make a gluten-free version of this bake.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chili with beans
- 6 hot dogs
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2Spread the chili evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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3Wrap each hot dog in a triangle of crescent roll dough and place them on top of the chili.
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4Brush the tops of the crescent rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
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5Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
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6Remove from the oven, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onions, then return to the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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