(All the flavors of a classic chili cheese dog, baked into a comforting casserole—because sometimes you just need a little more cheese and a lot less mess!)
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 hot dogs (beef, turkey, or your favorite kind)
- 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans, your call!)
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something slightly larger if you want a thinner casserole).
- Prepare the Hot Dogs:
- Slice each hot dog into 4-5 pieces, so you have bite-sized pieces ready to go. You can also cut them lengthwise and then slice them if you prefer a more “hot dog” like shape.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Roll out the crescent roll dough and line the bottom of your prepared baking dish with it, pressing the seams together to form a solid layer.
- Spread the sliced hot dog pieces evenly over the dough.
- Add Chili and Cheese:
- Spoon the chili over the hot dogs and dough, spreading it out evenly. Don’t worry about being neat—it’s going to melt together perfectly!
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chili layer. Then, cover everything with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake It:
- Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle with green onions (if using), drizzle with a little mustard (if you like that extra zing), and serve hot.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Try using turkey dogs or veggie dogs for a healthier spin. The flavors still shine through, and the casserole stays just as comforting!
- Add extra cheese! The more, the merrier, right? Feel free to mix up the cheese types too—cheddar, mozzarella, and even a little pepper jack for a spicy kick.
DON’T:
- Skip the garlic and onion powder—they bring out the best flavors in the chili and cheese, trust me.
- Overcrowd the casserole with too much chili—it can make the dough soggy. Stick to about one can for the right consistency.
Pro Tips:
- If you want an extra crispy crust, brush the top of the crescent dough with a little melted butter before baking.
- Feeling adventurous? Add jalapeños, chopped onions, or a little hot sauce for an added punch of flavor.
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is perfect for those nights when you want all the fun of a chili cheese dog without the hassle of grilling or the mess of condiments. It’s hearty, cheesy, and will definitely make your taste buds wag! 🌭🧀🍽️