Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines all the flavors of chili dogs in a baked, cheesy casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and loaded with hearty, savory goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and ready in under an hour.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A fun, comforting dish that’s great for all ages.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or extra ingredients for a personalized twist.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Hot dogs (sliced or left whole)
- Chili (canned or homemade)
- Crescent roll dough or biscuit dough
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Onion (chopped, optional)
- Mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley or chives (chopped, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Base:
- Spread a layer of chili evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the hot dogs on top of the chili (sliced or whole, as preferred).
- Add Crescent Rolls:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and lay it over the hot dogs, covering the entire dish. For a decorative touch, cut the dough into strips and weave a lattice pattern.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the dough. Add chopped onions and mustard drizzles, if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley or chives. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the chili or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
- Extra Meaty: Mix ground beef or sausage into the chili for a heartier dish.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian hot dogs and chili for a meat-free version.
- Mexican-Inspired: Use queso cheese and add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the chili.
- Cheese Lover’s Twist: Add layers of shredded mozzarella or pepper jack for extra cheesy goodness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade chili?
Yes! Homemade chili adds even more flavor to the dish.
2. Can I substitute the crescent roll dough?
Yes, biscuit dough, puff pastry, or even cornbread batter works well.
3. How do I make this dish less messy?
Cut the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces for easier serving and eating.
4. Can I add veggies to this recipe?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans make great additions.
5. What sides go well with this casserole?
Coleslaw, potato salad, or a green salad are excellent choices.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance, then bake when ready to serve.
7. Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend are great alternatives to cheddar.
8. How do I know the crescent rolls are fully baked?
The top should be golden brown, and the dough layers should no longer be raw.
9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free hot dogs, chili, and biscuit dough or crescent roll substitutes.
10. What toppings can I add before serving?
Sour cream, diced onions, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips are all great options.
Conclusion
Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole combines the best of chili dogs in a simple, baked dish that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat. Perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers, this hearty recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite!
Print
Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole combines classic chili flavors, juicy hot dogs, and a cheesy topping for a hearty and comforting dish. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or any time you’re craving a fun and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns (split, optional)
- 2 cups (500ml) chili (homemade or canned)
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) diced onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup (30g) sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
- Place the hot dog buns in the prepared dish (open side up). If not using buns, arrange the hot dogs directly in the dish.
- Place a hot dog in each bun or row in the dish.
3. Add the Chili:
- Spoon the chili evenly over the hot dogs, ensuring they are well covered.
4. Add Cheese and Toppings:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili.
- Add diced onion if desired.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with sliced jalapeños, additional onions, or your favorite toppings. Serve hot with a side of fries, salad, or veggies.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the buns lightly before assembling the casserole.
- Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top of the cheese for added crunch.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.