Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple, fun, and crowd-pleasing meal, this Easy Chili Hot Dog Casserole is the perfect recipe for you! It combines two favorites—hot dogs and chili—into a cheesy, baked casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or feeding a hungry crowd. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is easy to throw together but packed with flavor. It’s comfort food at its best!

Whether you’re making it for a family meal or a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Read on to learn how to make this tasty, quick meal, along with helpful tips, variations, and serving ideas to customize it to your liking.

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What is Chili Hot Dog Casserole?

Chili Hot Dog Casserole is a baked dish that combines sliced hot dogs, hearty chili, and melted cheese, all layered or mixed together and baked to perfection. It’s a twist on the classic chili dog, but in casserole form, making it easier to serve and perfect for a group. You can customize it with your favorite chili recipe, canned chili, and any additional toppings or ingredients you like. The result is a cheesy, hearty dish with a fun, nostalgic flavor that everyone will love.

Ingredients List for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious Chili Hot Dog Casserole:

1. Hot dogs – 8-10 hot dogs (any brand or type you prefer)
   You can use classic beef hot dogs, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based hot dogs.
2. Canned chili – 2 cans (15 oz each)
   Use your favorite brand of canned chili, or if you prefer, homemade chili works great as well. You can use chili with or without beans, depending on your preference.
3. Cheddar cheese (shredded) – 2 cups
   Cheddar is classic, but you can use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
4. Crescent roll dough (refrigerated) – 1 can (8 oz)
   This creates a golden, flaky topping for the casserole. You can also use pizza dough, biscuit dough, or puff pastry as an alternative.
5. Onion (diced) – 1 medium (optional)
   Adds extra flavor and texture to the casserole. You can sauté it before adding if you prefer a softer texture.
6. Jalapeños (optional, sliced) – For a spicy kick, you can add sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños on top or mixed into the casserole.
7. Ketchup and mustard (optional, for drizzling) – Classic hot dog toppings that add an extra burst of flavor to the casserole.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some substitution ideas and variations:

1. Hot Dog Substitutions:
   You can use turkey, chicken, or veggie hot dogs for a lighter or meat-free option. Bratwurst or kielbasa would also be a great swap for a heartier version.
2. Chili Substitutions:
   Use homemade chili if you have time or prefer more control over the ingredients. You can also switch to a vegetarian chili or a chili with no beans if you prefer.
3. Cheese Variations:
   If you want to mix things up, try using a Mexican cheese blend, mozzarella, or pepper jack for some extra spice. For a creamier casserole, you can also stir in some cream cheese.
4. Dough Substitutions:
   Crescent roll dough is easy and flaky, but you could also use biscuit dough, pizza dough, or even tater tots for a fun twist!
5. Extra Veggies:
   Add diced bell peppers, corn, or even mushrooms for a heartier and more nutritious version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Chili Hot Dog Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C):
   This will ensure that the casserole bakes evenly and the crescent roll topping turns golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

2. Slice the Hot Dogs:
   Cut the hot dogs into 1-inch pieces. Set them aside.
3. Prepare the Onion (optional):
   Dice the onion and, if desired, sauté it in a bit of oil until softened. You can skip this step if you prefer a bit of crunch in the casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

4. Layer the Hot Dogs and Chili:
   In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread one can of chili on the bottom of the dish. Then, layer the sliced hot dogs evenly over the chili. Top the hot dogs with the second can of chili.
5. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer. This will melt and bind the chili and hot dogs together as the casserole bakes.

Step 4: Add the Crescent Roll Topping

6. Top with Crescent Roll Dough:
   Unroll the crescent dough and lay it flat over the casserole. Pinch any seams together to create an even layer over the chili and cheese. If using biscuit dough, you can flatten the biscuits slightly before arranging them on top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

7. Bake for 25-30 Minutes:
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Add Final Toppings (Optional)

8. Add Additional Cheese and Bake Again (Optional):
   If you like extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the baked crescent rolls, then return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
9. Drizzle with Ketchup and Mustard:
   Before serving, drizzle some ketchup and mustard over the top for that classic chili dog flavor. You can also add jalapeño slices if you like it spicy!

How to Cook Chili Hot Dog Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Get your oven ready at 375°F to ensure a perfectly baked, golden crescent roll topping.
2. Layer Hot Dogs and Chili:
   Arrange the sliced hot dogs between layers of canned chili in a baking dish.
3. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle cheese over the chili to create a melty, cheesy middle layer.
4. Top with Dough:
   Lay crescent roll dough on top to create a flaky, golden crust for the casserole.
5. Bake:
   Bake until the topping is golden brown, then add more cheese (if desired) for extra gooeyness!
6. Serve with Classic Toppings:
   Drizzle with ketchup, mustard, and sprinkle with jalapeños for a full chili dog experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Casserole Dish:
   Make sure your baking dish is large enough to allow even cooking. If the casserole is too packed, the crescent roll topping may not cook through properly.
2. Skipping the Cheese Layer:
   Don’t skimp on the cheese! It helps hold the casserole together and adds a deliciously creamy, melty layer.
3. Not Sealing Crescent Roll Dough:
   If using crescent roll dough, make sure to pinch the seams together so it bakes evenly and doesn’t split apart.
4. Overbaking:
   Keep an eye on the crescent roll topping to ensure it doesn’t over-brown or burn. Check it at the 25-minute mark to see if it’s golden and crispy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Chili Hot Dog Casserole is a fun, casual dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Here are some serving ideas to elevate the meal:

• With Classic Sides:
  Serve the casserole with potato chips, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Taco Style:
  Scoop the casserole into soft tortillas or taco shells for a fun chili dog taco twist!
• As a Game Day Meal:
  Serve this casserole at your next game day party alongside nachos, guacamole, and other finger foods for a satisfying spread.

How to Serve Chili Hot Dog Casserole

1. With Pickles and Relish:
   Serve the casserole with a side of dill pickles and sweet relish for that authentic hot dog experience.
2. With Cornbread:
   For a Southern twist, serve this casserole alongside a slice of sweet cornbread or even as a topping for cornbread muffins.
3. With a Salad:
   Pair this rich casserole with a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Presentation Ideas for Chili Hot Dog Casserole

1. Serve in a Cast-Iron Skillet:
   For a rustic, hearty presentation, bake and serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet.
2. Top with Fresh Herbs:
   Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Individual Servings:
   For a party or gathering, bake the casserole in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own mini casserole.

Chili Hot

Dog Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead:
   Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes it perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
2. Freeze for Later:
   You can freeze this casserole before baking for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
3. Use Leftover Chili:
   If you have leftover homemade chili, this is a great way to use it up. It adds even more flavor to the dish!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?
   Yes, homemade chili works perfectly in this recipe. Just substitute it in place of the canned chili.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
3. What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
   If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use biscuit dough, pizza dough, puff pastry, or even a cornbread mix for the topping.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it—a super easy and fun Chili Hot Dog Casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or game day gatherings. This comfort food casserole combines all the best flavors of a classic chili dog into one cheesy, baked dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a simple, nostalgic meal, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!

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