Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: A Comfort Food Favorite

If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal that combines the best of chili and cheese with the comfort of a casserole, then this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is the perfect dish for you! Whether it’s for a family dinner, a game day party, or a quick weeknight meal, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Packed with juicy hot dogs, hearty chili, and a melty cheese topping, this casserole takes the flavors of a chili cheese dog and transforms them into an easy, baked dish. The best part? You don’t have to worry about assembling each dog individually—it all comes together in one baking dish with minimal effort. With the perfect balance of textures, from the soft and savory hot dogs to the creamy, cheesy topping, this dish is comfort food at its finest!

this RECIPE

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This casserole is incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have it in the oven in no time, making it perfect for busy days when you still want something delicious.

2. Hearty and Filling

Hot dogs and chili create the perfect hearty base for this dish. Add some melty cheese on top, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that will keep everyone full and happy.

3. Kid-Friendly

If you have picky eaters at home, this casserole is a hit. It has all the classic flavors of a chili cheese dog but in a more approachable and easy-to-eat format that’s perfect for kids.

4. Customizable

You can easily customize this casserole to suit your taste. Add extra toppings like jalapeños, onions, or pickles, or switch up the type of cheese you use for a different flavor profile.

5. One-Dish Meal

This casserole is made in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze. There’s no need to worry about multiple pans, and it’s easy to store leftovers for later.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 6 hot dogs (your choice of beef, turkey, or plant-based)
• 1 can of chili (15 oz), any variety you like
• 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent rolls (8 biscuits or rolls)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños (optional)
• 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)

Variations

Add Vegetables:

Feel free to add in some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for a veggie boost. You can sauté them beforehand to soften them before adding to the casserole.

Change Up the Cheese:

While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Spice It Up:

For a little extra heat, add diced green chilies or increase the amount of jalapeños. You can also mix in some hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the chili.

Make it Healthier:

You can use turkey or chicken hot dogs for a leaner option. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free biscuit dough or a cornbread topping instead.

Swap the Chili:

If you prefer homemade chili, use your favorite recipe. It will work just as well as canned chili for a more personalized touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Slice the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces and arrange them evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add the Chili

Pour the canned chili over the hot dogs, spreading it out evenly. If you’re using homemade chili, pour that over as well, making sure the hot dogs are covered.

Step 4: Add the Biscuits or Crescent Rolls

Open the package of biscuit dough or crescent rolls and cut each biscuit into quarters. Arrange the dough pieces evenly over the chili and hot dog mixture, covering it as much as possible. You can leave gaps between the pieces if you like, as the dough will expand during baking.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Optional Toppings

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole. If you like, top it with diced onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of mustard for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm and enjoy the comforting combination of chili, cheese, and hot dogs!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a Good Quality Chili: The chili is a key component of the dish, so choose one that you really enjoy. You can use a store-bought can or make your own for a more personalized touch.
• Ensure Even Coverage with the Dough: When placing the biscuit dough on top, make sure the dough is evenly spread over the chili and hot dogs. You can gently press down to help it fit better.
• Customize the Toppings: Toppings like chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of extra cheese can elevate the casserole and add some freshness.
• Check the Biscuits: Biscuits or crescent rolls may cook at slightly different rates, so be sure to check that they’re fully cooked before serving. If they need more time, simply cover with foil and bake a few minutes longer.

How to Serve

This casserole is perfect as a standalone meal, but you can serve it with a side of coleslaw, a simple green salad, or crispy fries for an extra indulgence. If you want to take it over the top, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a little extra cheese if desired.

Freezing

This casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until warmed through.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven instead of the microwave, as this helps keep the biscuit topping crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use veggie or plant-based hot dogs?

Yes! Feel free to use any type of hot dog you prefer, including veggie or plant-based options.

2. Can I make this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.

3. Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?

Yes, homemade chili will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s thick enough to stay on top of the hot dogs.

4. How do I keep the biscuits from getting soggy?

Make sure the biscuit dough is cooked through by checking that it’s golden brown on top before serving. You can also slightly reduce the amount of chili for less moisture.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free biscuit dough to make this casserole gluten-free. You can also try a cornbread topping for a fun twist.

7. What can I serve this casserole with?

This casserole pairs great with a fresh salad, fries, or even cornbread on the side.

8. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Try adding bell peppers, onions, or even mushrooms to add extra flavor and texture.

9. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions.

10. Can I make this casserole spicier?

For more heat, add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or even hot sauce to the chili before baking.

Conclusion

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of a classic chili cheese dog in a quick, easy, and delicious casserole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for a simple meal that’s full of flavor, this casserole is sure to hit the spot every time. Try it out today, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal in no time!

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