Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

This chili cheese dog casserole transforms everyone's favorite ballpark meal into a comforting family dinner that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The combination of juicy hot dogs wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, smothered with hearty chili creates a dish that brings nostalgic flavors to your weeknight table.

I first made this when hosting my son's baseball team for dinner, and it was such a hit that it's now requested before every tournament. The kids love the familiar flavors while parents appreciate how easy it is to serve without the typical hot dog mess.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent dough: 8 oz can delivers the perfect flaky wrapper that bakes to golden perfection
• American cheese slices: Provide that classic melty texture that kids and adults love
• Hot dogs: Choose your favorite brand; all beef varieties add the best flavor
• Canned chili: The convenience factor is key here and you can select mild or spicy based on preference
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the crescents brown beautifully
• Garlic powder: Infuses subtle flavor throughout the dish without overwhelming
• Chives: Optional but add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

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Prepare the baking dish:

Preheat your oven to 375° F and prepare your casserole dish with a light coating of non-stick spray to ensure easy serving later. The 9x13 size is perfect for spacing the hot dogs properly.

Assemble the dogs:

Carefully unroll the crescent dough and separate along the perforations to create triangles. Place half a slice of American cheese on the wider end of each triangle, then position a hot dog on top. Roll the dough around the hot dog, starting from the wider end and gently pinching the edges to seal. The cheese will be enclosed inside, creating a delicious melty surprise.

Create the garlic butter:

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with garlic powder and chopped chives if using. This mixture adds tremendous flavor that elevates the basic crescent dough. Brush this generously over each wrapped hot dog, making sure to coat all exposed dough.

Initial bake:

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil which prevents the crescents from browning too quickly before they're fully cooked through. Bake for 25 minutes which allows the hot dogs to heat thoroughly and the dough to begin cooking.

Add the chili:

Remove from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Spoon the chili around the hot dog bundles, being careful not to cover them completely. This arrangement allows the crescents to continue browning while the chili heats through.

Final bake:

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for approximately 15 more minutes until you see a beautiful golden brown color on the crescents. The chili will be bubbling around the edges, indicating it's perfectly heated.

The canned chili is truly the magical ingredient here. While homemade chili would certainly work, there's something nostalgically perfect about using canned chili that captures the authentic ballpark flavor. My husband insists it tastes exactly like the chili dogs from his childhood baseball games.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes variations to suit your family's preferences. Try using turkey hot dogs for a lighter version, or spice things up with pepper jack cheese instead of American. For those avoiding beef, vegetarian chili works beautifully and many guests won't even notice the difference. The beauty of this casserole is its adaptability while maintaining that comfort food appeal everyone loves.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this into a complete meal by pairing with a simple side salad dressed with ranch or a light vinaigrette. Classic sides like potato chips, baked beans, or corn on the cob complement the flavors perfectly. For a party setting, set out small bowls of traditional hot dog toppings like diced onions, relish, jalapeños, and additional shredded cheese so everyone can customize their portion.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole maintains its quality remarkably well as leftovers. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best reheating results, use the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. The oven works too, though cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes to prevent the crescents from over-browning.

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This casserole brings nostalgic comfort food vibes and is guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute American cheese with cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese for varied flavors.

→ What type of chili works best?

You can use canned chili with or without beans, or even homemade chili, depending on your preference.

→ How do I prevent the crescent rolls from burning?

Cover the dish with aluminum foil during the first bake to prevent the tops from browning too quickly.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the chili, then cover and refrigerate. Add the chili and bake when ready.

→ Are there any vegetarian substitutions?

You can use plant-based hot dogs and vegetarian chili for a meat-free version of this dish.