Name: Chili Cheese Dog Casserole: Easy & Cheesy Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 hot dog buns; 6 hot dogs (sliced lengthwise or whole); 2 cups canned chili (or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp butter (melted); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; Optional toppings: mustard, ketchup, chopped onions, pickled jalapeños

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love classic chili cheese dogs but want an easier, oven-baked version, this casserole is the perfect solution. It combines all the flavors of a traditional chili cheese dog—savory hot dogs, flavorful chili, gooey melted cheese, and a flaky crust—into a convenient one-pan meal. This dish is easy to prepare, making it great for weeknight dinners, game days, or potlucks. Plus, it’s a kid-friendly meal that adults will enjoy just as much!

Ingredients

Hot dog buns
Hot dogs
Canned chili (or homemade)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Butter
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Mustard (optional)
Ketchup (optional)
Chopped onions (optional)
Pickled jalapeños (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the hot dogs: Slice the hot dogs in half lengthwise if you prefer smaller bites. Otherwise, leave them whole.
Arrange the buns: Lay the hot dog buns in the greased baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly.
Assemble the casserole: Place the hot dogs inside the buns, then pour the chili evenly over them.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the chili.
Enhance the flavor: Melt butter and mix it with garlic powder and onion powder, then brush this mixture over the edges of the buns for extra flavor.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped onions, mustard, ketchup, or jalapeños as desired.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Homemade Chili: Use a homemade beef or turkey chili instead of canned for a fresher taste.
Bread Alternatives: Swap hot dog buns for crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a different texture.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with pepper jack, Colby, or Monterey Jack cheese for a unique flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based hot dogs and vegetarian chili to make it meat-free.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh homemade chili instead of canned?

Yes! A homemade chili will add more depth of flavor. Just ensure it’s not too watery to avoid making the casserole soggy.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar and mozzarella create a great melty combination, but you can also use pepper jack, Colby, or Monterey Jack.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use different types of hot dogs?

Absolutely. Beef, turkey, or even plant-based hot dogs will work in this recipe.

How do I prevent the buns from getting too soggy?

Make sure your chili is thick, and you can toast the buns slightly before assembling for added crispness.

Can I add toppings after baking?

Yes! Chopped onions, jalapeños, mustard, and extra cheese are great post-baking toppings.

What sides go well with this casserole?

Coleslaw, fries, or a simple green salad pair well with this dish.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead of buns?

Yes! Crescent roll dough gives a softer, slightly sweeter texture to the dish.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy chili powder blend to the chili.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the cheesy, hot dog-filled goodness, but you can adjust toppings to suit their preferences.

Conclusion

This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the delicious flavors of a classic chili cheese dog in a quick and easy baked dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or whenever you’re craving something hearty and cheesy, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a nostalgic, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to please everyone!

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