If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both irresistibly cheesy and packed with nostalgic comfort, look no further than this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole. Imagine everything you love about classic chili cheese dogs—juicy hot dogs, pillowy buns, smothered chili, and gooey melted cheddar—all baked together in one bubbling, golden pan. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to assemble, super satisfying, and just plain fun to eat. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or simply craving some all-American comfort, this casserole is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chili Cheese Dog Casserole lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is a heavy-hitter, delivering big flavors and that signature “wow” factor. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for making each element shine.
- Chili (1 can, 14–15 ounces): Choose your favorite brand or homemade; the chili brings savory depth and a hearty base for the casserole.
- Hot Dogs (6): Classic beef or turkey hot dogs work perfectly, but feel free to use any variety you love.
- Hot Dog Buns or Sandwich Rolls (6): Soft, bakery-style buns are best for soaking up the chili and cheese, but standard buns work just fine.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Use sharp cheddar for big flavor, or try a blend for extra meltiness.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of sweetness and savory depth to every bite.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle, garlicky kick that enhances the chili dog flavors.
- Yellow Mustard (1 tablespoon, optional): A drizzle offers classic hot dog tang and a touch of zing.
- Chopped Green Onions (2 tablespoons, for garnish): Sprinkle on top for a pop of color and fresh bite.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking—just a quick mist on your baking dish does the trick.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a thorough coating of nonstick spray. This ensures those cheesy, saucy edges release easily and makes cleanup a breeze. Nothing’s worse than losing precious melted cheese to the pan!
Step 2: Assemble the Hot Dogs in Buns
Place each hot dog snugly inside its bun or roll, then line them up side-by-side in your prepared baking dish. Arrange them tightly enough so they support each other, but not so close that the chili can’t find its way between the buns.
Step 3: Blanket with Chili
Generously spoon the chili over each hot dog, making sure to cover them completely. The chili should cascade into the crevices, soaking the buns and enveloping the hot dogs for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Season and Add Mustard
Sprinkle the onion powder and garlic powder evenly over the chili-covered dogs, then, if you’re a fan of classic hot dog flavor, drizzle on some yellow mustard. This step is where the magic happens—the seasonings and mustard bring out the best in the chili and hot dogs.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top, covering every inch. Don’t be shy—the more cheese, the better! The cheese will melt into gooey perfection, binding the whole casserole together.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the buns are just crisp around the edges. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole from the oven and immediately shower it with chopped green onions. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot—get ready for big, cheesy smiles all around!
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Garnishes
A handful of chopped green onions is classic, but you can also sprinkle on sliced jalapeños for heat, a dollop of sour cream, or even pickled red onions for tang. A little fresh cilantro or crushed tortilla chips can add a fun, crunchy finish too.
Side Dishes
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, sweet corn on the cob, or classic potato chips. For a real diner-style experience, serve with coleslaw or baked beans.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, cut the casserole into “dog-sized” portions and wrap each in parchment for a picnic vibe. Or, serve it family-style, straight from the dish, with plenty of napkins for scooping up all that melty cheese and saucy chili. Leftovers also make fantastic sliders—just pile onto mini buns!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any remaining Chili Cheese Dog Casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual portions or the entire cooled casserole tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to two months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F, covered in foil, until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven keeps the buns from getting soggy and revives that bubbling cheese top.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor. Mixing cheeses can give you that perfect stretchy, melty finish.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily swap in your favorite vegetarian hot dogs and a meatless chili. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll have a meat-free Chili Cheese Dog Casserole that’s just as satisfying.
What kind of buns work best?
Soft, bakery-style hot dog buns or sandwich rolls are ideal because they soak up the chili without getting too soggy. If you only have standard buns, that’s fine—just keep an eye on them during baking, as they may toast up a bit faster.
Can I add extra toppings inside the casserole?
Definitely! Try layering in diced onions, pickled jalapeños, or even a thin layer of tater tots before the cheese for extra texture and flavor. Customizing your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is half the fun.
How do I make this casserole less spicy for kids?
Choose a mild chili and skip any extra hot sauce or spicy toppings. Most canned chilis come in varying heat levels, so opt for a classic or mild version and let everyone add their own spice at the table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that delivers big flavors, brings people together, and makes everyone feel like a kid again, Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is the answer. It’s a warm, cheesy, joy-filled dish that’s impossible to resist—so grab your ingredients and get baking. You’re about to discover a new favorite comfort classic!
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Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a deliciously easy and comforting baked dish that combines classic hot dogs, savory chili, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a kid-friendly meal, this casserole brings the flavors of a chili cheese dog into an easy-to-serve format.
Ingredients
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Ingredients
- 1 can (14–15 ounces) chili (with or without beans)
- 6 hot dogs
- 6 hot dog buns or sandwich rolls
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Hot Dogs: Place each hot dog inside a bun, then line them up evenly in the prepared baking dish to fit snugly.
- Add Chili and Seasonings: Spoon the chili evenly on top of each hot dog until fully covered. Sprinkle with the onion powder, garlic powder, and add a drizzle of yellow mustard if desired for extra flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over all the chili-covered hot dogs, ensuring an even layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and the buns are slightly toasted around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty chili cheese dog casserole.
Notes
- Use your favorite brand of chili or homemade chili for better flavor.
- Optional add-ins include jalapeños, diced onions, or a layer of tater tots to vary texture and spice level.
- For a spicier version, consider adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the chili before assembling.
- This casserole can be adapted with gluten-free buns to fit dietary needs.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but buns may lose some crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 casserole serving (1 chili cheese dog)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
