If you’re a fan of comfort food that brings back memories of summer cookouts and cozy family dinners, you’ll fall head over heels for this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole. Packed with juicy hot dogs, fluffy buns, a rich and zesty chili topping, and a generous layer of melty cheddar, this casserole takes everything you love about classic chili cheese dogs and turns it into a crowd-pleasing, oven-baked feast. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or hosting a casual get-together, this dish checks every box for flavor, simplicity, and pure, nostalgic joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole couldn’t be easier, and the magic truly lies in the combination of these simple ingredients. Each one brings its own special touch—whether it’s the snap of the hot dogs, the gooey cheese, or the hearty chili, every component works together for maximum comfort.
- Hot dogs (8): Go for your favorite brand—classic beef, turkey, or even veggie dogs all work beautifully here.
- Hot dog buns (8, preferably split-top or lightly toasted): The buns soak up the chili and keep everything together; toasting adds even more flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): For that irresistible cheesy blanket on top—feel free to swap in a cheese blend if you like extra kick.
- Beef chili with beans (1 can, 15 ounces): The saucy, savory base that brings the whole casserole together in classic chili dog style.
- Diced onions (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a sharp crunch and subtle sweetness—totally optional, but highly recommended.
- Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): A little tang goes a long way, making every bite pop with flavor.
- Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Balances the chili’s savoriness with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle kick of garlicky warmth throughout the dish.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness that gives the casserole real depth.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps everything from sticking to the baking dish for easy serving and cleanup.
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh finish that makes the casserole look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this ensures everything cooks evenly and the cheese melts to golden perfection. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray so all those saucy, cheesy edges release easily when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Arrange the Hot Dogs and Buns
Line the hot dog buns up in your baking dish, making sure they fit snugly together. Nestle a hot dog inside each bun; the buns act as little boats, ready to soak up all the chili goodness that’s about to come their way.
Step 3: Whip Up the Chili Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the canned beef chili with beans, diced onions if you’re using them, yellow mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This blend creates a deeply flavorful chili topping that feels homemade—and it takes just a minute to stir together!
Step 4: Smother the Dogs
Spoon the chili mixture evenly over each hot dog, making sure to cover the tops and let the sauce puddle around the buns. This is what transforms the whole dish into a true Chili Cheese Dog Casserole—don’t be shy with the chili!
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire casserole. The cheese will melt into gooey, bubbly perfection and create that signature chili cheese dog look and taste.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. The aroma is irresistible!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Take the casserole out of the oven and, if you like, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve warm, right from the baking dish—get ready for the smiles!
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Garnishes
Give your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole a finishing touch by sprinkling on chopped green onions or a handful of fresh parsley. If you want to go all out, a drizzle of extra mustard or a few jalapeño slices can add a fun, spicy kick that wakes up every bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic diner sides—think tangy coleslaw, crunchy pickles, or even a simple green salad. For a real comfort food feast, serve it alongside oven-baked fries or potato chips for some extra crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole into a party centerpiece by serving it in individual ramekins or on a platter lined with parchment paper for that retro, backyard feel. You can even set out bowls of toppings—chopped onions, jalapeños, extra cheese—so everyone can customize their own slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though don’t count on it!), simply cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—reheating is a breeze and it tastes just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the Chili Cheese Dog Casserole cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through and the cheese is melty again—about 20 minutes. A microwave also works for individual servings if you’re short on time, just heat in 1-minute bursts until hot.
FAQs
Can I make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite veggie hot dogs and a can of vegetarian chili. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, so everyone can enjoy this comfort food classic.
What kind of hot dogs work best?
Any hot dog you love will work, but classic all-beef hot dogs give the richest flavor. Turkey or chicken dogs are great for a lighter version, and you can even try specialty sausages if you want to mix things up.
Can I use homemade chili instead of canned?
Definitely! If you have leftover homemade chili, just use about two cups in place of the canned chili. It adds an extra layer of personal flavor to your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole.
How do I prevent soggy buns?
Toasting the buns lightly before assembling the casserole helps keep them sturdy. Also, be sure to cover the casserole loosely with foil so steam doesn’t build up too much during baking.
Is this recipe easy to double for a crowd?
Yes! Simply use two 9×13-inch dishes and double all your ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to feed a hungry group at your next game day or family gathering.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s just plain fun and guaranteed to satisfy, you can’t go wrong with Chili Cheese Dog Casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a conversation starter, and a weeknight treat all rolled into one. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Chili Cheese Dog Casserole featuring juicy hot dogs smothered in chili and melted cheddar cheese, baked to perfection in a split-top bun. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Hot Dogs and Buns
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns (preferably split-top or lightly toasted)
Chili Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) can beef chili with beans
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Toppings and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Hot Dogs: Place the hot dog buns in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly. Nestle one hot dog inside each bun, ensuring they fit snugly without overcrowding.
- Mix Chili Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the canned beef chili with beans, yellow mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and diced onions if using. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Add Chili over Hot Dogs: Evenly spoon the chili mixture over each hot dog-lined bun. Make sure to cover the tops and fill the sides to fully coat each hot dog with flavorful chili.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, covering the chili layers completely to ensure a cheesy finish.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the chili to heat through and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting casserole.
Notes
- Swap cheddar cheese for a blend like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor variety.
- Use turkey or vegetarian hot dogs to create a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Pair this casserole with coleslaw or pickles for a classic diner-style meal experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chili cheese dog
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
