This comforting casserole brings together all the bold flavors of chili cheese dogs in a warm, bubbly, oven-baked dish. Think fluffy crescent dough, smoky hot dogs, rich chili, and melty cheddar cheese—baked to golden perfection and loaded with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 can (15 oz) chili (use your favorite brand—bean or no bean)
- 4–6 hot dogs (classic or beef franks work best)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion (optional, for extra flavor and crunch)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted (optional, for brushing the dough)
- Cooking spray or a bit of oil for greasing
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, sour cream, mustard drizzle, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
- Spread the chili in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This acts as a flavorful base for your hot dogs and keeps the bake moist.
- Prepare the hot dogs: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines. Roll each hot dog in one triangle of dough, starting from the wider end. If you want extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar inside the dough before rolling.
- Place the wrapped hot dogs on top of the chili, spacing them evenly across the dish. They’ll bake directly over the chili, soaking in all that savory flavor from underneath.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the wrapped hot dogs and chili. You can also add the diced onion at this stage if you’re using it.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed up and golden brown. Make sure the dough is fully cooked in the center before removing from the oven.
- Optional finishing touch: Brush the tops of the crescent rolls with a little melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven for a golden, glossy finish.
- Top and serve: Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of mustard. Serve hot, scooped right from the dish. It pairs well with a simple salad, coleslaw, or even fries on the side.
Tips & Variations:
- Homemade chili: If you want to go all-out, make your own chili instead of using canned. A thick, meaty chili works best here.
- Spice it up: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the chili, or use spicy hot dogs and pepper jack cheese.
- Kid-friendly: Leave out the onions and spices, and serve with ketchup and mustard for a classic chili dog flavor.
- Cheese lovers: Mix shredded cheddar and mozzarella for extra stretch and richness.