Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is this super tasty dish that mixes chili and hot dogs under lots of melty cheese. its kinda like eating your favorite chili cheese dog but way easier to share. You just layer hot dogs, chili, and cheese in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and it comes out all bubbly and golden.
People love this casserole not just because it taste homey but also cause it works for almost any meal. When you got friends over or just want a cozy family dinner, you cant go wrong with it. It brings back memories of summer barbecues or ball games, making everyone smile.
It also saves time. You can put it together real quick and spend more time hanging out. Its great for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers, and everyone can help themselves from the dish. No fuss, no mess—just slice, scoop, and eat.
What is Chili Cheese Dog Casserole?
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a fun fusion dish that takes the classic flavors of chili cheese dogs and bakes them into one big pan. At its core, you’ve got layers of sliced hot dogs, thick chili (store-bought or homemade), and a ton of shredded cheese. Then you bake it until everything melts together.
Chili and hot dogs have been comfort foods all over the USA for ages—especially at backyard barbecues, baseball games, and family picnics. This casserole came about as an easy way to combine those favorites so you could feed a crowd without standing over the grill. The baking part helps all the flavors mix, giving you a dish that’s both indulgent and cozy.
Compared to making individual chili cheese dogs, the casserole is faster to serve. Instead of rolling buns and topping each hot dog, you just cut a piece from the pan. It’s perfect for relaxed parties or busy weeknights when you need something quick but still feels special.
Why You Should Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
This casserole is not only tasty but also crazy easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in no time. Instead of spending hours chopping and cooking, you’ll be eating sooner and can hang out with your family or friends.
One great thing about it is how flexible it is. You can use beef hot dogs, turkey dogs, or even plant-based ones. If you want a veggie version, swap the chili for a bean or lentil chili. You can mix and match to please different tastes and diets.
It’s also perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch, eat some now, and save the rest for later. It reheats well in the oven or microwave, so you’ll have yummy leftovers for a few days. Plus it won’t break your budget, making it a smart choice for any home cook.
Ingredients for Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Here’s what you need to make this comforting casserole:
- Hot Dogs: Any kind you like—beef, turkey, or plant-based.
- Chili: Store-bought or homemade. You can choose chili with beans or without, its up to you.
- Cheese: A big pile of shredded cheese. Cheddar is classic, but you can add pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
- Toppings: Optional extras like diced onions, pickled jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
Some variations you might try:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegan hot dogs and a bean or lentil chili.
- Gourmet Twist: Try applewood-smoked or spicy chicken dogs to change things up.
Directions for Preparation
Follow these steps to make your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Heat to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice Hot Dogs: Cut them into bite-sized pieces. If you made chili at home, warm it up first.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish. Put half the sliced hot dogs on the bottom. Spread half the chili over them, then sprinkle half the cheese. Repeat these layers and finish with cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Take off the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let it sit a few minutes so it sets. Then cut into squares and serve.
Tips:
- Leftovers: Let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheating: Warm single servings in the microwave or put the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 large skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 oven
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 6 hot dogs hot dogs You can substitute with turkey or plant-based hot dogs for a healthier option.
- 1 can (15 oz) chili Bean or no bean, your choice.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the hot dogs over medium heat until heated through, about 5 minutes. Slice them into thin rounds after cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced hot dogs, chili, milk, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom.
- Pour the hot dog and chili mixture over the tortilla chips, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the chili mixture.
- Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the edges are slightly golden.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
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