Creamy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole recipe

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

Some nights, you just need comfort food. Not just regular comfort food, but the kind that wraps you in a warm, cheesy, slightly nostalgic hug. That’s exactly what this Creamy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole delivered the first time I made it. I’d seen various versions floating around, but the idea of adding a creamy element intrigued me – could it elevate the classic chili cheese dog experience beyond just layering ingredients in a dish? Let me tell you, the answer is a resounding YES. I whipped this up on a busy weeknight, lured by the promise of using simple pantry staples. The aroma filling the kitchen as it baked – that familiar, beloved scent of chili and melted cheese, but with an underlying richness – had my family migrating towards the oven like moths to a flame. When I pulled out the bubbly, golden-topped casserole, sliced into it, and served up those messy, glorious portions, the reaction was pure joy. My kids, usually needing coaxing for casseroles, devoured it, declaring it “like the best chili dogs ever, but easier to eat!” The cream cheese blended seamlessly with the chili, creating a velvety sauce that coated the hot dogs and soaked slightly into the base, preventing dryness and adding an unexpected layer of decadence. It wasn’t just chili and cheese on dogs; it was a cohesive, incredibly satisfying meal that felt both fun and incredibly comforting. This recipe has since become a go-to for game days, casual Friday nights, and anytime we need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require hours of effort.

Gather Your Ingredients: The Lineup for Creamy Casserole Success

This casserole brings together familiar flavors in a new, convenient format. The “creamy” element comes from cream cheese, which blends beautifully with the chili. Using ready-made components makes this quick, but feel free to substitute homemade elements if you prefer. This recipe typically serves 6-8 people.

Core Components:

  • Hot Dogs: 1 package (usually 8) standard-size hot dogs. Choose your favorite brand and type (all-beef, pork blend, turkey dogs, etc.).
  • Hot Dog Buns or Dough Base:
    • Option 1 (Classic): 8 standard hot dog buns. Slightly stale or lightly toasted buns work well to prevent sogginess.
    • Option 2 (Crescent Rolls): 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet or individual crescent rolls.
    • Option 3 (Biscuits): 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Grands!).
  • Chili: 2 cans (15 oz each) chili without beans (preferred for a smoother texture, closer to classic coney sauce) OR chili with beans if you prefer. Use your favorite brand, or about 3.5-4 cups of homemade chili.
  • Shredded Cheese: 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend. Sharp cheddar provides a nice flavor contrast. Using freshly shredded cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded.

The Creamy Element & Flavor Boosters:

  • Cream Cheese: 4 oz (half a standard block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Full-fat cream cheese yields the richest results.
  • Onion: 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup). Adds essential flavor depth.
  • Optional Flavor Enhancers (for the Chili Mixture):
    • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon. Adds umami depth.
    • Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon. Adds classic chili dog tang.
    • Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, to boost chili flavor).
    • Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (optional).

For Assembly & Finishing:

  • Cooking Spray or Butter: For greasing the baking dish.
  • Optional Toppings for Serving: Diced raw onions, extra shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, extra mustard, relish.

Equipment Needed:

  • 9×13 inch baking dish (casserole dish)
  • Large skillet (for chili mixture)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula or large spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Having your ingredients ready and prepped (onion chopped, cheese shredded, cream cheese softened) will make assembly quick and easy.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Assembling Your Creamy Chili Cheese Dog Bake

This casserole comes together in layers, starting with a base, adding the creamy chili and hot dogs, and finishing with plenty of cheese. Follow these steps for a delicious and bubbly bake.

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Base Layer

  • If using Hot Dog Buns: Open the buns and arrange them, cut-side up, in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You may need to slightly overlap or gently squish them to fit snugly. Optional Tip: For a less soggy base, you can lightly toast the buns in the oven for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
  • If using Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the dough sheet and press it into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the baking dish, pinching seams together. If using individual crescent rolls, unroll them and press them together to form a solid crust in the bottom of the dish. Optional Tip: Pre-bake the crescent dough for 5-7 minutes at 375°F before adding toppings to ensure it cooks through fully.
  • If using Biscuit Dough: Separate the biscuits and arrange them in a single layer, slightly overlapping, to cover the bottom of the dish. Press them down gently to form a base.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Chili Mixture

  1. Sauté Onion: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of oil or butter if needed (though the chili often has enough fat). Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
  2. Add Chili and Cream Cheese: Pour the cans of chili into the skillet with the sautéed onions. Add the softened cream cheese, breaking it into smaller chunks.
  3. Stir and Melt: Stir the mixture frequently over medium-low heat until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the chili, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. This may take 5-7 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent scorching.
  4. Add Flavor Boosters (Optional): Stir in the optional Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, and/or garlic powder, if using. Stir well to combine.
  5. Heat Through: Let the creamy chili mixture heat through gently for another couple of minutes. Taste and add a pinch of salt or pepper if desired (chili and cheese are often salty, so taste first). Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Arrange Hot Dogs: Place the hot dogs lengthwise on top of your prepared base layer (buns, crescent dough, or biscuits). Arrange them evenly across the dish.
  2. Pour Creamy Chili: Carefully spoon the warm, creamy chili mixture evenly over the hot dogs and base layer. Ensure the hot dogs are mostly covered. Use a spatula to spread it out gently if needed.
  3. Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred blend) evenly over the top of the chili layer, ensuring full coverage.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

  1. Bake: Place the assembled casserole dish into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
  2. Baking Time: Bake for 20-30 minutes. The exact time will depend on your base layer choice and oven. Look for these signs of doneness:
    • The cheese should be fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges.
    • The chili mixture should be hot and bubbling gently around the sides.
    • If using crescent roll or biscuit dough, the exposed edges should be golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Check Base: If unsure about the dough base being cooked, you can gently lift a corner with a spatula after about 20-25 minutes to check if the bottom is golden.
  4. Optional Broil (Careful!): If you want more browning on the cheese, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

  1. Rest Before Serving: Carefully remove the hot casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese and chili to set slightly, making it easier to serve neatly.
  2. Serve: Use a large spatula or serving spoon to scoop out portions. Ensure each serving gets a hot dog, plenty of creamy chili cheese topping, and some of the base.
  3. Add Toppings: Offer desired toppings on the side (diced onions, jalapeños, sour cream, etc.) for everyone to customize their serving.

Enjoy this ultimate comfort food casserole!

Nutritional Snapshot: Understanding Your Casserole Serving (Approximate)

This Creamy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is undeniably an indulgent comfort food dish. Nutritional values can vary significantly based on the specific brands of hot dogs, chili, cheese, buns/dough used, and serving size. This provides a rough estimate per serving, assuming the casserole serves 8 people.

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Serving Size: 1/8th of the 9×13 inch casserole

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving (1/8th of casserole):

  • Calories: 500 – 750 kcal (Highly variable)
  • Protein: 20 – 30 g (From hot dogs, chili, cheese)
  • Fat: 30 – 50 g (From hot dogs, chili, cheese, cream cheese, base)
    • Saturated Fat: 15 – 25 g (Significant contribution from cheese, hot dogs, cream cheese)
  • Carbohydrates: 30 – 50 g (Primarily from buns/dough base, chili beans if used)
    • Fiber: 3 – 6 g (Higher if using chili with beans and whole wheat buns)
    • Sugars: 5 – 10 g (From chili, buns/dough)
  • Sodium: 1200 – 1800 mg (Can be very high due to processed ingredients like hot dogs, chili, cheese, and canned doughs)

Key Considerations:

  • Hot Dogs: Fat, sodium, and calorie content varies greatly between brands and types (e.g., turkey vs. beef).
  • Chili: Canned chili varies in fat, sodium, and fiber (with/without beans). Homemade allows more control.
  • Cheese & Cream Cheese: Major contributors to fat (especially saturated fat) and calories.
  • Base: Crescent rolls and biscuits are often higher in fat and calories than standard hot dog buns. Whole wheat buns add fiber.
  • Portion Size: Dividing into 6 servings instead of 8 will significantly increase per-serving values.

Disclaimer: These figures are broad estimates for informational purposes. This dish is high in calories, fat (particularly saturated fat), and sodium. For precise nutritional data, use a recipe analysis tool with your exact ingredients and measurements. Enjoy this casserole as a delicious indulgence in moderation.

Time Commitment: From Prep to Bubbly Perfection

This casserole is designed to be relatively quick and easy, especially when utilizing convenient pre-made ingredients.

  • Preparation Time (Prep): 15 – 20 minutes
    • Includes preheating oven, greasing dish, chopping onion, softening cream cheese (if not already soft), opening cans, shredding cheese (if not pre-shredded), preparing the base (placing buns/pressing dough), sautéing onion, and mixing the creamy chili.
  • Cooking Time (Cook): 20 – 30 minutes
    • Active baking time in the oven until hot, bubbly, and golden.
  • Resting Time: 5 – 10 minutes
    • Essential time after baking for the casserole to set slightly before serving.
  • Total Time: Approximately 40 – 60 minutes

This timeframe makes the Creamy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole a very feasible option for a weeknight dinner or a quick meal solution for gatherings, delivering maximum comfort food appeal with relatively minimal active effort. Using shortcuts like canned chili and pre-shredded cheese keeps the prep time low.

How to Serve: Presenting Your Cheesy Comfort Bake

This casserole is hearty, casual, and all about satisfying comfort. Serve it in ways that embrace its fun, indulgent nature.

Presentation:

  • Straight from the Dish: Bring the bubbly, golden-brown casserole dish right to the table (on a trivet!) for a rustic, family-style presentation.
  • Individual Portions: Use a large spatula to scoop generous portions onto individual plates or into shallow bowls. Make sure each serving includes a hot dog, plenty of creamy chili cheese topping, and some of the base.

Essential Toppings Bar:

Set out small bowls of classic chili dog toppings so everyone can customize their serving. This adds fun and freshness! Include options like:

  • Diced Raw Onion: White or yellow onion for a sharp bite.
  • Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because more cheese is often better.
  • Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds coolness and extra creaminess.
  • Sliced Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled for those who like heat.
  • Chopped Fresh Cilantro or Sliced Green Onions: For freshness and color.
  • Yellow Mustard: A classic chili dog condiment.
  • Sweet Pickle Relish: For a sweet and tangy crunch.
  • Crushed Corn Chips or Fritos: Adds a salty crunch.
  • Hot Sauce: For an extra kick.

Side Dish Pairings:

Since the casserole is very rich and hearty, pair it with lighter, fresher sides to balance the meal:

  • Simple Green Salad: Mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette (lemon or red wine based) cuts through the richness perfectly.
  • Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based slaw adds a cool, crunchy contrast.
  • Raw Veggie Sticks: Carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices with a light dip.
  • Pickles: Dill pickle spears offer a classic tangy counterpoint.
  • Corn on the Cob: Simple boiled or grilled corn on the cob (seasonal).
  • Tater Tots or French Fries: If leaning fully into indulgence for a game day spread!

Occasions:

This casserole is perfect for:

  • Casual Weeknight Dinners: Especially when short on time but craving comfort.
  • Game Days / Sports Parties: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feeds many.
  • Potlucks: Easy to transport and reheat (or serve at room temp if needed).
  • Kid-Friendly Meals: A fun twist on a food most kids love.

Serve it hot and bubbly, let everyone load up on toppings, and enjoy the messy, delicious comfort!

Additional Tips for Casserole Supremacy

Take your Creamy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole from great to absolutely unforgettable with these extra tips focusing on texture and flavor enhancement.

  1. Boost the Base: The bottom layer can sometimes get soft. To minimize sogginess and add texture:
    • Toast the Buns: If using hot dog buns, split them open and lightly toast them (cut-side up) in the oven for 5-7 minutes before assembling. This helps them stand up better to the chili.
    • Pre-Bake Dough: If using crescent roll or biscuit dough, pre-baking the crust alone for 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding toppings helps ensure it cooks through fully and isn’t doughy underneath the chili.
  2. Elevate the Chili: Even canned chili can benefit from a little doctoring.
    • Sauté Aromatics Well: Don’t just soften the onion; let it get slightly golden for deeper flavor before adding the chili. Consider adding a minced clove of garlic along with the onion.
    • Spice it Up (Carefully): Beyond the optional seasonings listed, consider a pinch of smoked paprika for smokiness, a dash of cumin for earthiness, or a pinch of cayenne for heat, depending on the base flavor of your canned chili. Taste as you go!
  3. Creaminess Control & Flavor: The cream cheese is key, but how you use it matters.
    • Ensure Softening: Room temperature cream cheese melts much more easily and smoothly into the hot chili. Cold chunks take longer and can lead to lumps.
    • Alternative Creaminess: If you find cream cheese too rich or tangy, you could substitute with 1/2 cup of sour cream or even a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup (adjusting other seasonings accordingly), though cream cheese provides the best velvety texture.
    • Full Fat Recommended: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest, most stable result. Low-fat versions can sometimes become watery.
  4. Strategic Cheeeeeeese: Maximize that cheesy goodness!
    • Shred Your Own: Cheese shredded from a block melts far better and smoother than pre-shredded bagged cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
    • Use a Blend: Combining sharp cheddar (for flavor) with Monterey Jack (for meltiness) often yields the best results. Colby Jack is also a great melter.
    • Layering Option: Consider sprinkling a small amount of cheese directly over the base before adding the chili mixture. This can create an extra barrier against sogginess.
  5. Make-Ahead & Reheating: Plan for convenience.
    • Prep Ahead: You can make the creamy chili mixture a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it on the stovetop before assembling the casserole. You can also chop onions and shred cheese ahead of time.
    • Assemble Ahead (Partially): You can assemble the entire casserole except for baking it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold. Note: The base (especially buns) might get slightly softer this way.
    • Reheating Leftovers: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or, for better texture, cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through (20-25 minutes). Remove foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the top slightly.

Applying these tips will help ensure your casserole has the best possible texture, flavor balance, and convenience factor, making it a true standout comfort food dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Creamy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

This fun and comforting casserole often sparks a few questions. Here are answers to some common ones:

1. Can I use different types of chili or hot dogs?

  • Answer: Absolutely! This casserole is very forgiving and adaptable.
    • Chili: While chili without beans is often preferred for a smoother, classic coney-sauce-like texture, chili with beans works perfectly fine if that’s what you like or have on hand. You can use beef chili, turkey chili, vegetarian chili, spicy chili, or your favorite homemade chili recipe (you’ll need about 3.5-4 cups). Adjust seasonings based on the chili’s flavor profile.
    • Hot Dogs: Any type of hot dog works – all-beef, pork/beef blend, chicken, turkey, even plant-based veggie dogs for a vegetarian version (pair with vegetarian chili). You could also use smoked sausages like kielbasa or andouille (slice them into rounds or lengths) for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I make this casserole less rich or creamy?

  • Answer: Yes, you can adjust the richness.
    • Reduce Cream Cheese: Use only 2 oz (1/4 block) of cream cheese instead of 4 oz for a less intensely creamy texture.
    • Substitute Creaminess Source: Swap the cream cheese for 1/2 cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt stirred into the chili off the heat at the very end (heating yogurt/sour cream too much can cause separation). This offers tanginess with less richness than cream cheese.
    • Lighter Cheese: Use a reduced-fat shredded cheese blend, though be aware it might not melt quite as smoothly.
    • Choose Leaner Components: Opt for turkey dogs, turkey chili, and skip extra fatty toppings.

3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

  • Answer: Yes, parts or all of it can be prepped ahead.
    • Chili Mixture: Make the creamy chili mixture up to 24 hours in advance, cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently before assembly.
    • Full Assembly: Assemble the entire casserole (without baking), cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Note that the base layer (especially buns) may soften more when assembled ahead. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
    • Bake Ahead & Reheat: Bake the casserole completely, let it cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

4. Can I freeze Creamy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole?

  • Answer: Freezing is possible, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing and reheating, especially the base layer and the creamy chili sauce.
    • Best Practice: Bake the casserole completely and let it cool thoroughly. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
    • Thawing & Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-35 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to help re-crisp the top. The cream cheese sauce might be slightly less smooth after freezing, but should still be tasty.

5. My bottom layer (buns/dough) got soggy. How can I prevent this?

  • Answer: Soggy bottoms can happen, especially with moist toppings like chili. Try these preventative measures:
    • Toast Buns: Lightly toasting split hot dog buns before assembling adds structure.
    • Pre-Bake Dough: Pre-baking crescent roll or biscuit dough bases for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings helps set the crust.
    • Cheese Barrier (Optional): Sprinkle a thin layer of shredded cheese directly onto the base before adding the chili mixture. This can act as a slight moisture barrier.
    • Thicker Chili: Ensure your chili isn’t overly thin or watery. If using homemade chili, let it simmer to thicken appropriately. Canned chili is usually thick enough.
    • Don’t Let it Sit Too Long Before Baking: Assemble just before baking if possible, especially if making ahead concerns you about sogginess
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Creamy Chili Cheese Dog Casserole recipe


  • Author: Caroline

Ingredients

Scale

  • Hot Dogs: 1 package (usually 8) standard-size hot dogs. Choose your favorite brand and type (all-beef, pork blend, turkey dogs, etc.).
  • Hot Dog Buns or Dough Base:

    • Option 1 (Classic): 8 standard hot dog buns. Slightly stale or lightly toasted buns work well to prevent sogginess.
    • Option 2 (Crescent Rolls): 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet or individual crescent rolls.
    • Option 3 (Biscuits): 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Grands!).

  • Chili: 2 cans (15 oz each) chili without beans (preferred for a smoother texture, closer to classic coney sauce) OR chili with beans if you prefer. Use your favorite brand, or about 3.5-4 cups of homemade chili.
  • Shredded Cheese: 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend. Sharp cheddar provides a nice flavor contrast. Using freshly shredded cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded.

The Creamy Element & Flavor Boosters:

  • Cream Cheese: 4 oz (half a standard block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Full-fat cream cheese yields the richest results.
  • Onion: 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup). Adds essential flavor depth.
  • Optional Flavor Enhancers (for the Chili Mixture):

    • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon. Adds umami depth.
    • Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon. Adds classic chili dog tang.
    • Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, to boost chili flavor).
    • Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (optional).

For Assembly & Finishing:

  • Cooking Spray or Butter: For greasing the baking dish.
  • Optional Toppings for Serving: Diced raw onions, extra shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, extra mustard, relish.

Equipment Needed:

  • 9x13 inch baking dish (casserole dish)
  • Large skillet (for chili mixture)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula or large spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Having your ingredients ready and prepped (onion chopped, cheese shredded, cream cheese softened) will make assembly quick and easy.


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Base Layer

  • If using Hot Dog Buns: Open the buns and arrange them, cut-side up, in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You may need to slightly overlap or gently squish them to fit snugly. Optional Tip: For a less soggy base, you can lightly toast the buns in the oven for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
  • If using Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the dough sheet and press it into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the baking dish, pinching seams together. If using individual crescent rolls, unroll them and press them together to form a solid crust in the bottom of the dish. Optional Tip: Pre-bake the crescent dough for 5-7 minutes at 375°F before adding toppings to ensure it cooks through fully.
  • If using Biscuit Dough: Separate the biscuits and arrange them in a single layer, slightly overlapping, to cover the bottom of the dish. Press them down gently to form a base.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Chili Mixture

  1. Sauté Onion: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of oil or butter if needed (though the chili often has enough fat). Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
  2. Add Chili and Cream Cheese: Pour the cans of chili into the skillet with the sautéed onions. Add the softened cream cheese, breaking it into smaller chunks.
  3. Stir and Melt: Stir the mixture frequently over medium-low heat until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the chili, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. This may take 5-7 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent scorching.
  4. Add Flavor Boosters (Optional): Stir in the optional Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, chili powder, and/or garlic powder, if using. Stir well to combine.
  5. Heat Through: Let the creamy chili mixture heat through gently for another couple of minutes. Taste and add a pinch of salt or pepper if desired (chili and cheese are often salty, so taste first). Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Arrange Hot Dogs: Place the hot dogs lengthwise on top of your prepared base layer (buns, crescent dough, or biscuits). Arrange them evenly across the dish.
  2. Pour Creamy Chili: Carefully spoon the warm, creamy chili mixture evenly over the hot dogs and base layer. Ensure the hot dogs are mostly covered. Use a spatula to spread it out gently if needed.
  3. Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred blend) evenly over the top of the chili layer, ensuring full coverage.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

  1. Bake: Place the assembled casserole dish into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
  2. Baking Time: Bake for 20-30 minutes. The exact time will depend on your base layer choice and oven. Look for these signs of doneness:

    • The cheese should be fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges.
    • The chili mixture should be hot and bubbling gently around the sides.
    • If using crescent roll or biscuit dough, the exposed edges should be golden brown and cooked through.

  3. Check Base: If unsure about the dough base being cooked, you can gently lift a corner with a spatula after about 20-25 minutes to check if the bottom is golden.
  4. Optional Broil (Careful!): If you want more browning on the cheese, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

  1. Rest Before Serving: Carefully remove the hot casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese and chili to set slightly, making it easier to serve neatly.
  2. Serve: Use a large spatula or serving spoon to scoop out portions. Ensure each serving gets a hot dog, plenty of creamy chili cheese topping, and some of the base.
  3. Add Toppings: Offer desired toppings on the side (diced onions, jalapeños, sour cream, etc.) for everyone to customize their serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 500 – 750 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 – 10 g
  • Sodium: 1200 – 1800 mg
  • Fat: 30 – 50 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 – 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 – 6 g
  • Protein: 20 – 30 g