Introduction
A Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner combines all the flavors of a classic chili cheese dog in a warm, baked casserole-style dish. It’s easy to assemble, kid-friendly, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Soft dough, savory hot dogs, rich chili, and melted cheese come together in one comforting pan.
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Description
This dish layers sliced or whole hot dogs in a baking dish, covers them with chili and cheese, and tops everything with a buttery biscuit dough or crescent dough. As it bakes, the dough becomes golden, the chili bubbles, and the cheese melts into a rich, hearty meal. It serves well as a casual dinner or game-day option.
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Ingredients
1 can (about 15 ounces) chili with or without beans
6–8 hot dogs, sliced or whole
1 cup shredded cheddar or a cheddar–monterey jack blend
1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent roll dough
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional for brushing)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 teaspoon chili powder or paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: chopped green onions, jalapeños, diced onions, sour cream
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Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish.
3. Add hot dogs to the dish in an even layer.
4. Pour chili evenly over the hot dogs.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top.
6. Lay biscuit dough or crescent dough over the top, leaving slight gaps for steam to escape.
7. Brush dough lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder or chili powder if desired.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
9. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Add optional toppings and serve warm.
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Tips
If using crescent dough, pinch seams together for a more even crust.
For crispier dough, bake uncovered; for softer dough, cover loosely with foil for the first half of baking.
Use leftover homemade chili for a deeper flavor.
Slice the hot dogs for easier serving in smaller portions.
For extra cheesiness, add a thin layer of cheese underneath and on top of the dough.
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Variations
Spicy version: Add jalapeños or use spicy chili and pepper jack cheese.
Loaded version: Add sautéed onions and bell peppers over the hot dogs before adding chili.
Cornbread topping: Replace biscuit dough with cornbread batter for a chili-cheese-cornbread bake.
Bacon version: Add crumbled cooked bacon on top of the chili before adding cheese.
Chili dog skillet: Make in a cast iron skillet for crisp edges and easy serving.
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Correction (Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them)
Dough undercooked: Bake longer or cover the top loosely with foil if browning too fast.
Chili too watery: Simmer chili beforehand to thicken so it doesn’t make the casserole soggy.
Cheese disappearing into the chili: Add a second layer of cheese on top before baking.
Hot dogs drying out: Add more chili to keep them moist during baking.
Bottom too soggy: Put cheese directly on the hot dogs before adding chili to create a barrier.
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Enjoy
Serve the Chili Cheese Dog Bake hot and bubbling straight from the oven. Pair it with a simple salad, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete dinner. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and designed to satisfy.