If you’re craving a dish that brings together all the comforting flavors of a classic hot dog with the gooey, cheesy goodness you love, then this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This casserole is an absolute crowd-pleaser, melding hearty chili, spicy Rotel tomatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and perfectly baked crescent-wrapped sausages into one irresistible, cozy meal. It’s perfect for a casual dinner, game day party, or any time you want a no-fuss recipe that feels like a warm, delicious hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients, each playing a key role to deliver the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the spicy tang of Rotel to the rich creaminess of cheddar cheese, these essentials are simple but absolutely essential for the comfort food magic we’re about to create.
- Chili with beans: Use your favorite canned chili to bring hearty meatiness and a saucy base packed with beans and spices.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: Adds a mild kick and juicy brightness that lifts the chili’s depth.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The golden, flaky blanket that encases each hot dog, adding buttery layers and a crispy texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Divided between the chili and wrapped dogs, it melts beautifully for that signature cheesy pull.
- Beef smoked sausages (or hot dogs): The star protein wrapped in crescent dough, offering smoky, rich flavor with every bite.
- Minced fresh parsley (optional): A touch of fresh green that brightens the dish at the end and adds visual appeal.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chili Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine the canned chili with the undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies in a 9×13 inch baking dish – this mixture forms the flavorful foundation of the casserole. Stir it well to meld the spices and juices. Then sprinkle ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top to add that wonderful melty cheesiness right from the start.
Step 2: Wrap the Hot Dogs
Take your crescent roll dough and separate it into 6 triangles, which will be perfect for wrapping your sausages. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on each triangle for extra cheesy goodness. Wrap each hot dog with a crescent triangle, leaving both ends exposed so you get that satisfying snap when you bite in. This step gives you that fun, handheld element in each luscious casserole serving.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Lay the cheese-wrapped dogs on top of your cheesy chili base in the baking dish. This layering allows the flavors to mingle as they cook. Bake everything for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crescent rolls are beautifully golden brown, flaky to the touch, and the cheese inside is deliciously melted through. The baking process creates a harmony of textures between the soft chili and crisp dough.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle minced fresh parsley on top if you want to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve your Chili Cheese Dog Casserole hot to enjoy every ooey-gooey bite. This dish delivers comfort and excitement all on one plate.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a fantastic garnish to sprinkle over this casserole just before serving, adding a mild herbaceous note and vibrant color. If you want to get creative, a dollop of sour cream or a few jalapeño slices on the side can add extra creaminess or a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the rich chili flavors.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple and complementary: a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the dish’s richness beautifully. Cornbread or garlic bread are also fantastic for soaking up the saucy chili, while some crunchy veggie sticks bring freshness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun gathering, serve this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish and let everyone dig in, creating a cozy buffet experience. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a sprinkle of diced tomatoes or green onions on top for a restaurant-style look that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just be sure to cool the casserole before sealing.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Freeze before baking with the hot dogs wrapped but unbaked, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. You can also freeze already baked portions for up to 2 months by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the crescent roll regains some of its original crispness. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the dough too much.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot dogs instead of smoked sausages?
Absolutely! Regular hot dogs work just as well in this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe and make the dish even more classic in flavor. Just choose your favorite type and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef sausages for vegetarian or plant-based sausages and use a meatless chili to make this casserole entirely vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing any of the flavor or fun.
Can I prepare this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free crescent roll dough or substitute with corn tortillas for wrapping the hot dogs. Be sure any canned chili and other ingredients you use are labeled gluten-free as well.
What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is ideal here for its flavor and meltability, but you can also use Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a mild mozzarella. Just pick a cheese that melts nicely and has good flavor to complement the chili.
How spicy is the recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
This casserole has a moderate mild heat from the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, perfect for most palates. If you prefer it spicier, add extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and downright fun about this Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe that makes it a perfect weeknight winner or a crowd-pleasing party dish. It’s easy to make, full of vibrant flavors, and sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table. So roll up your sleeves, grab the ingredients, and enjoy creating a new family favorite that combines all the best parts of chili, cheese, and dogs in one delicious casserole.
Print
Chili Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering. It combines savory chili with beans, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and smoky sausages wrapped in cheesy crescent rolls, baked until golden brown and bubbly. The result is a flavorful, easy-to-make casserole that brings together the best of chili dogs in a convenient, crowd-pleasing format.
Ingredients
Chili Mixture
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chili with beans
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Sausage and Dough
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 6 beef smoked sausages (or your favorite type of hot dog)
Garnish
- Minced fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare chili base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the two cans of chili with beans and undrained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors. Then sprinkle ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili mixture.
- Prepare the sausages: Separate the refrigerated crescent roll dough into 6 individual triangles. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each triangle. Next, place a smoked sausage on the wide end of each triangle and wrap the dough around the sausage, leaving both ends of the sausage exposed.
- Assemble and bake: Arrange the wrapped sausages on top of the chili and cheese mixture in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and fully cooked through, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and, if desired, garnish with freshly minced parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting casserole dish.
Notes
- You can use your favorite type of sausage or hot dogs for a different flavor profile, including chicken or turkey sausages.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños to the chili mixture before baking.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute crescent rolls with gluten-free dough options.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
