Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner

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Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food! The Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner is a bubbling, golden-baked delight that’s hearty, cheesy, and full of classic American flavor. Imagine juicy hot dogs wrapped in soft, fluffy dough, tucked into a dish of rich, beefy chili, all blanketed with layers of gooey melted cheese. It’s a fusion of a backyard BBQ and cozy casserole night in one bite—perfect for when you want something fun, filling, and ridiculously satisfying.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a game night, or just craving nostalgic diner-style food with a homemade twist, this dish hits the spot. It’s bold, messy in the best way, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. Plus, it’s simple to throw together, making it a great weeknight dinner idea. With just a handful of ingredients and a single pan, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, chili-smothered masterpiece ready in no time.

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Ingredients for this Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner

• 8 hot dogs (beef or your favorite kind)
• 1 can of refrigerated crescent dough or puff pastry sheets
• 1½ cups chili (canned or homemade)
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra melty goodness)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
• Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)

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Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking. This will also help get a nice crispy edge on the bottom of the bake.

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Step 2: Wrap the Hot Dogs

Roll out the crescent dough or puff pastry and separate it into triangles (or strips, if using puff pastry). Wrap each hot dog in one piece of dough, spiraling it around so the dough covers the dog but leaves the ends slightly exposed. Place the wrapped hot dogs seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

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Step 3: Add the Chili

Once all hot dogs are arranged snugly in the dish, pour the chili evenly around them, letting it settle between the dough-wrapped dogs. Don’t cover the tops of the dogs—leave them slightly exposed so they stay browned and crispy on top.

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Step 4: Add the Cheese

Generously sprinkle the cheddar cheese (and mozzarella if using) over the entire dish. Make sure to cover the chili and the tops of the wrapped dogs. This cheesy blanket will melt into the chili while crisping up over the dough—pure magic.

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Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly crisp at the edges.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to avoid molten cheese mouth burns!

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Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem—Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner stores beautifully!

• Refrigerator: Let the dish cool completely. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container or cover the baking dish with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 servings)

Note: Values are approximate and will vary based on brands used.

• Calories: 490
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 1040mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different types of hot dogs?

Absolutely! Beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based dogs all work well in this recipe.

2. What kind of chili should I use?

You can go canned for convenience or use homemade chili if you have some on hand. Thick, meaty chili works best.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the whole dish, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

4. Is this spicy?

Not unless your chili or hot dogs are spicy. You can always add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.

5. Can I add more toppings?

Definitely! Sour cream, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips all make fun additions.

6. Do I have to use crescent dough?

Nope! Puff pastry or pizza dough can be used instead, though baking times may vary slightly.

7. How can I make this lower in carbs?

Try wrapping the hot dogs in low-carb tortilla strips or skipping the dough entirely and serving chili over the dogs.

8. Is this kid-friendly?

100%! It’s fun, cheesy, and easy to eat—most kids love it. Just watch the spice level in your chili.

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