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Few things scream classic American comfort food like a chili cheese dog, but what if you could take that same delicious, nostalgic flavor and turn it into an easy, family-friendly casserole? This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole does just that—it’s a warm, cheesy, oven-baked dish that brings together savory hot dogs, hearty chili, soft buns, and rich melted cheese into a one-pan meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Whether you're cooking for a game night, potluck, or just a fun weeknight dinner, this easy casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and a nostalgic twist—what’s not to love?
I first saw this recipe floating around Facebook and had to try it. Inspired by Iron Chef Michael Symon, this cheesy, chili-filled bake quickly became a family favorite in my home. Even better? There was extra cheese sauce, which my daughter used as a dip for her chips—a happy bonus!
What Is a Chili Cheese Dog?
A chili cheese dog is the ultimate hot dog experience—a grilled or boiled hot dog served in a soft bun, topped with savory chili and melted cheese. It’s a classic stadium and diner food, but now, we’re taking it a step further and turning it into an easy, cheesy casserole that’s even better than the original!
Instead of individual hot dog buns and toppings, everything is layered into a casserole dish and baked to perfection—making this recipe faster, easier, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients for Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
For the Casserole Base
- Hot Dog Buns (6-8 buns): The foundation of the dish, providing a soft, pillowy texture.
- Hot Dogs (6-8 hot dogs): Classic beef, pork, or turkey hot dogs all work great.
For the Chili Layer
- Chili (2 cups): Use your favorite homemade chili or a good-quality canned chili.
- Onion (½ cup, diced, optional): Adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the chili.
- Bell Peppers (½ cup, diced, optional): A great way to sneak in extra veggies.
For the Cheese Sauce
- Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and provides a bold flavor.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup): Helps create a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps melt the cheese evenly.
- Flour (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the cheese sauce.
- Milk (½ cup, warmed): Ensures the sauce stays creamy.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon, optional): Enhances the flavor of the cheese sauce.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): Balances the flavors.
Short on time? You can swap the homemade cheese sauce for store-bought nacho cheese sauce to make things even easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prep Your Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Step 2: Assemble the Base
- Slice the hot dog buns in half and arrange them flat-side down in the baking dish. Place the hot dogs on top of the buns, evenly spaced across the dish.
- Step 3: Add the Chili Layer
- Spread the chili evenly over the hot dogs, making sure to cover them completely. If using, sprinkle diced onions and bell peppers over the chili for extra flavor and texture.
- Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring continuously until smooth and slightly golden. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing until smooth and melted.
- Shortcut Option:
- If using store-bought cheese sauce, simply heat it and pour over the chili layer.
- Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chili layer. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, jalapeños, or extra cheese if desired. Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a crisp side salad for the ultimate meal.
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What to Serve with Chili Cheese Dog Casserole
- Crispy French Fries: The perfect sidekick for a chili cheese dog-inspired meal.
- Sweet Cornbread: A slightly sweet contrast to the savory chili.
- Coleslaw: A cool, creamy side dish to balance the richness.
- Baked Beans: A classic BBQ-style pairing.
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This Chili Cheese Dog Casserole is cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor—everything you love about classic chili cheese dogs in an easy, baked dish. Whether you’re making it for weeknight dinners, game day, or a casual get-together, this fun twist on a comfort food favorite will always be a hit.
Give it a try tonight, and enjoy the ultimate cheesy, meaty, and delicious casserole experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use store-bought chili?
- Yes! Any canned or homemade chili works well in this recipe.
- → What cheese works best?
- Sharp cheddar is great, but you can also use Monterey Jack or a blend for extra flavor.
- → Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble it and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready to serve.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- → Can I make this spicier?
- Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, extra hot sauce, or spicy chili for more heat.