Here’s a fun, cheesy, crowd-pleasing recipe for a Chili Cheese Dog Bake — all the flavors of a classic chili cheese dog, but baked into a warm, bubbly, casserole-style dish. Perfect for game day, weeknight dinner, or potlucks!
🌭 Chili Cheese Dog Bake
🍽️ Serves 4–6
🧺 Ingredients:
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1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans)
→ or use homemade chili if you have some! -
6–8 hot dogs
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6–8 hot dog buns (or crescent roll dough for a twist)
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
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2 tbsp chopped red onion (optional)
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1 tbsp mustard (optional, for tang)
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1 tbsp ketchup (optional, for classic flavor)
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Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish
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Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, scallions, or crushed tortilla chips
🍳 Instructions:
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Preheat Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Assemble the Dogs:
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Place each hot dog inside a bun (or crescent dough rolled around them).
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Line them up tightly in the baking dish.
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Layer with Chili:
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Spoon the chili evenly over the hot dogs. Try to cover the buns a bit too — they’ll soak up the flavor.
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Add Cheese & Extras:
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Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.
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Add red onions or jalapeños if using.
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Bake:
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and buns are toasted on the edges.
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Serve:
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Garnish with scallions or extra mustard/ketchup drizzle if desired.
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Serve with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad.
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👩🍳 Grandma Mari’s Comfort Tips:
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She liked brushing the buns with garlic butter before baking.
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For extra crunch, she’d sprinkle crushed potato chips or cornflakes on top.
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Want a heartier version? Mix chopped hot dogs into the chili and spoon it over split buns with cheese.