Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner
Chili Cheese Dog Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines all the flavors of a classic chili cheese dog in a warm, gooey, and delicious bake. Perfect for parties, get-togethers, game day, or just a fun family dinner, this dish is both easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With layers of spicy chili, cheesy hot dogs wrapped in a golden pizza crust, and a savory garlic butter topping, it’s a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 to 15 oz) chili, heated
- 1 can Pillsbury refrigerated classic pizza crust
- 4 Cheddar cheese sticks
- 4 all-beef hot dogs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon parsley flakes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9-inch square or 11×7-inch (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Pour the heated chili into the dish, spreading it out evenly to create a delicious base for your Chili Cheese Dog Bake.
Tip: Using a can of your favorite chili is a time-saver, but feel free to use homemade chili if you have some on hand. This adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the dish even more special.
2. Prepare the Dough and Cheese
Unroll the pizza dough onto a clean surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into four equal strips. This dough will be used to wrap the hot dogs, turning them into cheesy, golden-brown delights.
Next, take one Cheddar cheese stick and cut it in half lengthwise. Place one half on each side of a hot dog, ensuring that the cheese is nestled snugly against the hot dog. The cheese will melt beautifully inside the dough, creating a gooey, irresistible filling.
Tip: If you prefer a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, feel free to substitute it in place of the Cheddar. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the chili and hot dogs.
3. Wrap the Hot Dogs
Take one of the pizza dough strips and wrap it around the hot dog and cheese, overlapping slightly in the center. The dough should cover the cheese and hot dog completely, sealing in all the delicious flavors. Repeat this process with the remaining dough strips, cheese sticks, and hot dogs.
Once all the hot dogs are wrapped, place them on top of the hot chili in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the chili is still hot, as this will help cook the dough evenly.
Tip: To ensure the dough cooks thoroughly and evenly, make sure the wrapped hot dogs are spaced evenly apart in the baking dish.
4. Bake the Dish
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the dough is light golden brown. The dough should puff up slightly and turn a beautiful golden color, while the cheese inside becomes melty and gooey.
While the bake is in the oven, prepare the garlic butter topping. In a small microwavable cup, microwave the butter on high until melted. Once melted, stir in the garlic powder and parsley flakes. This mixture will be brushed on top of the baked dough for a flavorful finish.
Tip: For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter mixture.
5. Finish and Serve
Once the Chili Cheese Dog Bake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately brush the tops of the wrapped hot dogs with the garlic butter mixture. The warm, buttery topping adds a wonderful layer of flavor and makes the dish even more indulgent.
Serve the Chili Cheese Dog Bake hot, straight from the oven. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of coleslaw, French fries, or a simple green salad. It’s also great on its own as a hearty, satisfying meal.
Tip: For a fun twist, serve the bake with a variety of dipping sauces, such as extra chili, cheese sauce, or even a tangy mustard.
Tips for Success
- Cheese Choice: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the filling. Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even Swiss can be great alternatives to Cheddar.
- Homemade Chili: While canned chili is convenient, using homemade chili can elevate the dish. Just make sure it’s thick enough so the dough doesn’t become soggy.
- Dough Variations: If you prefer, crescent roll dough can be used instead of pizza dough. It will create a flakier, lighter texture that pairs well with the hearty chili.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Extra Crispy: For an even crispier crust, bake the wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes before placing them on the chili and baking the entire dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of dough?
A: Yes, crescent roll dough, biscuit dough, or even puff pastry can be used as alternatives to pizza dough. Each will give a different texture to the bake.
Q: What kind of chili should I use?
A: You can use any chili you like, whether it’s canned, homemade, or even vegetarian. Just make sure it’s thick and not too watery to avoid soggy dough.