Description
Chili cheese dog casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables with its hearty layers of classic American flavors. Melted cheese, savory hot dogs, and zesty chili combine in one irresistible dish that brings smiles to hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 8 hot dogs
- 2 cups (480 ml) chili (homemade or canned)
Bread Base:
- 8 hot dog buns, split open
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Garnish (optional):
- Diced onions
- Pickled jalapenos
- Mustard or ketchup
Instructions
- Craft a solid foundation by positioning hot dog buns snugly within a greased 9×13-inch baking vessel, ensuring they create a uniform base for the upcoming flavor explosion.
- Nestle each hot dog precisely into its designated bun, creating a tight, organized arrangement that promises delectable coverage.
- Lavishly drench the hot dogs with robust chili, allowing the savory sauce to cascade and envelope each protein completely, guaranteeing maximum flavor penetration.
- Transform the dish with a liberal blanket of shredded cheese, distributing it uniformly to create a molten, golden landscape across the chili-covered surface.
- Create a flavor-enhancing butter blend by combining melted butter with aromatic garlic powder and fragrant parsley, then meticulously brush this mixture onto the exposed bun surfaces.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and introduce it to the preheated 375°F oven, allowing it to bake for 20 minutes, then unveil and continue baking until the cheese bubbles enthusiastically and bun edges develop a tempting golden hue.
- Extract the casserole from the oven, permitting a brief cooling moment before adorning with optional garnishes like zesty diced onions or spicy jalapeños, then serve while warmth and excitement remain at their peak.
Notes
- Customize the chili by using homemade or store-bought versions for different flavor profiles and heat levels.
- Opt for turkey or chicken hot dogs to create a lighter, lower-fat alternative that still delivers delicious comfort food vibes.
- Switch to gluten-free hot dog buns and ensure your chili is gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the casserole’s hearty essence.
- Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating until ready to bake, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg