Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake Recipe

Savory Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake Recipe for Family Fun

Crispy crescents paired with chili cheese hot dog bake promise a mouthwatering adventure for comfort food enthusiasts.

Melted cheese and savory hot dogs create an irresistible combination that delights taste buds.

Weekend gatherings call for simple yet satisfying dishes that bring smiles.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing recipe that screams pure indulgence.

Layers of flaky pastry and zesty chili provide a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this quick and delectable meal.

Let’s dive into a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Crescent Rolls, Chili, and Cheese Baked to Perfection

  • Transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious, no-fuss comfort food.
  • Combines classic hot dogs, cheesy goodness, and flaky crescent rolls that kids will absolutely love, making mealtime exciting and stress-free.
  • Requires only a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort.
  • Ideal for casual gatherings, game nights, or potlucks where everyone wants a tasty, shareable meal that doesn't demand complex preparation techniques.

What You Need for This Comforting Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Hot Dogs: Classic protein base for this comfort dish, best when all-beef or mixed meat variety.
  • Canned Chili: Hearty base layer providing rich meaty flavor and sauce.
Dough Component:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Soft, flaky wrapping that creates a golden exterior for hot dogs, pre-made tube dough works perfectly.
Cheese and Seasoning Group:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that adds sharp, creamy flavor, sharp variety recommended.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic undertone to the dish.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances overall savory profile without adding texture.
  • Chili Powder: Optional spice booster for extra warmth and complexity.
Finishing Touch:
  • Melted Butter: Provides golden color and rich flavor to crescent dough surface, unsalted butter preferred for better control of saltiness.

Step-by-Step to Make This Hot Dog Bake Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Space

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Chili Foundation

Carefully spread the canned chili across the bottom of the baking dish. Enhance the flavor by sprinkling:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Chili powder (optional)

Step 3: Wrap the Hot Dogs

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangles. Take each hot dog and wrap it completely with a single dough triangle, starting from one end and rolling smoothly to the other end.

Step 4: Arrange the Dish

Gently place the wrapped hot dogs on top of the chili layer in the baking dish. Brush the tops of the crescent-wrapped hot dogs with melted butter to help them turn golden and crispy.

Step 5: First Baking Round

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crescent dough turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Finale

Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes wonderfully bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve your delicious Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake while it’s warm and gooey.

Tips to Avoid Overbaking and Keep the Filling Juicy

  • Customize Chili Base: Spice up the canned chili with extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder to elevate the base flavor and make it more robust.
  • Wrap with Care: Ensure each hot dog is completely wrapped in crescent roll dough, covering the entire length to prevent burning and create a uniform golden-brown crust.
  • Butter Brush Technique: Gently brush melted butter on top of the crescent rolls to achieve a shiny, appetizing golden color and add a rich, buttery taste.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Remove the dish from the oven just before the final cheese sprinkle to prevent overcooking and ensure a perfectly melted, gooey cheese topping.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium chili and low-fat hot dogs to create a lighter version of this indulgent dish without compromising on flavor.

Store and Reheat Without Losing the Crust’s Crunch

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the chili cheese hot dog bake fresh and delicious.
  • Warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the crescent rolls stay crispy and cheese melts perfectly.
  • Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds, but note the crescent rolls might lose some crispness.
  • This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can compromise the texture of the crescent rolls and cheese.

Fun Side Pairings for Game Day or Dinner

  • Cut through the richness of the chili cheese hot dogs with a crisp, vinegar-based coleslaw that adds refreshing crunch and acidic balance.
  • Select a light lager or hoppy pale ale that cuts through the heavy, savory flavors and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
  • Serve alongside tart, crunchy pickle spears that offer a sharp, acidic counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy hot dog bake.
  • Create a quick dipping sauce using spicy brown mustard mixed with a touch of honey to add a tangy, sharp element that brightens the entire meal.

Variations for Picky Eaters or Spicy Fans

  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular crescent rolls with gluten-free crescent dough or wrap hot dogs in almond flour-based pastry for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace meat hot dogs with plant-based sausages or veggie dogs, using vegetarian chili for a complete meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute crescent rolls with thin cheese wraps or lettuce leaves, using low-carb chili or meat sauce as the base.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add jalapeños, sriracha sauce, or pepper jack cheese to create a more intense flavor profile for heat lovers.

Crescent Hot Dog Bake FAQs

  • Can I use homemade chili instead of canned chili?

Absolutely! Homemade chili works great and can add more personalized flavor to the dish. Just ensure it’s not too watery to maintain the right consistency.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free crescent roll dough and check that your chili is gluten-free. Many brands now offer gluten-free alternatives that work perfectly in this recipe.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.

  • What are some good side dishes to serve with this?

Simple sides like a crisp green salad, coleslaw, or potato chips complement this hearty dish perfectly and balance out the rich flavors.

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Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake Recipe

Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Savory chili cheese crescent hot dog bake brings comfort and nostalgia to family dinner tables, blending classic American flavors in one irresistible dish. Cheesy, meaty, and quick to prepare, this crowd-pleasing recipe promises smiles with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 6 hot dogs

Bread and Dough:

  • 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) can refrigerated crescent roll dough

Sauce and Toppings:

  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can chili (with or without beans)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning:

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra spice)

Finishing Touches:

  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Create a flavorful base by spreading canned chili evenly across the bottom of the dish. Enhance the chili with a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, and optional chili powder to intensify the taste profile.
  3. Unroll the crescent roll dough and carefully separate each triangle. Gently wrap each hot dog by starting at the wider end of the triangle and rolling it completely, ensuring the dough covers the entire hot dog.
  4. Arrange the dough-wrapped hot dogs strategically on top of the chili layer, allowing some space between each one. Lightly brush the exposed dough with melted butter to promote a rich, golden appearance during baking.
  5. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the crescent dough to turn a deep golden brown and become crisp around the edges.
  6. Once the initial baking is complete, carefully remove the dish from the oven and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot dogs. Return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and become deliciously bubbly.
  7. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the cheese to set slightly and make serving easier.

Notes

  • Choose low-sodium chili or homemade chili for better control over salt intake.
  • Opt for lean hot dogs or turkey dogs to make the dish healthier and lighter.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
  • Brush crescent dough with egg wash instead of butter for a shinier, more golden crust.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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