Growing up, chili cheese dogs were a staple at summer barbecues and baseball games. The messy, delicious combination of chili, cheese, and hot dogs was always a favorite. When I came across this baked version, I knew it was a must-try for my family. It transforms the classic dish into a more sophisticated and less messy version that’s perfect for dinner. This recipe quickly became a household favorite, providing all the familiar flavors with a twist. Let’s dive into the details of making this delightful Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner.
Ingredients
1 refrigerated pizza crust
4 bun-length hot dogs
4 cheddar cheese sticks
1 can hot dog chili sauce
2 tbsp. butter, melted
Garlic powder and fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Ensuring your oven is fully preheated helps the pizza crust cook evenly and achieve a golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chili Sauce
Heat the Chili Sauce:
Pour the hot dog chili sauce into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the sauce in the microwave until it’s hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Once heated, pour the chili sauce into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a base layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Open and Roll Out the Pizza Dough:
Open the refrigerated pizza crust and roll it out flat on a clean counter or cutting board. Use a rolling pin if necessary to ensure the dough is evenly flattened.
Cut the pizza crust into 4 even rectangles. You can use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for this task.
Step 4: Assemble the Chili Cheese Dogs
Add Hot Dogs and Cheese:
Place a hot dog and a cheddar cheese stick in the center of each rectangle of dough. The cheese stick should run parallel to the hot dog, ensuring every bite has a bit of cheesy goodness.
Wrap the Hot Dogs:
Fold the ends of the dough up over the hot dog and cheese stick. Then, roll the dough around the hot dog and cheese stick to fully encase them in the dough. Ensure the dough is sealed well to prevent any cheese from oozing out during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Place the wrapped hot dogs seam-side down into the baking dish on top of the hot chili sauce. Space them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Brush with Butter:
Once the chili cheese dogs are baked, remove the dish from the oven. Brush the tops of the baked dough with melted butter to add flavor and a beautiful sheen.
Season and Garnish:
Sprinkle garlic powder and fresh chopped parsley over the top for an added burst of flavor and a touch of color. This step is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of taste.
Serve:
Serve the Chili Cheese Dog Bake hot, with the chili sauce acting as a delicious dipping sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, coleslaw, or even some crispy French fries.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese sticks are a classic choice, you can experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese for different flavors.
Different Doughs: If you don’t have pizza dough, crescent roll dough or even biscuit dough can be used as substitutes.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetarian hot dogs and a vegetarian chili sauce to make a meatless version of this dish.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños inside the dough with the hot dogs and cheese, or use a spicy chili sauce for an extra kick.
Extra Toppings: Top the baked dish with chopped onions, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of mustard for additional flavors.
Conclusion
Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner is a delightful and versatile dish that brings a touch of nostalgia with every bite. It’s a perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or try one of the suggested variations, this bake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting and satisfying meal with your family and friends.
