Description
Hearty chili cheese dog casserole offers a delicious twist on classic comfort food. Regional flavors combine with simple ingredients for an easy family meal you’ll savor down to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 hot dogs
- 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) chili (homemade or canned)
- 8 hot dog buns, split open
- 2 cups (200 g / 7 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried parsley (optional)
- Diced onions
- Pickled jalapenos
- Mustard or ketchup
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, laying hot dog buns to create a uniform base.
- Assembly: Carefully position hot dogs within buns, ensuring complete coverage and organized placement.
- Flavor Layering: Generously coat hot dogs with chili, allowing the sauce to fully envelope each element, then distribute shredded cheese comprehensively across the surface.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Craft a flavor-boosting mixture by blending melted butter with garlic powder and parsley, then brush meticulously onto exposed bun edges.
- Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and continue cooking until cheese melts vibrantly and bun edges turn golden brown.
- Serving: Remove from oven and let rest briefly, garnish with optional toppings like diced onions or jalapeños, then serve while piping hot and supremely appetizing.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Base: Lightly toast buns before assembly to create a crisp foundation that resists moisture from chili and prevents bread from becoming overly soft.
- Cheese Distribution Technique: Grate cheese fresh for better melting and more even coverage, avoiding pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents that limit smooth melting.
- Chili Thickness Matters: Use thick, hearty chili to prevent excess liquid from saturating buns; drain canned chili or reduce homemade chili slightly for optimal consistency.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap traditional hot dogs with turkey or plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free buns, and choose low-fat cheese for healthier variations without compromising flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg