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Cheesy Chili Dog Casserole

Cheesy Chili Dog Casserole
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Cheesy Chili Dog Casserole is a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that combines the classic flavors of chili dogs into a hearty, cheesy baked casserole. With layers of savory hot dogs, rich chili, sharp cheddar cheese, and soft bread, this casserole is perfect for family meals, game days, or casual gatherings. It’s customizable, kid-friendly, and reheats well for leftovers, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 classic beef or turkey hot dogs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups canned chili (with or without beans)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 4 soft sandwich buns or slices of bread, cubed or sliced
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

Optional Toppings

  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
  • 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced olives
  • 1/3 cup crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions (for crunchy topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and to allow for easy serving.
  2. Slice the Hot Dogs and Bread: Cut the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces. Slice sandwich buns or bread into cubes or strips, according to your texture preference.
  3. Layer the Ingredients: Place half of the bread cubes into the casserole dish. Layer the sliced hot dogs and diced onions evenly over the bread. Then spread the canned chili evenly over the top.
  4. Add Cheese and More Bread: Sprinkle a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer. Next, add the remaining bread pieces on top of the cheese layer to help trap moisture and flavor as it bakes.
  5. Final Cheese Layer and Bake: Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Let It Rest: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes so it sets, making it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

  • Use quality ingredients like fresh cheese and flavorful chili for best taste.
  • Maintain a balanced proportion of bread, chili, and cheese to avoid sogginess.
  • Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate to save time on busy days.
  • Monitor baking time closely to prevent burning; a golden brown cheese topping is ideal.
  • Feel free to customize toppings like jalapeños, pickles, or mustard to enhance flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili dog casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, hot dog recipe, easy casserole, game day recipe, family friendly, baked casserole

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cheesy-chili-dog-casserole/