Chili Dog Cheesy Bake

Featured in: Savory Toasts

This comforting dish layers sliced beef hot dogs and chili over halved buns, topped generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Brushed with melted butter and seasoned with garlic powder, it’s baked until bubbly and golden, then garnished with fresh chives or green onions and creamy sour cream. Ready in under an hour, it offers a rich, savory meal ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:21:58 GMT
Hearty Chili Dog Casserole baked with gooey cheese and colorful chives on top.  Pin
Hearty Chili Dog Casserole baked with gooey cheese and colorful chives on top. | toastybasil.com

Chili Dog Casserole brings the nostalgic flavor of classic chili dogs into a warm, cheesy baked dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Combining tender hot dog slices with savory chili, melty cheddar, and soft hot dog buns, this casserole offers a comforting and hassle-free meal ideal for weeknights or game day celebrations.

Hearty Chili Dog Casserole baked with gooey cheese and colorful chives on top.  Pin
Hearty Chili Dog Casserole baked with gooey cheese and colorful chives on top. | toastybasil.com

This dish captures the fun and flavor of chili dogs while adding a melty, baked dimension that brings everyone to the table. It's quick enough for busy nights but tasty enough to become a favorite go-to.

Ingredients

  • 8 beef hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups (about 450 g) prepared chili (homemade or canned, with or without beans)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 hot dog buns, sliced in half
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
2. Arrange the halved hot dog buns cut-side up in the baking dish. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
3. Scatter sliced hot dogs evenly over the buns.
4. Sprinkle chopped onion over the hot dogs.
5. Pour chili evenly over the hot dog mixture.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and casserole is heated through.
8. Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chives or green onions and dollops of sour cream, if desired.
9. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Use a sharp knife and cutting board for easy slicing of hot dogs and onions. Grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup. Brushing the buns with melted butter ensures a flavorful and slightly toasted base that absorbs the chili sauce beautifully.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Use turkey or plant-based hot dogs for a lighter or vegetarian version. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile. Adjust the chili with your favorite homemade recipe or opt for a bean-free version if preferred.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this casserole hot, garnished with fresh chives or green onions and dollops of sour cream for added creaminess. Pair it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness and make a complete meal.

Delicious Chili Dog Casserole layered with hot dogs, chili, and melted cheddar.  Pin
Delicious Chili Dog Casserole layered with hot dogs, chili, and melted cheddar. | toastybasil.com

This Chili Dog Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that combines familiar flavors in an easy, baked format. Ideal for busy households or festive gatherings, it’s hearty comfort food made effortless.

Recipe Q&A

Can I use turkey or vegetarian hot dogs?

Yes, turkey or plant-based hot dogs can be substituted for a lighter or vegetarian version without compromising flavor.

What cheese alternatives work well?

Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheeses provide delicious variations and melt nicely in this baked dish.

How should I prepare the baking dish?

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish well before assembling to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the layers in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time.

What garnishes complement the dish?

Chopped fresh chives or green onions and dollops of sour cream add brightness and creaminess to finish.

Chili Dog Cheesy Bake

A comforting baked dish combining sliced hot dogs, chili, and cheddar cheese in a savory layered form.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min

Category Savory Toasts

Skill level Easy

Origin American

Yield 6 Portions

Dietary specifications None specified

Components

Meats

01 8 beef hot dogs, sliced into 1-inch pieces

Chili

01 2 cups prepared chili (homemade or canned, with or without beans)

Vegetables

01 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

Dairy

01 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Breads

01 6 hot dog buns, sliced in half

Pantry

01 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
02 ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
02 2 tablespoons sour cream

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Prepare buns: Arrange halved hot dog buns cut-side up in the baking dish. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.

Step 03

Add hot dogs: Scatter sliced hot dogs evenly over the buns.

Step 04

Add onions: Sprinkle finely chopped onions evenly over the hot dogs.

Step 05

Add chili: Pour prepared chili evenly over the hot dog and onion layer.

Step 06

Add cheese: Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 07

Bake casserole: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Step 08

Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions and spoon dollops of sour cream if desired.

Step 09

Serve: Serve casserole warm.

Necessary tools

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small bowl for melted butter
  • Pastry brush (optional)

Allergy information

Review each component for possible allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Contains wheat (hot dog buns), dairy (cheese, butter, sour cream), possible soy (hot dogs), and possible gluten (chili depending on brand). Check all labels if serving individuals with allergies.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 440
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Carbs: 31 g
  • Protein: 18 g