Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake

Warm, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying, this Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup. Combining juicy hot dogs, gooey melted cheddar cheese, buttery crescent dough, and hearty chili, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults alike. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but also festive enough for casual get-togethers, game day spreads, or even a fun twist on movie night snacks. The best part? It comes together with minimal prep and simple, accessible ingredients.

The use of refrigerated dough makes this dish easy for anyone to master, while the string cheese tucked inside each hot dog adds that deliciously stretchy, melty texture that makes every bite crave-worthy. Pour warm chili over the finished bake and you’ve got a dish that hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, buttery, and comforting. With its golden crust and flavorful topping of garlic butter and herbs, it looks impressive and tastes even better. Whether you’re serving it to a hungry family or bringing it to a potluck, this Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake is a dish that will disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Easy: Uses canned dough and pantry staples for quick assembly.
• Kid-Friendly: Hot dogs and cheese wrapped in dough are always a family favorite.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, game nights, or casual entertaining.
• Cheesy and Savory: Each bite has a gooey cheese center and chili-smothered topping.
• Customizable: Add toppings or fillings to suit your preferences.

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Ingredients

Hot dogs
Cheddar string cheese
Refrigerated pizza dough or crescent dough
Canned chili
Butter
Garlic powder
Fresh parsley

Variations

• Use Crescent Dough: Swap pizza dough for crescent rolls for a flakier texture.
• Add Jalapeños: Include sliced jalapeños inside for a spicy kick.
• Swap Cheese: Try mozzarella or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a flavor twist.
• Mini Versions: Make bite-size versions for party appetizers using mini hot dogs.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based hot dogs and veggie chili for a meatless version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Slice each hot dog lengthwise (without cutting all the way through) and place a string cheese piece inside each one.

Step 2: Wrap with Dough

Unroll the pizza dough and cut into four strips. Wrap each hot dog and cheese bundle with a strip of dough, sealing the edges.

Step 3: Bake

Place the wrapped hot dogs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 4: Make Garlic Butter

While the hot dogs bake, mix melted butter with garlic powder and chopped parsley.

Step 5: Add the Chili

Heat the chili in a saucepan or microwave until warm. Once the hot dogs are baked, spoon the chili generously over the top.

Step 6: Brush and Serve

Brush garlic butter over the dough and serve warm, optionally garnished with more parsley.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overstuff the dough—just enough cheese to melt without spilling out.
• Seal the dough well around the hot dog to prevent cheese leakage.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
• Preheat your oven fully for the best golden-brown crust.
• Warm the chili before topping so it doesn’t cool down the baked hot dogs.

How to Serve

Serve hot and fresh out of the oven with extra chili on the side. Great with a dollop of sour cream, chopped onions, jalapeños, or shredded cheese on top. Pair with fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a full meal. This dish is also great for finger-food gatherings or movie nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap cooled leftovers in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze wrapped (unbaked) hot dogs for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?

Yes, crescent dough works great and gives a flakier texture.

2. What’s the best chili to use?

Any canned chili works, but thicker varieties with beans or meat offer better texture and flavor.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them in advance and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving.

4. How do I keep the dough from getting soggy under the chili?

Add chili just before serving to maintain the crispness of the baked dough.

5. Can I use shredded cheese instead of string cheese?

Yes, but it may melt out more easily. Wrap tightly if using shredded cheese.

6. Can I make a vegetarian version?

Absolutely—use veggie hot dogs and vegetarian chili.

7. Do I need to cook the hot dogs first?

No, they’ll fully cook while baking inside the dough.

8. What can I serve with this dish?

Great sides include fries, salad, roasted veggies, or potato wedges.

9. How can I spice it up?

Add hot sauce, chili flakes, or jalapeños inside or on top.

10. Can I double the recipe for a party?

Yes, just double all ingredients and bake in batches or on two trays.

Conclusion

This Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake is comfort food at its best—quick, delicious, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just need an easy family meal, this recipe brings together the hearty warmth of chili, the fun of cheesy hot dogs, and the buttery goodness of baked dough. It’s a no-fuss, all-flavor dish that’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen.

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