Transform your classic hot dog into a mouthwatering, cheesy, and hearty masterpiece with this Ultimate Chili Cheese Dog Bake! Perfect for game day, family dinners, or a fun twist on a casual meal, this dish combines juicy hot dogs, gooey cheese, savory chili, and golden pizza dough into one irresistible bake. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Components:
8 hot dogs (beef, chicken, or vegetarian) 🌭
8 string cheese sticks 🧀
1 can refrigerated pizza dough 🍕
1 (15 oz) can chili (with or without beans) 🥫
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
1/2 onion, diced (optional) 🧅
Mustard and ketchup for garnish (optional) 🌭
Ingredients Overview
- Hot Dogs: The star of the dish! Choose your favorite type—beef, chicken, pork, or even plant-based for a vegetarian option.
- String Cheese Sticks: These add a melty, cheesy surprise inside each hot dog, making every bite extra indulgent.
- Refrigerated Pizza Dough: This acts as the perfect wrapper, baking into a golden, fluffy crust that holds everything together.
- Canned Chili: Adds a rich, hearty flavor. Use your favorite brand, with or without beans, depending on your preference.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous layer of melted cheese on top ties all the flavors together.
- Onion (Optional): Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich and savory bake.
- Mustard and Ketchup (Optional): Classic condiments that add a tangy and sweet finish to the dish.
Detailed Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for baking.
Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to create a non-stick surface and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Hot Dogs and Dough
Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 8 equal rectangles. Each rectangle will wrap around one hot dog.
Take each hot dog and place a string cheese stick along its length. The cheese will melt inside the hot dog, creating a gooey center.
Step 3: Wrap the Hot Dogs
Place a cheese-topped hot dog at one end of a dough rectangle.
Roll the dough tightly around the hot dog, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. Pinch the seams to seal the dough securely. This step ensures the cheese stays inside the hot dogs while baking.
Repeat this process for all 8 hot dogs.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Arrange the wrapped hot dogs seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Space them evenly to allow for even cooking.
Open the can of chili and pour it over and around the hot dogs, ensuring they’re partially covered. This adds a rich, savory layer to the bake.
Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly blanket of deliciousness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the pizza dough to turn golden brown and the cheese to melt into a bubbly, gooey layer.
If the cheese isn’t browning to your liking, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
If desired, sprinkle diced onion over the top for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
Drizzle mustard and ketchup over the bake for a classic hot dog flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy the gooey, cheesy, savory goodness!
Tips and Variations
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños to the chili for a spicy kick.
- Customize the Toppings: Try adding pickles, relish, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use plant-based hot dogs and vegetarian chili for a meat-free version.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Ultimate Chili Cheese Dog Bake is the perfect combination of comfort food and fun. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with flavor. The melty cheese, savory chili, and golden pizza dough create a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a crowd, or just craving something indulgent, this Ultimate Chili Cheese Dog Bake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the cheesy, savory, and utterly delicious experience! 🌭🧀🔥