Cheesy Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake Recipe

Irresistibly Cheesy Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this chili cheese crescent hot dog bake promises pure comfort.

Hearty hot dogs nestled in golden, buttery crescent rolls create an irresistible meal that screams deliciousness.

Melted cheese blankets each golden-brown bundle with rich, gooey goodness.

Robust chili adds a spicy kick that elevates this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Kids and adults alike will devour these cheesy, flavor-packed rolls in minutes.

The combination of crispy pastry, savory hot dogs, and zesty chili makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Serve these mouthwatering bites and watch everyone’s faces light up with excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake

For Base Layer:
  • Canned Chili: Provides a hearty, flavorful foundation with rich tomato and meat base that creates instant comfort. Choose a brand with robust seasoning for deeper taste.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds warm, aromatic depth to enhance chili's natural flavors. Select fine-ground powder for even distribution.
  • Onion Powder: Delivers subtle sweetness and background complexity to the dish. Look for pure, non-clumping varieties.
  • Chili Powder: Introduces gentle heat and earthy undertones to elevate overall taste. Opt for fresh, vibrant powder for maximum flavor.
For Wrapping:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Creates a golden, flaky exterior that hugs hot dogs perfectly. Select refrigerated dough for optimal texture and ease of use.
  • Hot Dogs: Serves as the protein centerpiece with classic, savory appeal. Choose all-beef or preferred variety for best results.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Butter: Provides rich, glossy sheen and helps achieve beautiful golden-brown crust. Use unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers creamy, sharp flavor and melty goodness on top. Select sharp or extra-sharp for more intense cheese experience.

Tools You’ll Need for Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for layering chili and hot dogs evenly.
  • Pastry brush: Perfect for applying melted butter on crescent rolls.
  • Mixing bowl: Helpful for preparing ingredients and melting butter.
  • Cheese grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
  • Sharp knife: Good for preparing hot dogs or cutting ingredients if needed.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for portioning garlic, onion, and chili powders.

How to Assemble Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray.

  • Create a Chili Canvas

Pour the hearty canned chili across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle some zesty spices to amp up the flavor.

  • Dress the Dogs

Unroll the crescent dough and lovingly wrap each hot dog in a soft, flaky blanket. Start at one end and roll until completely covered.

  • Layer and Prep

Gently nestle the wrapped hot dogs on top of the chili. Brush the tops with melted butter for a gorgeous golden glow.

  • First Bake

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes until the crescents turn a beautiful golden brown.

  • Cheese Grand Finale

Pull out the dish and shower it with a blizzard of shredded cheddar. Pop back in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melty, bubbly masterpiece.

Ideas to Customize Your Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake

  • Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which saves precious minutes during busy weeknights and allows flavors to meld together.
  • Swap standard canned chili with spicy or mild versions depending on your heat tolerance, or mix homemade chili for a more personalized flavor profile.
  • Replace traditional hot dogs with turkey or chicken sausages to reduce fat content while maintaining the dish's delicious essence, perfect for health-conscious families.
  • Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and check chili ingredients to create a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
  • Sprinkle diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or green onions over the chili before adding hot dogs for extra nutrition and a fresh, colorful presentation that elevates the entire dish.

Serving Up Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake the Fun Way

  • Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread the hot dog bake on a large wooden board with pickles, mustard, and ketchup for a casual gathering that screams summer fun.
  • Backyard BBQ Buddy: Pair with crisp coleslaw, baked beans, and corn on the cob to create a hearty meal that will make your outdoor dining epic and satisfying.
  • Game Day Gameplan: Slice into smaller portions, serve on a platter with toothpicks, and watch guests grab these cheesy hot dog bites during sports watching parties or movie nights.
  • Kids' Mealtime Magic: Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with extra dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard to make dinner exciting and kid-friendly.

How to Store Leftover Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake

  • Prepare this dish on busy weeknights when time is tight. Perfect for feeding 4-6 people with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Separate hot dogs and chili layer if possible to maintain crescent roll's crispy texture.
  • Wrap unbaked dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Warm individual servings in oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispness. Microwave works but may soften crescent dough's original crunch. Avoid repeated reheating to maintain food quality and prevent bacterial growth.
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Cheesy Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake Recipe

Cheesy Chili Cheese Crescent Hot Dog Bake Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Spicy chili cheese crescent hot dog bake delivers comfort food magic in one irresistible casserole. Melted cheese, hearty chili, and golden crescent rolls combine for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 hot dogs
  • 1 (15 oz) can chili (with or without beans)
  • 1 cup (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter, melted
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for extra spice)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheating and Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Chili Foundation: Distribute the canned chili uniformly across the baking dish’s base, enhancing the flavor profile with garlic powder, onion powder, and optional chili powder for an intensified taste experience.
  3. Hot Dog Wrapping: Carefully unfurl the crescent roll dough into individual triangles, meticulously enveloping each hot dog by rolling from one end to the other, creating a snug pastry coating.
  4. Layering and Buttering: Position the dough-wrapped hot dogs atop the chili layer, then delicately brush the surfaces with melted butter to promote a rich, golden-brown exterior during baking.
  5. Initial Baking Cycle: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the crescent rolls transform into a gorgeous, golden-hued crust.
  6. Cheese Finale: Extract the dish from the oven, generously blanket the surface with shredded cheddar cheese, and return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a luxurious, bubbling topping.

Notes

  • Ensure each hot dog is fully and evenly wrapped in crescent dough to prevent uneven cooking and maintain a consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Use thick, hearty canned chili to prevent excess liquid from making the crescent rolls soggy, which could compromise the crispy bottom layer.
  • Shred cheese fresh for better melting quality and more even coverage, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting performance.
  • Substitute turkey hot dogs and low-fat crescent rolls for a lighter version, or use plant-based alternatives to create vegetarian-friendly and healthier variations of this comfort food classic.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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