Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner made with hot dogs, cheddar cheese, chili sauce, and pizza dough—a quick, cheesy weeknight lifesaver.
It was one of those days. You know the kind—nothing big went wrong, but by 6:00 p.m., I had the emotional energy of a houseplant. I opened the fridge and stared inside for way too long, hoping something would blink at me like, “Hey! I’m a meal!”
Instead? I had a can of chili. A pack of hot dogs that were maybe—maybe—one day from their expiration date. A sad little tube of pizza dough I forgot I bought, and one last lonely cheese stick, hiding behind a jar of pickles like it didn’t want to get involved.
And yet… something sparked. I tossed it all together, shoved it in the oven, and hoped for the best. What came out was gooey, warm, messy perfection. My kids were quiet while eating (a rare miracle), and I stood at the counter with my fork like I was guarding buried treasure.
Since then? This Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner has become a repeat. Not because it’s fancy—but because it works. It feels like a hug. Or like watching reruns of your favorite show in sweats. It doesn’t try to be anything it’s not, and I kinda love that about it.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner Recipe?
Let’s be honest: there are days for slow-cooked roasts and multi-step risottos. And then there are days when you just want cheese, carbs, and chili in a dish that doesn’t judge you for skipping the gym or losing your temper in traffic.
This chili cheese dog bake dinner is:
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Warm and cheesy in a way that’s slightly excessive and absolutely necessary.
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Customizable depending on what’s hanging out in your fridge.
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So easy to make, it’s almost suspicious.
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The kind of dinner that makes everyone feel five years old—in the best way possible.
It’s not health food. It’s healing food.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break it down—because you probably have most of this already. Or at least enough to wing it.
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1 can chili sauce – I used a hot dog chili (you know, the smooth kind), but if you’ve got chunky chili, mash it up a bit. It’ll still be awesome.
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1 refrigerated pizza dough – The kind in the tube. Yes, the one that pops and scares you. That one.
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4 bun-length hot dogs – Whatever kind makes you feel less guilty (or more nostalgic).
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4 cheddar cheese sticks – Or use sliced cheddar, or mozzarella, or whatever’s melty.
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2 tablespoons butter, melted – This is optional, but it makes the whole thing feel like you tried harder than you did.
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Garlic powder and chopped parsley – For sprinkling on top, if you’re feeling fancy. Or if you just need a win.
How To Make Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner?
Step 1: Heat your oven to 375°F.
That way it’s ready before your motivation runs out.
Step 2: Microwave your chili until it’s hot. Then pour it into a 9×9-inch baking dish and spread it like a love letter to comfort food.
Step 3: Roll out your pizza dough on the counter. Cut it into four (ish) rectangles. I say “ish” because I eyeballed it and one was definitely bigger than the others. Didn’t matter.
Step 4: Put one hot dog and one cheese stick on each piece of dough. Fold the sides in a little, then roll it up like you’re tucking them in for a nap.
Step 5: Nestle your wrapped dogs on top of the chili in the baking dish. If they look awkward or uneven, that’s part of the charm.
Step 6: Bake for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dough is golden, the cheese is peeking out, and you’re fighting the urge to eat it straight out of the dish.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 7: Brush the tops with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley if you’ve got it, and serve it up while it’s still bubbling.
Storage Options:
If—if—you have leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for about three days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven if you want that crisp back. Microwave works too, but expect softer bread. Still tasty. Still comforting.
I once wrapped a leftover piece in foil and tossed it into my kid’s lunchbox with an ice pack. Zero complaints.
Variations and Substitutions:
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No cheddar sticks? Use shredded cheese inside. It’ll be messier, but no one’s complaining.
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No chili sauce? Use leftover chili. Or make a quick one with ground beef, tomato sauce, and some taco seasoning. Boom.
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Going vegetarian? Use veggie dogs and meatless chili. Still delicious. Still cheesy.
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Want spice? Add jalapeños inside or on top. Or hot sauce. Or crushed red pepper. Or all three. I don’t judge.
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Craving crunch? Add crushed tortilla chips on top before the last 5 minutes of baking. You’re welcome.
What to Serve with Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner?
Okay, fine. If you’re making this for a crowd or just want to pretend you balanced the plate:
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Tater tots or curly fries. Obviously.
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Simple green salad. Throw on some ranch and call it even.
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Pickles or coleslaw. Something vinegary to cut through the richness.
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Corn on the cob. Especially in summer. Butter optional, but encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make it ahead of time?
Sort of. You can assemble the wrapped dogs early and refrigerate. Just wait to pour the chili in and bake when ready.
Can I use crescent rolls instead of pizza dough?
Yep! They’re a little sweeter and flakier but work perfectly.
What kind of chili works best?
Hot dog-style chili is great because it’s smooth. But chunky chili will work if you spread it out a bit.
Look, this Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner isn’t trying to win any culinary awards. It’s not sophisticated. But you know what it is? It’s warm, cheesy, a little messy, and exactly what I needed on a night when I was running on fumes.
It reminded me that sometimes the best meals are the ones you don’t plan. The ones that come from “what do I even have right now?” moments. The ones that surprise you with how much joy they bring—even when (especially when) they come out of a tube of dough and a can of chili.
So make it. Eat it hot. Eat it standing up. Eat it in your pajamas. And tell me if it makes you feel just a little bit better about today.
Have your own twist? Or a childhood chili dog memory? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your story too.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Chili Cheese Dog Bake Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pizza dough approximately 13.8 oz
- 4 bun-length hot dogs
- 4 cheddar cheese sticks or equivalent slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 can 15 oz hot dog-style chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Garlic powder to taste (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it, if desired.
Heat the chili:
- Place the chili sauce into a microwave-safe bowl and heat until thoroughly warmed, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Spread the heated chili evenly along the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the dough:
- Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean, flat surface. Using a knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into four evenly sized rectangles.
Assemble the hot dogs:
- Place one hot dog and one cheddar cheese stick in the center of each dough rectangle. Fold the short ends slightly inward, then roll the dough around the hot dog and cheese, enclosing them completely.
Arrange in the baking dish:
- Place each rolled hot dog seam-side down on top of the chili layer in the baking dish, ensuring the spacing is even.
Bake the dish:
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
Add finishing touches:
- Upon removing the dish from the oven, brush the tops of the baked hot dogs with the melted butter. Optionally, sprinkle with garlic powder and fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Serve:
- Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving. Serve warm as a complete meal or with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
