Chili Dog Casserole

            Summer is right around the corner, quick meals are what we all need right now. These fast meals will get us back outdoors to enjoy the sun and fun. There is no season quite as much fun as summer. With the warm weather you can have cold meals or you can still make delicious warm meals.

            This is one of those recipes! It has been known as a favorite food for decades. I remember going to a certain restaurant when I was younger and we all ordered chili cheese dogs. They were something different, something awesome and we got to go out to eat! Then my mom started making them at home. We were tossed up on that plan. Although we absolutely loved them, going out to that restaurant was a treat for us.

            Since then, I have found a new way to make these delicious chili dogs. Eating a summer time favorite food in a casserole is not messy, like eating a chili dog can be. Nice and neat, same flavorful food and same smiles on our faces. I make this up when we have friends over for pool parties, for get togethers and for football days! It seems all our friends look forward to this dish and watching football.

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Can this casserole be made in advance?

This casserole actually freezes well. You can definitely make it ahead, thaw it in the refrigerator and then warm it up.

            What are some variations for the dough?

I have made this dish with tater tots, the crescent roll dough and also with biscuits on top. It is a favorite in any method you use.

            Can I use different hot dogs?

One of our favorites is to switch out the plain hot dogs for cheesy hot dogs. We also enjoy the chili flavored hot dogs in this dish, it gives it an extra kick. Substituting bratwurst is also a very yummy variation.

What ingredients do you need for Chili Dog Casserole

1 roll store bought pizza dough

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 can of your favorite chili for hotdogs (you could certainly use homemade if you prefer)

4 cheddar cheese sticks

4 hotdogs, bun length

Sprinkle of Garlic Powder

Parsley for garnish

How to make Chili Dog Casserole

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 375*

Heat the chili, you can do this in the microwave or stove top

FIRST STEP:

Open the roll of pizza dough, flatten it on the counter

Cut the dough into 4 equal rectangle shapes

FIRST STEP:

Place a hotdog in the center of the rectangle

Add a cheese stick on the hotdog

FIRST STEP:

Begin by folding the ends over the hotdog, then roll the hotdog until the dough covers the entire hot dog

Pour the heated chili into a square baking dish

FIRST STEP:

Place the 4 covered hot dogs on top of the chili

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown on the tops

FIRST STEP:

Melt the butter and add the garlic and parsley to it

Brush on top of each of the hotdogs

Sit down to a fantastic dish and enjoy!