Chili Cheese Crescent Bake

This buttery crescent-wrapped hot dog bake nestled in savory chili and topped with melted cheese has become my family's favorite weeknight rescue dinner. The combination of flaky pastry, juicy hot dogs, and hearty chili creates a comforting meal that disappears within minutes at my table.

I first made this dish during a chaotic Thursday when soccer practice ran late and homework deadlines loomed. The empty plates and requests for seconds told me everything I needed to know. Now it appears on our monthly rotation when time is short but hunger is mighty.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Provides the flaky golden wrapper that elevates this dish beyond a regular hot dog meal
• Hot dogs: Form the juicy protein center; choose all beef varieties for the best flavor
• Canned chili: Creates the hearty base layer; select your favorite brand with or without beans
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Forms the melty crown; use freshly grated for optimal meltability
• Garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth to the chili base
• Onion powder: Brings savory notes without the texture fresh onions would contribute
• Chili powder: Introduces a gentle heat; customizable to your family preferences
• Melted butter: Brushed on dough ensures golden brown perfection
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Foundation:

Pour your canned chili into a greased 9x13 baking dish spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder if using. This seasoning step elevates canned chili to taste more homemade as the flavors meld during baking.

Wrap The Stars:

Unroll your crescent dough and separate into triangles. Place each hot dog at the wide end of a triangle and roll it up completely encasing the hot dog. The dough will expand during baking creating a pillowy blanket around each hot dog.

Create The Assembly:

Arrange your wrapped hot dogs on top of the seasoned chili spacing them evenly. Brush each wrapped hot dog with melted butter ensuring you cover all exposed dough surfaces. This butter bath ensures golden crispy exteriors.

Bake To Golden Perfection:

Place the dish in your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for the crescents to turn a deep golden brown indicating the dough has cooked through completely.

Add The Cheesy Finale:

Pull the dish from the oven and generously scatter shredded cheddar across the top. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes allowing the cheese to melt into gooey perfection across the dish.

My love affair with this recipe centers on the chili base. I discovered that adding those extra spices to canned chili transforms it from basic to crave worthy. My nephew once proclaimed it was better than the carnival food he'd been begging for all summer. Victory never tasted so good.

Customization Options

This versatile dish welcomes many variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Swap regular hot dogs for turkey or chicken sausages for a lighter option. Vegetarian hot dogs work surprisingly well especially when paired with a robust vegetarian chili. For those watching carbs consider using low carb crescent dough alternatives now available in many grocery stores.

The chili component offers endless customization. Homemade chili certainly works if you have it on hand. White chicken chili creates an entirely different but equally delicious experience. Even a thick bean based vegetarian chili provides a hearty foundation that complements the wrapped hot dogs beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Turn this into a complete meal by serving with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the dish. For game day gatherings consider cutting the wrapped hot dogs into smaller portions before baking creating bite sized appetizers that guests can easily manage.

Set up a topping bar with diced red onions sliced jalapeños sour cream and additional shredded cheese allowing family members to customize their portions. This interactive element makes dinner more engaging especially for younger family members who appreciate having input into their meals.

Make Ahead Tips

The entire dish can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Prepare as directed through the assembly step cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake remove from refrigerator while preheating the oven then proceed with baking adding about 5 extra minutes to account for the chilled ingredients.

For super busy periods consider doubling the recipe and freezing one assembled but unbaked dish. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to one month. Thaw completely in refrigerator overnight before baking according to directions.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer.

→ What chili should I use?

Use canned chili with or without beans based on your preference. Homemade chili works great too!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I make it spicier?

Yes, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy chili to heat things up.

→ What side dishes pair well with this?

Serve it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or some crispy potato wedges.