Chili Cheese Crescent Dog Bake

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Chili Cheese Crescent Dog Bake (with a Sweet Twist!): The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Dish!

Get ready for a delightful fusion of sweet and savory with this Chili Cheese Crescent Dog Bake! This dish takes everything you love about a hearty chili cheese dog and elevates it with a hint of sweetness from the tender crescent dough, creating the ultimate cozy comfort dish. Imagine juicy hot dogs wrapped in lightly sweetened, golden crescent dough, nestled over a rich, flavorful beef chili, all smothered in melty cheddar cheese. It’s a fantastic, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for a comforting dinner or a fun gathering!

This bake offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors: the robust, savory chili, the smoky hot dogs, the delicate sweetness and flakiness of the crescent rolls, and the irresistible pull of melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-assemble casserole that delivers big on taste and is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

Ingredients:

For the Chili Base:

  • 1½ lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for browning beef)

For the Crescent Dogs & Topping:

  • 8 beef or turkey hot dogs
  • 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sprinkling on crescent dough)
  • Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Equipment:

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Pastry brush (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Prep Hot Dogs: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay out your 8 hot dogs; these will be wrapped in crescent dough later.

  2. Cook Ground Beef & Chili Base: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (if using) over medium-high heat. Add the 1½ lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until thoroughly browned. Drain off any excess grease. Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.

  3. Assemble the Bake:

    • Pour the hot, hearty chili base evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
    • Unroll one can of the refrigerated crescent roll dough. Separate the dough into 8 triangles.
    • Place one hot dog on the wide end of each crescent dough triangle and roll it up, gently pinching the tip to seal.
    • Arrange the wrapped hot dogs evenly over the chili in the baking dish. You should have 8 crescent-wrapped hot dogs.
    • Brush the tops of the crescent dough with the 2 tablespoons melted butter.
    • Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon brown sugar evenly over the buttered crescent dough for that delightful sweet twist.
    • Generously sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, making sure some lands on the crescent rolls and some on the chili below.

  4. Bake the Casserole: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

  5. Garnish & Serve: Remove the Chili Cheese Crescent Dog Bake from the oven. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions (if using) for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this ultimate cozy comfort dish with a hint of sweetness!

Tips & Variations:

  • Chili Consistency: Ensure your chili base is thick enough so the crescent rolls don’t get soggy. If it seems too watery, simmer it a bit longer to reduce before adding the hot dogs.
  • Cheese Please: Feel free to use a different blend of cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
  • Spice It Up: If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or an extra ½ teaspoon of chili powder to the beef mixture.
  • Add Veggies: You can sauté a small diced onion or bell pepper with the ground beef for extra flavor and nutrients.
  • Make Ahead: The chili base can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole with fresh crescent dough and cheese just before baking.
  • Dipping Sauces: Offer a side of sour cream, hot sauce, or even a simple mustard for those who enjoy dipping!

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