Coney Island Hot Dogs

A Detroit-style classic, Coney Island hot dogs feature juicy grilled hot dogs topped with a rich, meaty chili sauce, diced onions, and yellow mustard, all served in a soft bun. This savory, flavorful dish is perfect for game day, backyard cookouts, or any time you crave a hearty hot dog with bold toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Coney Island Flavor: A thick, spiced chili sauce makes these hot dogs stand out.
• Perfectly Juicy Hot Dogs: Grilled or pan-fried for that delicious smoky char.
• Easy to Make: The Coney sauce simmers in just 20 minutes, making this a quick and satisfying meal.
• Great for Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing favorite for BBQs, tailgates, or casual dinners.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or toppings to your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Coney Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Hot Dogs:

• 4 all-beef hot dogs
• 4 hot dog buns
• 1/4 cup diced white onion
• Yellow mustard (for topping)

Directions

Make the Coney Sauce:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat vegetable oil and sauté diced onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
5. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Grill the Hot Dogs:

6. While the sauce simmers, grill or pan-fry the hot dogs over medium heat until heated through and slightly charred, about 5 minutes.

Assemble the Coney Island Hot Dogs:

7. Place hot dogs in warm, soft buns.
8. Spoon the thick Coney sauce over the top.
9. Sprinkle with diced onions and drizzle with yellow mustard.

Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicy Coney Dogs: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chili sauce.
• Cheesy Coney Dogs: Top with shredded cheddar cheese or cheese sauce.
• Chili Cheese Coney: Melt American cheese on the bun before adding the chili.
• Bacon-Wrapped Coney Dogs: Wrap the hot dogs in crispy bacon for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the Coney sauce over grilled hot dogs without the bun.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Coney sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the sauce for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Toast buns and reheat hot dogs separately.

FAQs

1. What makes a Coney Island hot dog different from a chili dog?

Coney Island hot dogs have a seasoned, thinner meat sauce with ground beef and spices, whereas chili dogs typically use a thicker, chunkier chili.

2. What’s the best type of hot dog for this recipe?

All-beef hot dogs are traditional, but turkey or plant-based hot dogs work too.

3. Can I make the Coney sauce ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.

4. Do I have to grill the hot dogs?

No! You can boil, pan-fry, or air-fry them instead.

5. How do I keep my buns from getting soggy?

Toast the buns before assembling, and use a thicker sauce to prevent excess moisture.

6. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well with the same seasoning.

7. What side dishes go well with Coney Island hot dogs?

Serve with French fries, onion rings, coleslaw, baked beans, or a simple salad.

8. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

9. What’s the best way to serve Coney dogs for a crowd?

Keep the Coney sauce warm in a slow cooker and let guests build their own hot dogs.

10. How do I make this meal healthier?

Use lean ground beef, turkey hot dogs, whole wheat buns, and reduce the cheese for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Coney Island Hot Dogs are an iconic Detroit-style favorite, featuring juicy hot dogs topped with flavorful Coney sauce, onions, and mustard. Whether you’re making them for game day, a BBQ, or a weeknight dinner, this savory, satisfying dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a classic American comfort food with a homemade twist!