{"id":57705,"date":"2025-01-30T12:26:03","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T12:26:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/recipes\/category-a-b\/barbecue\/coney-island-hot-dog-sauce-recipe-recipes\/"},"modified":"2025-01-30T12:26:03","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T12:26:03","slug":"coney-island-hot-dog-sauce-recipe-recipes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=57705","title":{"rendered":"Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce Recipe Recipes"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

Coney Island hot dog sauce is a little slice of heaven. If you haven\u2019t had it, you\u2019ve gotta give it a shot. I recommend starting with my very traditional recipe here, then experimenting a bit with the spices to dial in YOUR favorite version.<\/p>\n

Jump to Recipe<\/a><\/p>\n

Where Did Coney Island Hot Dogs Originate?<\/h2>\n

There are a ton of different stories about where Coney Island hot dog sauce came from. Growing up in Detroit, it was always a popular topic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Most folks believe it didn\u2019t actually come from New York\u2019s Coney Island. Instead, it\u2019s widely accepted that this incredible hot dog sauce originated in Michigan, with Detroit taking most of the credit.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"coney<\/figure>\n

Greek immigrants popularized this style of hot dog in the early 1900s. In Detroit, the two big players are Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island, and they both claim to be the original.<\/p>\n

The secret is the beefy, spiced sauce that\u2019s not quite chili but not just meat sauce either. Over time, Coney Island hot dog sauce became iconic in Michigan and spread across the Midwest.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Today, they\u2019re a symbol of Detroit-style comfort food; and trust me, there are some passionate debates about who makes the best one. Just don\u2019t confuse it with a chili dog\u2014they\u2019re not the same!<\/p>\n

Does Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce Use Cinnamon?<\/h2>\n

Some recipes for Coney Island hot dog sauce do include cinnamon, but it\u2019s not a requirement. I feel like a touch of cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and some depth to the sauce, but it\u2019s definitely not the star of the show.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The use of cinnamon often depends on regional preferences or family traditions. It\u2019s also not uncommon for people to add a pinch of allspice or ground cloves for a bit of a twist.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"holding<\/figure>\n

What Is Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce Made Of?<\/h2>\n

Coney Island hot dog sauce is a meaty, flavorful sauce that\u2019s simple to make. The main ingredients are ground beef, onions, tomato paste or ketchup, and a handful of spices.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The spices can include chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and of course the cinnamon I mentioned earlier. Water (or beef broth) is added to the mix to create the right consistency.<\/p>\n

\"overhead<\/figure>\n

My recipe also calls for a bit of yellow mustard and Worcestershire sauce to boost the umami flavor. The key is cooking it low and slow so the flavors meld together.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Unlike traditional chili, there are no beans in this sauce. It\u2019s all about the meat and spices, making it thick enough to cling to the hot dog without dripping everywhere, but messy enough to be fun.<\/p>\n

\"coney<\/figure>\n

What\u2019s the Difference Between Coney Dogs and Chili Dogs?<\/h2>\n

Coney Island hot dogs and chili dogs might look similar, but they\u2019re definitely not the same. The biggest difference is the sauce.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A chili dog is topped with traditional chili, which often includes beans, tomatoes, in a stew-like texture. Coney Island hot dog sauce, on the other hand, is bean-free and has a finer, meatier texture.<\/p>\n

\"coney<\/figure>\n

Coney dogs also have a specific topping combo: mustard and diced onions, while chili dogs might come with cheese, jalape\u00f1os, pickle relish, etc. The origins also set them apart.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chili dogs are popular almost everywhere, but Coney Island hot dogs are a Midwest specialty, especially in Michigan. If you\u2019re ever in Southeastern MI, there are two places that are absolute MUSTS! <\/p>\n

Monroe\u2019s Original Hot Dog Drive-In<\/a> is a local hidden gem that also has some of the best root beer you\u2019ll ever drink. Just a few miles away you\u2019ll find Vince\u2019s West Elm Drive-In<\/a>, both places turn back the hands of time.<\/p>\n

How To Make Authentic Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce<\/h2>\n

Serves:<\/strong> 10 | Prep Time:<\/strong> 10 mins | Cook Time:<\/strong> 1:45 mins<\/p>\n

2 tbsp butter
\u00be\u00a0 cup yellow onion, finely diced
2 lbs ground beef, 90\/10
1 \u00bd cups water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp celery salt
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp chili powder\u00a0
1 tsp cumin
\u00bd tsp cinnamon
\u00bc tsp cayenne
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp yellow mustard
\u2154 cup ketchup<\/p>\n

Step 1:<\/strong> In a large dutch oven, add butter and melt over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the diced onions and cook till translucent, about three minutes.<\/p>\n

\"diced<\/figure>\n

Step 2:<\/strong> Add the ground beef and water to the onions. Using a meat chopping tool<\/a> or similar, immediately start crushing the beef into tiny pieces. Don\u2019t brown the beef; instead smash the raw beef up into the water until it forms a loose soup-like texture.<\/p>\n

\n
\"ground<\/figure>\n
\"large<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

Step 3:<\/strong> Add the remaining ingredients for the coney dog sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, and allow the sauce to simmer for 90 minutes, uncovered, or until it has cooked down to your desired texture.<\/p>\n

\n
\"ingredients<\/figure>\n
\"coney<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n

Step 4:<\/strong> For traditional Coney Island dogs, boil your hot dogs for five minutes as the chili is finishing up. Then, turn off the heat and cover to keep warm. Microwave your buns for 15 seconds to soften them up. Add a hot dog to each bun, and dress with chili, yellow mustard and remaining diced onions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Step 4: Alternative:<\/strong> Not traditional, but scoring and grilling the dogs is an excellent way to add some extra flavor.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\"scoring<\/figure>\n
\"scored<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
\n
\n
\"coney<\/div>\n
\n

Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce<\/h2>\n

\t\t<\/lineargradient><\/defs><\/lineargradient><\/defs><\/lineargradient><\/defs><\/svg>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Prep Time: <\/span>10 minutes<\/span><\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Cook Time: <\/span>1 hour<\/span><\/span> hour<\/span> 45 minutes<\/span><\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Servings: <\/span>10<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n