Coney Island hot dog sauce is a little slice of heaven. If you haven’t had it, you’ve 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.
Where Did Coney Island Hot Dogs Originate?
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.
Most folks believe it didn’t actually come from New York’s Coney Island. Instead, it’s widely accepted that this incredible hot dog sauce originated in Michigan, with Detroit taking most of the credit.
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.
The secret is the beefy, spiced sauce that’s 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.
Today, they’re a symbol of Detroit-style comfort food; and trust me, there are some passionate debates about who makes the best one. Just don’t confuse it with a chili dog—they’re not the same!
Does Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce Use Cinnamon?
Some recipes for Coney Island hot dog sauce do include cinnamon, but it’s not a requirement. I feel like a touch of cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and some depth to the sauce, but it’s definitely not the star of the show.
The use of cinnamon often depends on regional preferences or family traditions. It’s also not uncommon for people to add a pinch of allspice or ground cloves for a bit of a twist.
What Is Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce Made Of?
Coney Island hot dog sauce is a meaty, flavorful sauce that’s simple to make. The main ingredients are ground beef, onions, tomato paste or ketchup, and a handful of spices.
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.
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.
Unlike traditional chili, there are no beans in this sauce. It’s 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.
What’s the Difference Between Coney Dogs and Chili Dogs?
Coney Island hot dogs and chili dogs might look similar, but they’re definitely not the same. The biggest difference is the sauce.
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.
Coney dogs also have a specific topping combo: mustard and diced onions, while chili dogs might come with cheese, jalapeños, pickle relish, etc. The origins also set them apart.
Chili dogs are popular almost everywhere, but Coney Island hot dogs are a Midwest specialty, especially in Michigan. If you’re ever in Southeastern MI, there are two places that are absolute MUSTS!
Monroe’s Original Hot Dog Drive-In is a local hidden gem that also has some of the best root beer you’ll ever drink. Just a few miles away you’ll find Vince’s West Elm Drive-In, both places turn back the hands of time.
How To Make Authentic Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce
Serves: 10 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 1:45 mins
2 tbsp butter
¾ cup yellow onion, finely diced
2 lbs ground beef, 90/10
1 ½ cups water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp celery salt
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cayenne
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp yellow mustard
⅔ cup ketchup
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Add the ground beef and water to the onions. Using a meat chopping tool or similar, immediately start crushing the beef into tiny pieces. Don’t brown the beef; instead smash the raw beef up into the water until it forms a loose soup-like texture.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: 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.
Step 4: Alternative: Not traditional, but scoring and grilling the dogs is an excellent way to add some extra flavor.
Servings: 10
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¾ cup yellow onion finely diced
- 2 lbs ground beef 90/10
- 1½ cups water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp celery salt
- 2 tsp kosher salt diamond crystal1
- 1 tsp fine ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ⅔ cup ketchup
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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.
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Add the ground beef and water to the onions. Using a meat chopping tool or similar, immediately start crushing the beef into tiny pieces. Don’t brown the beef; instead smash the raw beef up into the water until it forms a loose soup-like texture.
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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.
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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.
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Alternate Step 4: Not traditional, but scoring and grilling the dogs is an excellent way to add some extra flavor.
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