Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce (Homemade Chili Sauce)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an irresistible topping for your favorite hot dogs. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy homemade chili sauce that’s great for barbecues, game days, or casual weeknight dinners. Elevate your hot dog game with this classic recipe that brings a taste of Coney Island right to your backyard.

Created by

Talia Preston

Last updated on 2025-12-01T14:03:53.836Z

This homemade Coney Island hot dog sauce is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The balance of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!

A Flavorful Tradition

Coney Island hot dogs are synonymous with summer picnics and coastal boardwalks. The rich culinary history of this classic dish dates back to the early 20th century, where vendors on Coney Island popularized the chili-topped sausage. This homemade chili sauce captures that traditional essence while allowing you to craft a personal touch. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a game day gathering, this recipe brings a taste of nostalgia and delight to your dining table.

The balance of flavors in this sauce—sweet from the brown sugar, acidic from the apple cider vinegar, and spicy from the chili powder—creates an exciting topping that complements the savory hot dog. Each element plays a crucial role, resulting in a sauce that is much more than just an afterthought. It's the star of the show, transforming everyday hot dogs into gourmet treats.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Coney Island hot dog sauce is versatile and can be served at various events. From casual family dinners to festive parties, the sauce enhances the experience and adds a personal touch to your meals. It’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to both children and adults, making it an essential recipe to have in your cooking repertoire.

You can serve the sauce over grilled hot dogs or use it as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, or even chili fries. Its adaptability ensures that it fits well into countless dishes, allowing you to explore your culinary creativity while satisfying diverse taste preferences. This sauce can easily become a staple in your kitchen.

Simple Yet Satisfying Preparation

With easy-to-follow steps and basic ingredients, this homemade chili sauce is accessible even for novice cooks. The preparation requires minimal cooking skills, making it a fantastic option for families to create together or for anyone looking to impress their friends without the fuss. After just a few minutes of prep and some simmering, you’ll have a savory sauce that’s ready to elevate your meals.

What’s more, this recipe is easily scalable, meaning you can make as little or as much as you need. Whether you’re feeding a large crowd or just a couple of hungry mouths, you can adjust the quantities without compromising flavor. This simplicity combined with exceptional taste makes it a must-try for anyone who loves a good hot dog.

Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients before you start cooking.

For the Hot Dog Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to measure all the ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect hot dog sauce.

Cook the Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Incorporate Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring to a simmer.

Season and Simmer

Add salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Once the sauce is ready, serve it hot over your favorite hot dogs.

Storage and Reheating

After preparing the Coney Island hot dog sauce, you may have leftovers that you want to save for later use. This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before sealing it to retain its moisture and flavor.

For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags and it can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it appears too thick. This way, you can enjoy the vibrant flavors even weeks after your initial preparation.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Coney Island hot dog sauce, there’s no limit to your creativity. While the classic method is to pour it generously over a grilled hot dog, consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese or diced onions on top for an extra layer of flavor. A dash of mustard can also bring a delightful zing that complements the sauce beautifully.

If you want to explore different serving styles, try using the sauce as a topping for a chili cheese dog, or layer it in a baked potato together with cheese and sour cream. This versatility ensures you can always find new ways to delight your taste buds with this simple yet flavorful sauce.

Nutritional Information

While this Coney Island hot dog sauce is a decadent treat, it can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Each serving provides protein from the ground beef and essential vitamins from the onions and garlic. The use of natural ingredients like tomato sauce and spices means you’re avoiding preservatives and processed components, making it a healthier choice compared to store-bought alternatives.

To make the sauce even healthier, consider substituting leaner cuts of meat or adding beans for a veggie-packed twist. This customization guarantees that you can enjoy this delicious topping guilt-free, knowing exactly what’s going into your meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat before serving.