Description
Coney Island Chili Dogs are a classic American street food featuring juicy hot dogs smothered in savory, mildly spicy chili, topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for casual dinners, cookouts, or game-day snacks, this recipe delivers authentic boardwalk flavors with simple ingredients and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Hot Dogs and Buns
- 6 high-quality beef or pork hot dogs
- 6 soft, fresh hot dog buns
Chili
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Optional: yellow mustard, diced raw onions, pickles, jalapeños, crispy bacon bits
Instructions
- Prepare the Chili: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in the finely chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until softened. Add chili powder, tomato paste, and a splash of water or broth to form a thick sauce. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes to blend and deepen the flavors.
- Cook the Hot Dogs: While the chili simmers, grill or pan-fry the hot dogs until they have a slight char and are heated through, enhancing juiciness and smoky flavor.
- Warm the Buns: Lightly toast the hot dog buns on the grill or in a toaster oven until warm and slightly crispy on the edges to prevent sogginess.
- Assemble the Chili Dogs: Place each hot dog in a bun, spoon a generous amount of warm chili over the top, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese so it melts from the heat. Add optional toppings like mustard or diced onions as desired.
Notes
- Choose quality hot dogs for the best flavor and texture.
- Simmer chili slowly to meld flavors and intensify taste.
- Don’t overload buns with chili to avoid sogginess.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting.
- Lightly toast buns to add texture and hold toppings well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling and stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chili dog
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Coney Island Chili Dogs, chili dogs, American street food, hot dogs, chili recipe, comfort food, classic chili dogs