Craving that classic American diner experience? Forget the drive-thru line! This recipe brings the iconic A&W Coney Dog right to your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make this delicious dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready for a burst of flavor with this homemade version of a beloved fast-food favorite, featuring juicy hot dogs, a vibrant chili sauce, and a tangy mustard. Let's dive into this easy recipe and create some delicious homemade memories.
Ingredients:
- For the Coney Dogs:
- 6 all-beef hot dogs
- 6 hot dog buns
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- For the Chili Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Serving:
- Yellow mustard
- Chopped onions (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Chili:
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
Cooking the Hot Dogs:
- While the chili simmers, cook the hot dogs. You can boil them, grill them, or pan-fry them—your choice! For pan-frying, heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the hot dogs until browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
Assembling the Coney Dogs:
- Warm the hot dog buns slightly. You can do this in the oven, toaster oven, or microwave.
- Place a cooked hot dog in each bun.
- Top generously with the homemade chili sauce.
- Add a squirt of yellow mustard.
- Garnish with chopped onions, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. For a milder chili, omit it altogether.
- Make it meaty: Add 1/2 pound of ground beef to the chili for a heartier version. Brown the beef before adding the onions.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetarian hot dogs and omit the ground beef (if added).
- Slow cooker chili: For an even easier approach, transfer all chili ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Prep ahead: The chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per Coney Dog, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Enjoy your homemade A&W-inspired Coney Dogs! This easy recipe delivers big on flavor and fun, making it a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love. It's a great example of how delicious and satisfying homemade cooking can be, offering a tasty alternative to takeout. This simple recipe makes for a perfect quick dinner idea, especially on busy weeknights. Remember to share your culinary creations with us!