Cincinnati Cheese Coneys are a Midwestern favorite that just might give the classic Coney Island hot dog a run for its money. These iconic hot dogs are smothered in rich, warmly-spiced homemade Cincinnati chili, topped with diced onions and mustard, and finished with a generous mound of shredded cheddar cheese. They’re hearty, messy in the best way, and bring all the bold flavors of Cincinnati right to your kitchen.
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🧀 The Ingredients
The key to authentic Cincinnati Cheese Coneys is using the right ingredients—snappy hot dogs, spiced Cincinnati chili, crisp onions, tangy mustard, and plenty of shredded cheddar—to capture the classic taste and texture. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.
👉 Substitutions and Variations
- Hot Dogs – Natural casing frankfurters will give you that classic “snap.” Choose your favorite. Pork and beef hot dogs are decent substitute. Some of our favorite Natural Casing frankfurters are Sabrett, Dietz and Watson (available in most supermarkets near the deli area), and Feltman’s Coney Island.
- Chili – This is a key ingredient. We strongly recommend making a batch of Homemade Cincinnati Chili. Skyline also sells theirs by the can.
- Cheese – Copious amounts of finely shredded cheddar are another key ingredient. We use our “finely shredding” attachment on our food processor, but a box grater and a block of cheese will get you what you need. Don’t skimp on the cheese!
- Buns – Go with the best-looking buns at your market. Steaming them is essential for authentic taste and texture.
- Add-ons – Chopped onions, yellow mustard, and hot sauce are optional, but we feel they add wonderful taste.
See the recipe card (with video) below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Expert Tip
Not sure how to steam your hot dog buns? Here are four foolproof methods:
- Stovetop Steam: Place a steaming basket over simmering water, add the buns, cover, and steam for 1–2 minutes.
- Microwave Steam: Wrap buns in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave for 15–20 seconds.
- Oven Steam: Wrap buns in foil with a splash of water inside, then warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.
- Quick Pan Steam: Place buns in a skillet with a lid, add a teaspoon of water, cover, and steam over low heat for 30–60 seconds.
👩🏼🍳 How To Make Cincinnati Cheese Coneys
- Step 1: Make the chili: Sauté the onions with the spices, then add the liquid ingredients and bay leaves.
- Step 2: Use your clean hands to crumble the ground beef into the chili. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, then remove the lid and simmer for another 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Cook the hot dogs until fully cooked.
- Step 4: Steam the buns for about 1 minute. (See Expert Tip above for more info).
- Step 5: Place the hot dogs in the buns, add a zig-zag of mustard (optional), then top with a generous helping of the Cincinnati chili.
- Step 6: Add a sprinkling of chopped onions (optional) and a large mound of finely grated cheddar cheese on top. Serve at once!
🙋🏽♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
They’re topped with a unique, spiced Cincinnati‑style chili, plus onions, mustard, and a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
Yes! You can prepare the chili in advance and reheat it when ready to assemble. The hot dogs and buns are best cooked fresh.
A classic all‑beef frankfurter with a natural casing is most traditional, giving the coney its signature snap and hearty flavor, though skinless beef franks will work in a pinch.
Traditionally, both are included, but you can customize by leaving them off or adjusting toppings to your taste.
🔥 Other Classic Cook-Out Recipes
Ready to make the best hot dogs this side of, well, Cincinnati? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of them, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Cincinnati Cheese Coneys
Video
Equipment
- griddle, grill, steamer, or pot of boiling water for cooking the frankfurters
- steam basket or See Expert Tip in blog post
Ingredients
Do Ahead – Make the Cincinnati Chili
- Cincinnati chili
For the Cheese Coneys
- 8 all-beef frankfurters natural casing
- 8 hot dog buns
- yellow mustard (optional)
- 4 cups Cincinnati chili
- 1 cup onion chopped, (optional)
- 1 lb cheddar cheese finely shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Cincinnati chili (this can be done several days in advance). Heat the chili in a medium saucepan on the stove, griddle, or grill over medium heat.Cincinnati chili
- Griddle, grill, steam, or boil the frankfurters until cooked through, about 5 minutes.8 all-beef frankfurters
- In the last minute of cooking the dogs, steam the buns for 1 minute.8 hot dog buns
- Build the Cheese Coneys: Place the frankfurters in the steamed buns. Add a zig-zag of mustard (optional) over the dog. Then add a generous spoonful of the warmed chili. Sprinkle on some chopped onions (optional), and then add a heaping pile of shredded cheddar on top. Serve at once.yellow mustard, 4 cups Cincinnati chili, 1 cup onion, 1 lb cheddar cheese
Don says
The Cincinnati Coney Dogs are delicious However way back in In 1917, Gust Keros, a Greek immigrant, opened American Coney Island on West Lafayette Street in downtown Detroit. A few years later, in 1924, he brought his brother William to Detroit to help. Keros’s brother opened Lafayette Coney Island when space opened up next door. The two businesses have been a Detroit institution ever since. Or should I say rivals. Both serve a Chili Dog that’s topped with onions and cheese. If you are ever in Detroit you have to try both.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Don!! Thanks so much for sharing! It’s amazing how many regional hot dogs there are across the U.S. And we LOVE the Greek influence on so many. We did some research on the Michigan dogs and learned that they are also chili dogs, but made the beef hearts. Unless I’m wrong! We’ve heard they are amazing! We did learn about Gust Keros, but, you’ve shared so much more! Next time we’re in Motor City…I know the first culinary treat we’re going after!!! And thanks for the great review! Kris & Wesley
Diane says
I spent my first 32 years in a suburb of Detroit. No doubt Coney Island Dogs are deeeeelish! I stood in line forever on many occasions for their coneys when I was in college down there. Also, nothing like Koegel dogs. Even being in Florida now for quite some time, we never miss the traveling Koegels Road Show who also bring the original coney sauce and travel the state. Thanks for bringing back great memories of a city that I still miss so much! Go Lions!
Try them Kris and Wes!!!!