Michigan Coney Dog
Cuisine: American Type: Sandwich/Wrap

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Hot Dog Buns
4 pieces (160)
Hot Dogs
8 pieces (454)
Coney Sauce
1 cup (240)
Yellow Mustard
4 tablespoons (56)
Chopped Onions
1 cup (160)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (113)
Totals
42 oz
(1,183 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Hot Dog Bun
120
Hot Dog
150
Coney Sauce
200
Chopped Onions
10
Yellow Mustard
5
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
110
Totals
595 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add the hot dog buns to the skillet, cut side down, and toast until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, cook the hot dogs over medium heat until heated through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: In a separate saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened and translucent.
Step 5: Add ground beef to the saucepan with onions and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces using a spatula or spoon.
Step 6: Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, tomato paste, water, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: While the chili sauce simmers, prepare the toppings. Grate the cheddar cheese, finely chop the white onions, and gather the yellow mustard.
Step 8: To assemble the Coney Dogs, place a cooked hot dog in each toasted bun. Spoon a generous amount of the chili sauce over the hot dog.
Step 9: Add a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese on top of the chili sauce.
Step 10: Garnish with chopped white onions and a drizzle of yellow mustard.
Step 11: Serve the Michigan Coney Dogs immediately and enjoy!
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Michigan Coney Dog:
1. Ground beef: Substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Adjust cooking time as these meats may cook faster than beef.
2. Hot dog buns: Substitute with regular hamburger buns or sub rolls. Slice the buns open on one side to create a pocket for the toppings.
3. Onion: Use onion powder or dried minced onion as a substitute. Adjust the quantity to taste.
4. Chili powder: Replace with a mix of paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Start with equal parts of each spice and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
5. Worcestershire sauce: Substitute with soy sauce or tamari sauce. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
6. Mustard: If you don't have mustard, you can use mayonnaise or ketchup as an alternative.
7. Hot dog toppings: Feel free to use any preferred toppings such as diced tomatoes, pickles, sauerkraut, or shredded cheese to customize your Coney Dog.
Note: Adjust the quantities of substitutes to your taste preferences.
Pairings
- French fries
- Onion rings
- Coleslaw
- Pickles
- Chili cheese fries
- Cornbread
- Baked beans
- Potato salad
- Macaroni and cheese
- Nachos with cheese
- Fried chicken
- Buffalo wings
- Milkshake
- Root beer
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Use a brioche or pretzel bun instead of a regular hot dog bun for a more elegant look.
- Garnish with finely chopped red onions, diced tomatoes, and fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Drizzle a zigzag of spicy mustard and ketchup on top for an eye-catching presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Grill the hot dog for a smoky flavor and slightly charred texture.
- Make a homemade chili sauce with ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices for a richer and more flavorful topping.
- Toast the bun lightly in butter for added crunch and a buttery aroma.
3. Elevate with luxurious ingredients:
- Use high-quality beef frankfurters or gourmet sausages made with premium cuts of meat.
- Top the hot dog with melted aged cheddar or Gruyere cheese for a decadent twist.
- Add a touch of truffle oil to the chili sauce for a luxurious and earthy flavor.
Remember, these enhancements are suggestions to take the Michigan Coney Dog to the next level, but feel free to adapt them to your personal taste preferences. Enjoy your elevated dining experience!
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean turkey or chicken sausages instead of traditional beef hot dogs to reduce saturated fat content.
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free buns to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Replace regular mayonnaise with a low-fat or vegan alternative to reduce calorie and fat intake.
- Choose reduced-sodium or no-salt-added chili sauce to lower sodium content.
- Top with a variety of vegetables such as diced onions, tomatoes, and lettuce to increase fiber and nutrient content.
- Consider using a dairy-free or vegan cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals or those following a plant-based diet.
- Serve with a side of baked sweet potato fries or a mixed green salad instead of traditional french fries for a healthier option.
- Offer a vegetarian or vegan-friendly alternative by using plant-based sausages and substituting the chili with a flavorful bean-based topping.
Healthy Choices
- Use whole wheat or whole grain hot dog buns instead of white buns for added fiber.
- Choose lean turkey or chicken hot dogs instead of traditional beef hot dogs to reduce saturated fat content.
- Opt for a low-sodium or reduced-sodium chili sauce to lower sodium intake.
- Make your own chili sauce using lean ground turkey or chicken, beans, and plenty of vegetables to increase protein and fiber content.
- Top the Coney dog with diced onions, tomatoes, and lettuce for added vitamins and minerals.
- Consider using a low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream to reduce fat content.
- Serve with a side of oven-baked sweet potato fries instead of regular fries for added nutrients and less fat.
- Use a sugar-free or reduced-sugar ketchup instead of regular ketchup to decrease sugar intake.
- Enjoy a side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette dressing to increase vegetable intake.
- Drink water or unsweetened iced tea instead of sugary sodas to reduce calorie and sugar consumption.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cooked hot dogs: Save time by using pre-cooked hot dogs instead of boiling or grilling them from scratch.
2. Opt for store-bought chili sauce: Instead of making the chili sauce from scratch, use store-bought chili sauce to save time and effort.
3. Skip the homemade bun: Purchase pre-made hot dog buns instead of making them from scratch to save time and reduce costs.
4. Use canned onions: Substitute fresh onions with canned onions to save time on chopping and sautéing.
5. Pre-make the chili sauce: Prepare a large batch of chili sauce in advance and freeze it in smaller portions for future use, saving time when preparing Coney Dogs.
6. Utilize a slow cooker: Cook the chili sauce in a slow cooker to save time and allow flavors to develop while you focus on other tasks.
7. Opt for cheaper cuts of meat: Choose affordable cuts of beef, like ground beef or chuck, instead of pricier cuts to reduce costs without compromising taste.
8. Serve with affordable toppings: Use cost-effective toppings like yellow mustard, ketchup, and store-bought shredded cheese instead of gourmet options.
9. Make larger batches: Prepare a larger quantity of Coney Dogs and refrigerate or freeze leftovers for quick and convenient meals in the future.
10. Utilize a multi-cooker: Use a multi-cooker that combines various cooking functions, such as pressure cooking and sautéing, to save time and reduce the number of dishes used.