The Regular Coney from Skyline Chili features a hearty beef hot dog topped with their signature Cincinnati-style chili, sharp shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onions, all nestled in a soft steamed bun, delivering a savory and satisfying flavor experience.
Equipments
- Saucepot or chili pot
- Cooking spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Cheese grater
- Steamer or steaming basket
- Tongs
- Hot dog roller, grill, or saucepan
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups (480ml) water
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 6 beef hot dogs
- 6 hot dog buns
- 1 cup (115g) sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 small onion
Freshly ground beef is essential for making the chili, ensuring a robust and authentic flavor that mimics Skyline Chili's signature taste. Using a precise blend of spices, including chili powder, cocoa powder, and ground cinnamon, enhances the depth and warmth of the chili sauce. Sharp cheddar cheese should be finely shredded for optimal melting and flavor coverage on your hot dogs. The hot dog buns must be soft and gently steamed to replicate the tender texture typical of the Regular Coney from Skyline Chili. Your copycat menu will capture the classic combination of Cincinnati-style chili, sharp cheese, and diced onions served over a beef hot dog in a steamed bun.
Instructions
- Dice onion and mince garlic.
- Grate cheddar cheese.
- In a saucepot, combine ground beef and water; break up beef with a spoon.
- Simmer over medium heat until beef is cooked through.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cocoa powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Steam hot dog buns until soft.
- Cook beef hot dogs using roller, grill, or saucepan until heated through.
- Place cooked hot dog in each steamed bun.
- Spoon chili over each hot dog.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add diced onions.
- Serve immediately on tray or plate.
Substitution
The Regular Coney from Skyline Chili copycat recipe combines ground beef and a blend of warm spices to create the iconic Cincinnati-style chili that defines this dish. If you don't have a hot dog roller or grill, cooking the beef hot dogs in a saucepan over medium heat works just as well. Substitute sharp cheddar cheese with a milder cheddar or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a different but still creamy topping. When shredding the cheese, freezing it briefly can make the process easier and result in finer shreds. You can steam the buns in a covered saucepan with a little water if a steamer or steaming basket isn't available, ensuring your hot dog experience remains tender and authentic.
Tips
Make sure to simmer the chili uncovered to allow it to thicken properly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. When steaming your hot dog buns, monitor them closely to avoid over-softening, which can cause the buns to become soggy. Grating your own sharp cheddar cheese just before serving ensures better melting and fresher flavor. Your choice of cooking method for hot dogs--roller, grill, or pan--will influence texture, so use tongs to handle them gently and maintain juiciness.
Nutritions
The Regular Coney from Skyline Chili offers a balanced combination of protein from the beef hot dog and ground beef chili, which supports muscle maintenance and growth. Sharp cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, promoting bone health. The chili's blend of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and allspice contains antioxidants that may aid digestion and inflammation reduction. Your meal also provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the steamed bun, giving you energy to fuel your day.
Storage
Store leftover Cincinnati-style chili in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain its rich flavor and texture. Keep hot dogs and buns separately in sealed bags; hot dogs can be refrigerated for 1 week while buns are best stored at room temperature for 1-2 days or frozen for longer freshness. When reheating, gently warm the chili in a saucepot over low heat, and steam buns to restore softness, ensuring your meal remains delicious and satisfying.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the chili by substituting ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to create a leaner version of the Regular Coney. For a smoky depth, try adding smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the chili during simmering. Instead of steaming, toast the hot dog buns lightly on a grill or skillet to add a crisp texture that contrasts with the tender hot dog and chili. Swap sharp cheddar with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier topping to balance the spices.
Allergies
The Regular Coney from Skyline Chili contains common allergens such as dairy from the sharp cheddar cheese and gluten from the hot dog buns. The beef hot dogs may also contain preservatives or additives like Worcestershire sauce, which could include anchovies or other allergens. You should check ingredient labels carefully if you have food allergies, especially to dairy, gluten, or spices used in the chili seasoning.
Why this recipe?
Skyline Chili's Regular Coney menu is beloved for its unique blend of Cincinnati-style chili, tender hot dogs, and fresh, soft buns that create a flavorful and satisfying experience. The distinctive chili recipe, featuring a combination of spices and textures, sets it apart from typical chili dogs, making each bite rich and memorable. You can recreate this culinary classic at home to enjoy its authentic taste anytime while customizing ingredients to suit your preferences. Mastering the copycat recipe offers a delicious way to bring Skyline Chili's iconic flavors straight to your kitchen.