Copycat Sonic Chili Cheese Coney Recipe

If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into a Sonic Chili Cheese Coney, you know exactly what I mean when I say it’s a nostalgic kind of messy. That tender bun, the all-beef dog, the warm blanket of sweet-spiced chili and melty cheddar… it hits all the right notes. Salty. Saucy. Comfort in one hand.

But the best part? You don’t need to pull into a drive-in or fumble for extra napkins in your glove box to enjoy one. This Copycat Sonic Chili Cheese Coney recipe brings it all home. The chili is beefy and rich with a touch of sweetness, the hot dog has that juicy snap, and the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes. You can even tweak it to make it dairy-free, double the spice, or go foot-long if you’re feeling bold.

How to make Copycat Sonic Chili Cheese Coney

Start with a juicy, all-beef frank and steam-soft bakery-style buns. While those heat up, simmer a quick homemade chili that mimics Sonic’s: ultra-fine beef crumbles, a mellow tomato base, and smoky spices like cumin and paprika. It’s not spicy, just warm and rich. Finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and (if you’re feeling fancy) a few diced onions. One bite, and you’re back in the parking lot with the windows down.

Nutrition facts (per 6-inch serving)

Calories: 470
Total Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Sugar: 5 g
Protein: 16 g
Sodium: 1,410 mg

Ingredients (makes 4 chili cheese coneys)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

For the chili:

• ¾ lb ground beef (80/20)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup water or low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp masa harina or fine cornmeal (for thickening)

For the coneys:

• 4 all-beef hot dogs (6-inch)
• 4 soft hot dog buns
• ½ cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
• Optional: diced white onion for topping

Tools you’ll need

• Medium saucepan
• Skillet or grill (for hot dogs)
• Spoon for stirring
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Steamer or microwave (for buns)
• Tongs or spatula
• Serving plate or tray

Instructions

Make the chili

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together ground beef, tomato paste, water, and all spices before the pan gets hot. This trick gives the beef that signature crumbly, ultra-fine texture. Cook for 7–8 minutes until beef is fully browned and broken down. (Don’t rush this part.)

Stir in masa harina and simmer another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick but spoonable. Adjust seasoning if needed. Keep warm on low.

Cook the hot dogs

While the chili simmers, grill or pan-sear your hot dogs over medium heat until lightly browned and heated through, about 5 minutes. You can also steam or boil if you prefer the classic Sonic-style soft snap.

Steam the buns

Wrap buns in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds until soft and warm. Or use a steamer basket for an extra pillowy bite.

Build your coneys

Place a hot dog in each bun. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of hot chili over the top, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar. Add a pinch of diced onion if using.

Serve hot, preferably with lots of napkins.

Tips

• Mix the beef and water before heating, this keeps the chili fine and uniform, just like Sonic’s.
• Simmer low and slow to get the chili thick without burning it.
• Use fresh-grated cheddar for better melt and flavor.
• Warm buns gently. Over-steaming can make them soggy fast.
• Don’t skip the masa or cornmeal, this is key to achieving that Sonic-style chili body.

What to serve with Copycat Sonic Chili Cheese Coney

Fresh and crunchy

• Pickle spears or relish tray – The acidity and crunch balance the richness of the chili and cheese. A little bite cuts through beautifully.
• Raw veggie sticks (carrot, celery, cucumber) – Great if you’re serving to kids or want to keep things light on the side.

Comforting sides

• Tater tots – Golden, salty, and crisp. They’re practically Sonic’s best friend.
• Mac and cheese – Over the top? Maybe. But it’s the kind of creamy-carb combo that just makes sense.
• Chili cheese fries – Double down on that chili! Use leftovers to smother fries with extra cheddar.

Savory counterpoints

• Coleslaw – Tangy slaw adds a refreshing crunch and cools down the chili heat, if you add a kick.
• Cornbread muffins – Sweet and crumbly, these make a fun side or handheld dessert right after.
• Onion rings – Fried, crispy rings of glory. They hold up beautifully next to this chili masterpiece.

Variations

Footlong Coney
Double the bun, double the fun. Use 12-inch dogs and 4 oz of chili per serving.

Spicy Version
Add ½ tsp cayenne and a dash of hot sauce to the chili for more heat.

Turkey or Veggie Dog Version
Sub in turkey or plant-based hot dogs for a leaner or meatless build.

Cheesy Chili Coney Melt
Toast the bun with a slice of cheese inside before adding the dog and chili. It gets gooey and golden underneath.

Chili Dog Sliders
Use mini dogs and dinner rolls to make a party tray of bite-sized coneys.

Ingredient substitutes

Ground Beef
Original: 80/20 ground beef
Substitutes: Ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, ground pork

Tomato Paste
Original: Plain tomato paste
Substitutes: Tomato sauce (reduce added liquid), ketchup (reduce sugar)

Masa Harina
Original: Fine corn masa
Substitutes: Cornmeal, cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water), or all-purpose flour

Hot Dogs
Original: All-beef franks
Substitutes: Turkey franks, vegan hot dogs, sausages

Hot Dog Buns
Original: Soft bakery-style white buns
Substitutes: Potato buns, pretzel rolls, gluten-free hot dog buns

Cheddar Cheese
Original: Shredded mild cheddar
Substitutes: Shredded American, Colby Jack, dairy-free shreds

Onions
Original: Diced white onions
Substitutes: Red onions, pickled onions, scallions, or skip entirely