
James Coney Island, a restaurant started by the Papadakis brothers in downtown Houston in 1923, uses a variety of cheeses in its dishes. One of its earliest recipes, the Texas chili, includes Fritos, cheese, and minced onions. The restaurant also serves a Detroit Coney with Cheese Sauce, which includes sharp cheddar cheese and has the option of being topped with finely grated cheese. Additionally, according to some sources, the cheese used in James Coney Island's dishes may be Cheese Whiz.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheese wiz |
| Cheese Texture | Gooey |
| Cheese Sauce Ingredients | Butter, Evaporated Milk, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cornstarch, Hot Sauce, Salt, Pepper |
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What You'll Learn

James Coney Island uses processed cheese
James Coney Island, a restaurant started by the Papadakis brothers in downtown Houston in 1923, uses processed cheese. One of its earliest recipes was the Texas chilli, which includes Fritos, cheese, and minced onions. The chilli is made with chopped beef that is cooked until tender.
The restaurant also serves a variety of hot dogs, including the Original Coney, which is made with beef and pork, chilli sauce, cheese, and minced onion. The cheese used in the Original Coney is processed cheese, specifically cheese wiz.
In addition to the classic Original Coney, James Coney Island offers a range of other hot dogs with cheese. These include the Detroit Coney, which features a gooey cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar cheese, butter, evaporated milk, and cornstarch. This cheese sauce is also used in other dishes such as Tex Mex Queso.
The restaurant's menu also includes a stuffed baked potato with crumbled bacon, sour cream, green onion, and of course, more cheese. This dish offers a generous amount of cheese, providing a delicious and indulgent option for customers.
While the specific brand of processed cheese used by James Coney Island may vary, it is known for its use of cheese wiz and similar processed cheese products to create a signature taste and texture in its dishes.
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It's served as a sauce
James Coney Island, which was started in 1923 in downtown Houston by the Papadakis brothers, serves a variety of hot dogs, including the Original Coney. This is a frank made with beef and pork, nestled in a hand-cut bun with chili sauce, cheese, and minced onion.
The cheese used in the Original Coney is a sauce, and while there is no definitive recipe, it is believed to be similar to Cheese Whiz. One recipe for a Detroit Coney with Cheese Sauce uses sharp cheddar cheese, butter, evaporated milk, cornstarch, and hot sauce. The cheese is grated and melted with the other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy sauce. This sauce can be spooned over the hot dog, which is grilled, and topped with a bun, which is toasted.
Another recipe for a similar cheese sauce uses Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese to create a white cheese sauce, which can also be used for nachos or Philly Cheesesteaks. This sauce is likely to be more of a liquid consistency, as the original Texas chili from James Coney Island is described as having a much more liquid sauce.
The cheese sauce is an important part of the James Coney Island experience, and while the exact recipe is not known, it is clear that it is a beloved and essential component of their famous hot dogs.
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The cheese is melted
James Coney Island, a restaurant started by the Papadakis brothers in downtown Houston in 1923, is known for its unique and delicious cheese sauce. The cheese is melted to perfection and generously slathered on their famous hot dogs, creating a mouthwatering combination that has stood the test of time.
The process of melting the cheese is a crucial aspect of achieving the signature taste and texture of the James Coney Island cheese sauce. The cheese is carefully selected to ensure it melts smoothly and retains its creamy consistency. By using the right combination of heat and whisking, the cheese transforms into a luscious, gooey delight.
To create their iconic cheese sauce, James Coney Island uses a blend of cheeses that complement each other perfectly. While the exact blend remains a closely guarded secret, some speculations point towards the use of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese. These cheeses are known for their melting abilities and rich flavors, contributing to the distinctive taste of the sauce.
The melting process begins by gently heating a medium saucepan to a moderate temperature. Butter is added and melted, providing a creamy base for the cheese sauce. Evaporated milk and cornstarch are then whisked together and incorporated into the melted butter, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
As the milk starts to steam, the grated cheese is gradually added. The cheese is stirred continuously until it fully melts, blending seamlessly with the milk mixture. The heat is carefully controlled to ensure the cheese doesn't burn or become gritty, maintaining a smooth and creamy texture. The sauce thickens as the cheese melts, resulting in a rich and decadent consistency.
The melted cheese sauce is then generously ladled over grilled beef franks nestled in toasted buns. The combination of the juicy hot dogs and the gooey cheese creates an explosion of flavors and textures, making James Coney Island's offering a favorite among cheese lovers and food enthusiasts alike. The cheese sauce has become synonymous with the James Coney Island experience, leaving patrons craving more.
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It's served with beef
James Coney Island, which was started by the Papadakis brothers in downtown Houston in 1923, is famous for its hot dogs and burgers. The Original Coney, one of the earliest James Coney Island recipes, is a frank made with beef and pork, nestled in a hand-cut bun with chili sauce, cheese, and minced onion. The Texas chili, which dates back to the eatery's opening year, is made with chopped beef and is served with Fritos and cheese.
The hot dogs at James Coney Island are served with a meat sauce, which some have likened to a cheese wiz. The cheese sauce is also a popular topping, with some customers sprinkling grated cheese on top for added flavour.
The Detroit Coney with Cheese Sauce is another variation of the dish that is served with a beef frank, a hot dog bun, and a New Mexico Red Chile Cheese Sauce. The cheese sauce is made by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking together evaporated milk and cornstarch, and then adding grated cheese. The beef frank is grilled, and the bun is toasted before assembling the coney.
While James Coney Island is known for its hot dogs, it also offers other options such as the Nolan Ryan All Beef Dog, which is served on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, sport peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a pickle spear.
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It's also served with Fritos
James Coney Island, a restaurant started by the Papadakis brothers in downtown Houston in 1923, serves its Texas chilli with Fritos, cheese, and minced onions. The chilli is made with chopped beef that is cooked until tender, resulting in a less liquid consistency than the sauce on their hot dogs.
The original Coney, one of the earliest menu items at James Coney Island, features a frank made with beef and pork in a hand-cut bun, topped with chilli sauce, cheese, and minced onion. While the cheese used in the original Coney is not specified, one source mentions that the cheese used in James Coney Island's hot dogs is Cheese Whiz.
The restaurant has expanded since its early days, with 21 locations as of 2012. The menu has also evolved, now offering a range of burgers alongside the classic hot dogs.
The sides at James Coney Island are worth noting, with tater tots being a popular choice. These can be enjoyed plain or enhanced with toppings such as crumbled bacon, sour cream, green onion, and additional cheese. The stuffed baked potato, another side option, is also a cheese-lover's dream, loaded with similar toppings.
While the Texas chilli is specifically mentioned as being served with Fritos, it is unclear if the other menu items that include cheese are also served with this corn chip brand. However, given the prominence of Fritos in the Texas chilli dish, it is safe to assume that James Coney Island has a close association with this particular brand of corn chips.
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Frequently asked questions
James Coney Island uses a variety of cheeses in their recipes, including cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, Oaxaca cheese, and Cheese Whiz.
The Texas Chilli, which includes Fritos, cheese, and minced onions, is a popular dish at James Coney Island. They also serve a Detroit Coney with Cheese Sauce, which is a hot dog topped with a cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar cheese, butter, evaporated milk, and cornstarch.
Yes, James Coney Island offers tater tots as a side dish, which can be topped with crumbled bacon, sour cream, green onion, and cheese. By omitting the bacon, this dish can be made vegetarian-friendly while still including cheese.

























