Homemade Chili Sauce
Homemade Chili Sauce Recipes — Two vintage sweet-and-tangy tomato chili sauces from old community cookbooks. These flavorful condiments are perfect for hot dogs, burgers, meatloaf, or as a base in other recipes. Both versions are easy to make and great for canning or refrigerator storage.
Recipes on This Page
Chili Sauce – 1 (Large Batch)
Ingredients
- 24 ripe tomatoes
- 4 medium onions
- 2 peppers, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons salt
- 4 cups vinegar
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Grind the tomatoes, onions, and peppers together.
- Add salt, vinegar, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Boil until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Pack into sterilized jars and seal.
Makes: About 6 pints
Chili Sauce – 2 (Smaller Batch)
Ingredients
- 9 large tomatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 1 small green pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Instructions
- Grind the tomatoes, onion, and green pepper together.
- Add salt, vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Cook until thickened.
- Pack into sterilized jars and seal.
FAQ
Is this chili sauce the same as hot sauce?
No. This is a sweet-and-tangy tomato-based condiment, not a thin spicy hot sauce.
How thick should I cook the sauce?
Cook until it reaches the thickness you prefer for serving on burgers or hot dogs. It will thicken more as it cools.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spices?
Yes. Reduce sugar slightly or tweak cinnamon/cloves to taste while keeping the overall balance similar.
What can I serve homemade chili sauce with?
It’s excellent on hot dogs, burgers, meatloaf, or as a tangy base in baked beans or chili.
Is this recipe tested for shelf-stable canning?
These are vintage recipes. If you plan to can for pantry storage, follow current tested USDA guidelines for acidity and processing times. Otherwise, store in the refrigerator or freezer.