Homemade Chili Sauce Recipe
This page offers two straightforward variations on a timeless condiment, perfect for adding a tangy kick to burgers, hot dogs, or even as a base for chili con carne.
Recipes on this page
Use the links below to jump directly to each recipe.
Chili Sauce – 1
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
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 pepper together.
- Add salt, vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Cook until thickened.
- Seal in jars.
FAQ
Is this chili sauce the same as hot sauce?
No. This is a sweet-and-tangy tomato chili sauce (a classic condiment), not a thin spicy hot sauce.
How thick should I cook the sauce?
Cook until it reaches the thickness you like for serving on burgers or hot dogs. It thickens more as it cools.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spices?
Yes—reduce sugar slightly or tweak cinnamon/cloves to taste, keeping the overall liquid balance similar.
What can I serve homemade chili sauce with?
Try it 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 canning guidelines for acidity and processing times. Otherwise, store the finished chili sauce in the refrigerator or freezer.