Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs (Print)

Chewy pretzel dough coils around hot dogs with melted cheddar, baked until golden and glossy.

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
02 - 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Toppings & Bath

06 - 10 cups water
07 - ⅔ cup baking soda
08 - 1 large egg, beaten
09 - Coarse salt for sprinkling

→ Filling

10 - 8 hot dogs (beef, pork, chicken, or plant-based)
11 - 8 slices cheddar cheese

→ To Serve (Optional)

12 - Mustard, cheese sauce, or favorite dipping sauce

# Instructions:

01 - Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until mixture becomes frothy.
02 - Whisk flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add yeast mixture and stir with a spoon or spatula until shaggy dough forms.
03 - Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in lightly greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let rise in warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
05 - Preheat oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Bring 10 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Slowly stir in baking soda (it will foam) and maintain at gentle simmer.
07 - Punch down risen dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
08 - Roll each piece into a rope approximately 18 inches long.
09 - Wrap a slice of cheddar cheese around each hot dog. Starting at one end, coil dough rope around cheese-wrapped hot dog, pinching ends and seams to seal.
10 - Using slotted spatula, carefully lower each assembled pretzel dog into simmering baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Turn once if needed.
11 - Remove pretzel dogs from bath and place onto prepared baking sheets.
12 - Brush each pretzel dog with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
13 - Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and glossy.
14 - Cool slightly on rack. Serve warm with mustard or favorite dipping sauce.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of melty cheese and salty hot dog wrapped in pretzel dough hits every comfort craving at once
  • The baking soda bath creates that authentic pretzel flavor and glossy finish most home cooks think they can only get from a professional bakery
  • These freeze beautifully before baking, so you can prep a double batch and have game day snacks ready in minutes
02 -
  • The baking soda bath is not optional, it is the chemistry that transforms regular dough into authentic pretzel dough with that distinct flavor and color
  • Sealing the dough seams tightly prevents the cheese from leaking out during the baking soda bath and creating a messy situation
  • Letting them cool for just a few minutes on a rack sets the exterior slightly while keeping the interior molten
03 -
  • Weighing your flour instead of using cup measures gives you the most consistent dough texture every time
  • Working quickly when transferring dough from the bath to the baking sheet prevents the pretzel dogs from sticking to your spatula
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