Description
These Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs are a delicious twist on the classic hot dog, featuring a warm, chewy pretzel dough wrapped around a hot dog and melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly boiled in a baking soda bath for that authentic pretzel texture and baked to a golden brown, they make a fantastic snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Yeast Dough
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
Assembly
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Mustard or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir to form a dough.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Boil Baking Soda Water: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda and stir to dissolve.
- Divide Dough: Once dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Shape Dough Ropes: Roll out each piece into a rope long enough to wrap around a hot dog and cheese slice.
- Assemble Pretzel Dogs: Place a slice of cheese around each hot dog, then wrap the dough around, sealing the ends and edges by pinching them together.
- Boil Wrapped Dogs: Using a slotted spoon, carefully dip each wrapped pretzel dog into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush and Salt: Brush each pretzel dog with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature is about 110°F for yeast activation; too hot or too cold will affect rising.
- Use coarse salt to replicate the authentic pretzel flavor and texture.
- Dipping in baking soda water is crucial for the signature pretzel crust and flavor.
- For extra flavor, you can brush the pretzel dogs with melted butter immediately after baking.
- These pretzel dogs can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
