Description
Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs combine the chewy, golden-brown goodness of homemade pretzel dough wrapped around a hot dog and a slice of melted cheddar cheese. These savory treats are perfect for snacks, parties, or casual meals, featuring a unique twist on the classic pretzel dog with a rich, cheesy center and a perfectly salted crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Boiling Solution
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Other Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Mustard or preferred dipping sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F to get it ready for baking the pretzel dogs.
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare baking sheets and soda bath: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Meanwhile, bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and dissolve the baking soda into the boiling water.
- Divide and shape dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope suitable to wrap around a hot dog and cheese slice.
- Assemble pretzel dogs: Wrap a slice of cheddar cheese around each hot dog. Then, wrap each hot dog and cheese with a dough rope, pinching the edges securely to seal the pretzel dog.
- Boil pretzel dogs: Using a slotted spoon, dip each wrapped pretzel dog into the boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds, then place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Apply egg wash and salt: Brush each pretzel dog with the beaten egg and sprinkle coarse salt over them to enhance flavor and color.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until the pretzel dogs turn a golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pretzel dogs to cool slightly before serving. Serve with mustard or your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make sure the water used for activating the yeast is warm but not too hot, ideally around 110°F for best yeast activation.
- Kneading the dough thoroughly develops gluten, which is key for the chewy texture of the pretzel crust.
- The baking soda bath is essential to achieve the characteristic pretzel crust and color.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle additional coarse salt or even poppy seeds on top before baking.
- These pretzel dogs are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven but can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes.
