Description
Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs combine a soft, chewy pretzel dough wrapped around a hot dog and cheddar cheese, then baked to golden perfection. These savory treats are perfect for snacks or casual meals, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors with a slightly salty crust and melty cheese inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Mustard or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the flour and stir to form a rough dough.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, preparing a perfect base for pretzels.
- Let the dough rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Boil baking soda solution: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the baking soda and stir until dissolved.
- Divide and shape dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a rope long enough to wrap around a hot dog and cheese slice.
- Assemble pretzel dogs: Place a slice of cheddar cheese around each hot dog. Then, wrap the dough rope around the cheese-wrapped hot dog, sealing the ends and edges by pinching them together tightly.
- Boil the wrapped pretzel dogs: Using a slotted spoon, carefully dip each dough-wrapped hot dog into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. This step helps create the characteristic pretzel crust.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer each boiled pretzel dog to the prepared baking sheets. Brush each thoroughly with the beaten egg to promote browning and sprinkle coarse salt evenly on top for flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pretzel dogs are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pretzel dogs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the water for activating yeast is warm (around 110°F); too hot or too cold can inhibit yeast activity.
- Boiling in the baking soda bath is essential for the pretzel’s signature chewy crust and golden color.
- Pinching dough ends tightly ensures the pretzel dogs do not unravel while boiling or baking.
- For a twist, try using different types of cheese or hot dogs according to your preference.
- Serve with mustard, cheese sauce, or a spicy dip for complementary flavors.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
