Description
Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs are a delightful combination of warm, chewy pretzel dough wrapped around a savory hot dog and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a hearty snack or party appetizer, these pretzel dogs boast a golden-brown crust with a sprinkle of coarse salt and a gooey cheesy center.
Ingredients
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
Filling and Topping
- 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 Oven. Set your oven to 400°F to prepare for initial dough handling, then later increase to 450°F just before baking the pretzel dogs.
- Activate Yeast. In a bowl, mix warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, ensuring the yeast is active and ready to help the dough rise.
- Mix Dough. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead Dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing the gluten structure for a chewy texture.
- First Rise. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prep for Baking. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and dissolve baking soda in it to create the boiling soda solution.
- Shape Dough. Punch down the risen dough, divide into 8 equal parts, and roll each into a long rope suitable for wrapping around the hot dogs and cheese.
- Assemble Pretzel Dogs. Wrap each hot dog with a slice of cheddar cheese, then encase the cheese-wrapped hot dog with a rope of dough, pinching seams to seal completely.
- Boil Pretzel Dogs. Using a slotted spoon, dip each wrapped pretzel dog into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds, then place directly on prepared baking sheets. This step creates the pretzel’s characteristic crust.
- Add Toppings. Brush each pretzel dog with the beaten egg to promote browning and sprinkle with coarse salt for flavor and texture.
- Bake. Bake the pretzel dogs for 12–15 minutes until they turn a rich golden brown color, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve. Let the pretzel dogs cool slightly before serving them warm with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the water for yeast activation is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Boiling the pretzel dogs in baking soda solution before baking is essential for achieving the classic pretzel crust and flavor.
- Wrapping the cheese inside the dough helps the cheese melt perfectly without oozing out.
- Use coarse salt generously for authentic pretzel taste and texture.
- For added flavor, try brushing the pretzel dogs with melted butter immediately after baking.
- These can be served with various dipping sauces such as mustard, cheese sauce, or ranch dressing.