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Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 pretzel dogs
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Mix Dough. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough begins to form.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Add Toppings. Brush each pretzel dog with the beaten egg to promote browning and sprinkle with coarse salt for flavor and texture.
  11. Bake. Bake the pretzel dogs for 12–15 minutes until they turn a rich golden brown color, ensuring they are cooked through.
  12. 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.