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Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs

Golden, chewy pretzel dough wrapped around juicy hot dogs and melted cheese, finished with a classic baking soda bath and coarse salt.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 10 dogs
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Snack
Cuisine: American, German
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pretzel Dough
  • 1.5 cups warm water (110°F - 115°F)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 4.5 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 2 tsp salt fine sea salt
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted and cooled
Assembly & Bath
  • 10 hot dogs high quality beef franks
  • 5 sticks cheddar cheese halved lengthwise
  • 10 cups water for boiling
  • 0.66 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp coarse pretzel salt

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • Large Pot
  • Baking sheet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Combine warm water and sugar in a mixer bowl. Sprinkle yeast over top and let bloom for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter and salt. Gradually mix in flour using a dough hook until a dough forms.
  3. Knead on medium-low speed for 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time.
  4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment and lightly grease them.
  6. Punch down dough and divide into 10 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20-inch rope.
  7. Place a cheese strip next to each hot dog. Wrap the dough rope spirally around the hot dog and cheese, pinching ends to seal.
  8. Boil water in a large pot and carefully add baking soda. Boil each wrapped dog for 30 seconds, then drain.
  9. Arrange on baking sheets. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deep golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with spicy brown mustard or beer cheese sauce.