Description
Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs are a delightful twist on the classic pretzel snack, combining warm, chewy pretzel dough wrapped around cheesy hot dogs. These savory treats are boiled in baking soda water for that signature pretzel crust before being baked to a golden brown, perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family snack.
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
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
Filling and Topping
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Mustard or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine the 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.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, which will help develop the gluten structure needed for a good texture.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set it in a warm place. Allow it to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Also, bring 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then add the baking soda and stir to dissolve.
- Divide Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide it into 8 equal pieces, forming each into a rope long enough to wrap around a hot dog and cheese slice.
- Assemble Pretzel Dogs: Wrap each hot dog with a slice of cheddar cheese, then wrap the prepared dough around the hot dog and cheese, securely pinching the ends and edges to seal.
- Boil Dough-Wrapped Dogs: Using a slotted spoon, carefully dip each pretzel dog into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. This step gives the pretzels their signature chewy crust.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the boiled pretzel dogs to the prepared baking sheets. Brush each with the beaten egg for a shiny finish, and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the pretzel dogs turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pretzel dogs cool slightly before serving. Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the water for activating yeast is warm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.
- Boiling the pretzel dogs in baking soda water is crucial for that classic pretzel texture and color.
- Sealing the dough well helps prevent cheese from leaking out during boiling and baking.
- Use a slotted spoon to safely handle pretzel dogs when boiling and removing them to baking sheets.
- Allowing dough to rise properly will make the pretzel dogs soft on the inside with a perfect chewy crust.
- Substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
- For a crispier crust, brush with butter immediately after baking.
Keywords: pretzel dogs, cheesy pretzel dogs, baked pretzel, soft pretzel recipe, cheesy hot dog recipe, snack recipe