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Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Dogs

A single, freshly baked pretzel dog wrapped in shiny, golden-brown dough and topped with coarse salt crystals.
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Make soft pretzel wrapped hot dogs at home using a simple chewy pretzel dough recipe. This easy pretzel dog recipe delivers flavor comparable to mall versions.

Ingredients

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  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 all-beef franks or hot dogs
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and the melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the hot dogs: While the dough rises, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using full-size hot dogs, cut them in half crosswise for better wrapping proportions.
  5. Shape the pretzel dough: Punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10 to 12 inches long. Wrap one rope around each hot dog, pinching the ends together to seal the dough completely around the sausage.
  6. Prepare the baking soda bath: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pour 8 cups of water into a wide, shallow pot and bring it to a boil. Carefully stir in the 1/2 cup of baking soda. The water will foam.
  7. Boil the dogs: Working one at a time, carefully lower each pretzel dog into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds, turning once. This step gives you the classic pretzel color and flavor.
  8. Bake: Remove the dogs from the bath using a slotted spoon, allowing excess water to drip off. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each dog with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
  9. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until they are deep golden brown. Serve immediately with mustard or cheese sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • For air fryer pretzel dogs: After the baking soda bath and salting, place the dogs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, checking halfway through until golden.
  • If you want pretzel dogs with cheese, wrap a thin slice of provolone or cheddar around the hot dog before wrapping it with the dough.
  • To make miniature pretzel dogs, use cocktail wieners and cut the dough ropes shorter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/pretzel-dogs-easy-homemade-soft-recipe/