Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs (Print Version)

Warm pretzel dough hugs hot dogs and cheese, finished golden and perfect for dipping.

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
03 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Boiling Solution

06 - 10 cups water
07 - 2/3 cup baking soda

→ Assembly

08 - 8 hot dogs
09 - 8 slices cheddar cheese
10 - 1 large egg, beaten
11 - Coarse salt, for sprinkling
12 - Mustard or preferred dipping sauce, for serving (optional)

# Steps:

01 - In a bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir until a dough forms.
03 - Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise in a warm area until doubled, about 1 hour.
05 - Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and dissolve baking soda.
06 - Punch down the risen dough. Divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope long enough to wrap around a hot dog and cheese slice.
07 - Wrap a slice of cheddar cheese around each hot dog. Enclose each hot dog and cheese with a rope of dough, pinching edges to seal tightly.
08 - Using a slotted spoon, immerse each wrapped pretzel dog in the boiling soda solution for 30 seconds. Transfer directly to prepared baking sheets.
09 - Brush each pretzel dog with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
10 - Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until pretzel dogs are golden brown.
11 - Allow to cool slightly before serving. Present with mustard or your choice of dipping sauce.

# Notes:

01 - For extra flavor, use smoked cheddar or jalapeño cheese slices. Ensure dough seals are tight to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.