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The Best Easy Homemade Pretzel Dogs with Soft Pretzel Dough

A stack of shiny, golden-brown homemade pretzel dogs sprinkled with coarse salt resting on a white plate.
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Make soft, chewy pretzel dogs at home that taste better than mall versions. This easy recipe uses a classic baking soda bath for authentic flavor and texture, perfect for game day appetizers or a fun family dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 package (14.3 ounces) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 package (12 count) all-beef hot dogs or franks
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Stir in the flour, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the hot dogs: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash.
  5. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope. Wrap one rope around each hot dog, pinching the ends firmly to seal the dough completely around the sausage. Place the wrapped hot dogs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets.
  6. Second rise: Cover the shaped pretzel dogs loosely and let them rest for 20 minutes. While they rest, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  7. Prepare the baking soda bath: Fill a wide, shallow pan with 8 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Carefully stir in the 1/2 cup of baking soda.
  8. Dip the dogs: Working one at a time, use tongs to carefully lower a pretzel dog into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds, turning once. Lift it out, allowing excess water to drip off, and return it to the baking sheet.
  9. Bake: Brush the tops of the dipped pretzel dogs with the egg wash and immediately sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until they are deep golden brown.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For an easy shortcut, you can substitute store-bought pizza dough for the homemade pretzel dough.
  • To make mini pretzel dogs, cut the dough ropes into smaller pieces and wrap them around cocktail sausages. Reduce the baking soda bath time slightly.
  • For cheesy pretzel dogs, press a slice of provolone or cheddar cheese onto the hot dog before wrapping it with the dough.
  • If you want to use an air fryer, cook the dipped and salted dogs at 380°F (195°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, checking frequently for doneness.
  • The best dipping sauces include honey mustard, warm cheese sauce, or a simple spicy brown mustard.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/best-easy-homemade-pretzel-dogs-recipe/