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The Best Easy Homemade Pretzel Dogs with Soft, Chewy Dough

A stack of freshly baked pretzel dogs, glistening brown and topped with coarse salt, resting on a white plate.
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Make soft, salty pretzel dogs at home that surpass store-bought versions. This recipe uses a simple baking soda bath for that classic chewy texture and golden-brown finish around quality beef franks.

Ingredients

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  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (about 105–115 degrees F)
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 large beef franks or high-quality hot dogs
  • 1/2 cup baking soda (for the bath)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 teaspoons coarse pretzel salt

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: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the dogs: While the dough rises, pat the hot dogs dry with paper towels.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope. Wrap each rope around one hot dog, pinching the ends together firmly to seal.
  7. Prepare the bath: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a wide, shallow pan, mix 8 cups of water with the 1/2 cup of baking soda. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  8. Dip the dogs: Carefully lower one or two pretzel dogs into the simmering baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting excess water drip off. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake: Brush the dipped dough with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
  10. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the pretzel dogs are deep golden brown. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a simple dipping sauce, whisk together 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apricot preserves, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.
  • If you want cheesy pretzel dogs, press a thin slice of cheddar cheese onto the hot dog before wrapping it with the dough.
  • For air fryer pretzel dogs, reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes after the baking soda bath and egg wash.

Nutrition

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