Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs with Cheese and Hot Dogs (Print version)

Homemade pretzel dough wraps cheddar and hot dogs, then bakes into warm, chewy, cheesy pretzel dogs.

# Ingredients:

For the pretzel dough

01 - 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) warm water, about 105-110 F
02 - 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
03 - 1 tablespoon (13 g) granulated sugar
04 - 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
05 - 1 teaspoon fine salt
06 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil, for the bowl

For the baking soda bath

07 - 10 cups (2.4 L) water
08 - 2/3 cup (90 g) baking soda

For assembly

09 - 8 fully cooked hot dogs, patted dry
10 - 8 thin cheddar cheese slices
11 - 1 large egg, beaten
12 - Coarse pretzel salt or coarse kosher salt, for sprinkling
13 - Mustard, ranch, or cheese sauce, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Stir the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add the flour and fine salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled.
04 - Preheat the oven to 450 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring 10 cups water to a boil in a large pot, then slowly stir in the baking soda.
05 - Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20-inch rope. Wrap one cheese slice around each hot dog, then spiral dough around it and pinch the ends closed.
06 - Lower each wrapped dog into the baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Lift out with a slotted spoon, drain well, and place seam-side down on the prepared sheets.
07 - Brush each pretzel dog with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 12-15 minutes until deeply golden brown.
08 - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese is hot but not scalding. Serve warm with mustard or your favorite dip.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served warm the day they are baked.
02 - Dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise.
03 - Pat hot dogs dry before wrapping to keep the dough from sliding.

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