Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs (Print Version)

Golden pretzel dough wraps cheese and hot dogs for a warm, dippable comfort snack.

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 355 ml warm water (43°C)
02 - 7 g active dry yeast
03 - 13 g granulated sugar
04 - 500 g all-purpose flour
05 - 6 g salt

→ Boiling Solution

06 - 2.4 litres water
07 - 90 g 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)

# Instructions:

01 - Combine warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Stir and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
05 - Preheat oven to 230°C. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 2.4 litres water to a boil and dissolve the baking soda fully.
06 - Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope long enough to wrap around a hot dog and cheese.
07 - Wrap a slice of cheddar around each hot dog. Encase each with a dough rope, pinching edges firmly to seal.
08 - Using a slotted spoon, immerse each wrapped dog in the boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds. Place directly on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Brush each pretzel dog with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
10 - Bake on the centre rack for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
11 - Allow to cool briefly. Serve warm with mustard or preferred dipping sauce.

# Notes:

01 - For enhanced flavor, try smoked cheddar or add jalapeño slices. Ensure the dough wraps are pinched tightly to prevent cheese leakage during baking.