Homemade Pretzel Dogs combine the fun and flavor of soft, chewy pretzels with the savory satisfaction of hot dogs, making them a perfect snack for gatherings, game days, or a novel family meal. Each hot dog is wrapped in a golden brown pretzel dough that’s sprinkled with coarse salt, delivering a delightful contrast of textures with each bite. The pretzel dough, slightly sweetened with a touch of sugar and enriched with butter, is simple to prepare and fun to shape. After a quick dip in a baking soda bath to achieve that signature pretzel crust, these pretzel dogs are baked until the dough encasing the hot dogs puffs up and turns a deep golden brown. Serve them fresh from the oven with your favorite condiments like mustard or ketchup for a truly comforting treat that’s loved by both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
- 10 regular-sized hot dogs
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- Coarse salt, for topping
Directions:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it begins to foam.
- Make the Pretzel Dough:
- Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Mix until the dough comes together and is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. If kneading by hand, knead on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Soda Bath:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly grease them. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil.
- Prepare the Hot Dogs:
- While the dough is rising, pat the hot dogs dry with paper towels. This helps the dough stick to the hot dogs.
- Shape the Pretzel Dogs:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled work surface, and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 12 inches long, then wrap the dough around each hot dog, pinching the ends to seal.
- Boil the Pretzel Dogs:
- Place the pretzel-wrapped hot dogs, one at a time, into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds each, removing them with a slotted spoon and transferring them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the Pretzel Dogs:
- Brush each pretzel dog with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture, and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the pretzels are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Allow the pretzel dogs to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
Homemade Pretzel Dogs are not only delicious but also a fun kitchen project that yields results sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a unique homemade snack, or just enjoying a family weekend, these pretzel dogs will be a hit.
