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The Ultimate Easy Homemade Pretzel Dogs with Classic Pretzel Bath

Close-up of several freshly baked pretzel dogs, shiny brown and sprinkled with coarse salt.
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Make soft, chewy pretzel dogs at home that taste better than the mall version. This easy recipe wraps tasty beef franks in golden pretzel dough using a simple baking soda bath for authentic flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (about 105°F to 115°F)
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
  • 1 pound hot dogs or beef 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 small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. 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 and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the hot dogs: While the dough rises, pat the hot dogs dry with paper towels. If using standard size, you can leave them whole or cut them in half for mini pretzel dogs.
  5. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10 to 12 inches long. Wrap one rope around each hot dog, pinching the ends firmly to seal the dough.
  6. Prepare the pretzel bath: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a wide pot. Carefully stir in the 1/2 cup of baking soda. The water will foam up.
  7. Dip the dogs: Working one at a time, carefully lower the wrapped hot dogs into the boiling baking soda bath for 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake: Brush the tops of the dipped pretzel dogs with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For a quick alternative to scratch dough, you can use store-bought pizza dough; skip steps 1 through 4.
  • If you want cheesy pretzel dogs, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the egg wash before adding the salt.
  • This recipe works well for making mini pretzel dogs by cutting the dough ropes shorter and using cocktail wieners.

Nutrition

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