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The Ultimate Homemade Soft Pretzel Dogs with Classic Baking Soda Bath

A pile of freshly baked pretzel dogs with shiny, dark brown crust and coarse salt crystals, resting on a white plate.
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Make soft, chewy, mall-style pretzel dogs at home. This recipe guides you through creating the perfect pretzel dough wrap around juicy hot dogs, using a baking soda bath for that signature golden color and flavor.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Stir in the melted butter and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing 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. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl 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.
  5. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10 to 12 inches long. Wrap each rope around one hot dog, pinching the ends firmly to seal the dough around the sausage.
  6. Prepare the bath: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a wide pot. Carefully stir in the 1/2 cup of baking soda.
  7. Dip the dogs: Working one at a time, carefully lower the dough-wrapped hot dogs into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake: Brush the tops of the pretzel dogs with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
  9. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the pretzel dogs are deep golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For a quick alternative, you can use store-bought pizza dough instead of making the dough from scratch.
  • If you want cheesy pretzel dogs, press a slice of mozzarella or cheddar cheese onto the hot dog before wrapping it with the dough.
  • This recipe works well for making mini pretzel dogs; simply cut the dough ropes into smaller sections and use cocktail wieners.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/best-homemade-pretzel-dogs-recipe/