Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs are the ultimate comfort food that brings together all the flavors we love. With the warm, chewy texture of homemade pretzel dough wrapped around a juicy hot dog and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese, these pretzel dogs are sure to delight both adults and children alike. Ideal for game day, birthday parties, or a fun family dinner, this recipe strikes a perfect balance between savory and satisfying. It utilizes simple ingredients, making it easy for anyone to whip up a batch in their own kitchen and serve them fresh from the oven.
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked pretzels wafting through your home as these delicious cheesy pretzel dogs bake to a perfect golden brown. Plus, they’re not just tasty; they’re versatile too! Feel free to customize them by swapping out the cheese type or adding your favorite sauces for dipping. Making these delightful snacks from scratch is a rewarding experience, and the love and effort you put into them will certainly show with each bite.
Why You’ll Love This Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs
- Perfect for gatherings: These pretzel dogs are an ideal snack for any gathering—shots of nostalgia packed in every bite.
- Easy to Customize: Change the cheese type or spice up with new dipping sauces to cater to your family’s tastes.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun meal option that kids will love and can even help prepare.
- Great Texture: The combination of the soft pretzel dough and melty cheese offers a satisfying crunch and chew.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into creating your Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs, ensure your kitchen is prepped for success. Start by gathering all the ingredients and tools you’ll need. This includes a large mixing bowl, a rolling pin, a slotted spoon, and baking sheets lined with parchment paper. It’s vital to have everything organized so that your cooking flows smoothly without interruptions. You’ll also want to have a saucepan big enough to hold 10 cups of water for boiling the pretzel dogs later on.
Set your oven to preheat at 400°F initially for forming the dough, but reserve the 450°F setting for baking. Make sure to keep your workspace clear and clean; it’s easier and more enjoyable to work in an organized environment. Preparing your ingredients in advance—like measuring the flour and sugar—will make a significant difference. Additionally, feel free to gather any non-stick cooking spray and a brush for applying the beaten egg for glazing. Once everything is ready, you can start creating these savory delights with ease.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Mustard or preferred dipping sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir the mixture gently, then allow it to sit for approximately 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This process ensures that your yeast is alive and will properly aerate your pretzel dough.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, pour it into the bowl of flour and salt. Stir the ingredients together until they form a cohesive dough, which you can then transfer onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes, working it until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step is crucial as it develops the gluten structure, giving your pretzel dogs that soft chewy texture.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Set it in a warm area to rise for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. During this time, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, as well as bringing 10 cups of water to a boil in a large pot with the baking soda, which will form the famous pretzel crust.
Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Dogs
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope, long enough to wrap around each hot dog. Take a slice of cheddar cheese and carefully wrap it around the hot dog, encasing it fully. Then, take the dough rope and enclose the hot dog and cheese securely, pinching the edges to prevent them from opening during baking.
Step 5: Boil and Bake
For the special pretzel-like outside, carefully immerse each wrapped pretzel dog into the boiling baking soda solution using a slotted spoon. Allow it to boil for 30 seconds, then transfer it to the prepared baking sheets. Before baking, brush the top of each pretzel dog with the beaten egg for that beautiful golden finish, and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake them in your preheated oven at 450°F for about 12–15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a beautiful sheen. Allow them to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce, such as mustard, for that extra kick of flavor!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out traditional hot dogs for turkey dogs, veggie dogs, or even bratwurst for a gourmet twist.
- Vegetables: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or sautéed onions into the cheese wrapping for an added flavor boost.
- Spices: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of cayenne in the dough for an exciting kick.
Cooking Notes
- The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before using.
- Make sure to pinch the dough thoroughly to ensure it stays closed during the boiling process.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance. Keep a close eye on them towards the end!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy ketchup for interesting flavor pairings.
- These pretzel dogs are best served warm, straight from the oven, alongside a fresh veggie platter or chips for a complete snack experience.
Tips
- When boiling pretzel dogs, try to avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the water’s temperature and affect the final texture.
- Experiment with cheese — pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda can add surprising flavors.
- Serve immediately for the best taste, but if you have leftovers, reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked quality.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 490mg
FAQs
Can I make these pretzel dogs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before you shape and cook the pretzel dogs.
What other types of fillings can I use?
You can customize the filling by using various sausages, or even incorporating veggies like sautéed peppers or mushrooms with the cheese.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pretzel dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes until warm.
Can I freeze the pretzel dogs?
Definitely! You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap them tightly and bake directly from frozen when ready.
Conclusion
Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs are not just a treat; they’re a fun and interactive way to bring everyone together. This delightful recipe is flexible and can be easily altered to suit everyone’s preference, whether you prefer spicy, cheesy, or classic flavors. They disappear quickly at parties and gatherings, and making them from scratch provides a rewarding touch that stored snacks can’t replicate. So, gather your ingredients and get ready for some delicious fun in the kitchen! We encourage you to leave a comment with your experiences making these pretzel dogs and share your favorite variations. Enjoy this delightful recipe!
Print
Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs are the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Mustard or preferred dipping sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir the mixture gently, then allow it to sit for approximately 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is bubbly, pour it into the bowl of flour and salt. Stir the ingredients together until they form a cohesive dough.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Set it in a warm area to rise for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release excess air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope, and encase each hot dog with cheese and dough.
- Carefully immerse each wrapped pretzel dog into the boiling baking soda solution using a slotted spoon. Allow it to boil for 30 seconds, then transfer it to the prepared baking sheets. Brush the top of each with the beaten egg, then bake at 450°F for about 12–15 minutes.
Notes
The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before using.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Protein: 8 g