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Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Dogs with Classic Dipping Sauce

Two freshly baked pretzel dogs sprinkled with coarse salt, served on a white plate next to a small ramekin of bright yellow cheese sauce.
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Make soft, chewy pretzel dogs at home that taste better than store-bought versions. This simple recipe wraps beef franks in golden pretzel dough, perfect for game day snacks or a fun family dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 2 3/4 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 sausages
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt, for topping
  • For Dipping Sauce: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup beer (or milk), 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and the 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.
  5. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10 inches long. Wrap each rope around one hot dog, pinching the ends together to seal the dough completely.
  6. Prepare the baking soda 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 baking soda.
  7. Boil the pretzel dogs: Working in batches, carefully drop 2 or 3 pretzel dogs into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake: Brush the boiled 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. Make the dipping sauce: While the dogs bake, combine the cheese, beer (or milk), mustard, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Do not boil.
  10. Serve immediately with the warm dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For an air fryer option, cook the salted pretzel dogs at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, checking halfway through for doneness.
  • You can substitute the beef franks with smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • If you want cheesy pretzel dogs, press a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese onto the dough before wrapping the hot dog.

Nutrition

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