I absolutely love this pretzel dog recipe because it takes me on a nostalgic trip back to childhood with every bite, combining the irresistible flavors of soft pretzels and savory hot dogs. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about making them from scratch, seeing the dough rise, and sharing them with friends at game nights or cozy gatherings.
I adore the wonderful mix of soft pretzel dough and juicy hot dogs, forming a kind of delightful snack that could serve any occasion. I’m especially grateful to my mom for making this the kind of warm, comforting recipe that yields a balanced mix of flavors.
The dough can be made by hand or in a stand mixer. Whichever way you choose, it’s a pretty straightforward process.
Ingredients
Warm water: For the activation of the yeast in the dough, causing the dough to rise.
Yeast: Converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide to make dough rise.
Salt: Improves flavor and manages yeast activity.
Feeding the yeast and adding a touch of sweetness is what granulated sugar does.
Universal flour: Supplies the structure plus carb content.
Sodium bicarbonate: Employed in a boiling water bath for an end product with a chewy texture.
Moisture and binder function are provided by the egg.
They are high in protein and taste good.
Coarse sea salt: Sprinkled to enhance the flavor with a savory touch.
Butter without salt: Optional for providing richness and flavor.
Ingredient Quantities
“`html
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F-115°F)
- 1 packet active dry or instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 10 beef or pork hot dogs
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Unsalted butter, melted (optional for brushing)
“`
Instructions
1. In a big bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir well until the yeast has dissolved. Wait about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Slowly incorporate the flour into the yeast blend and mix until a cohesive dough starts to show itself. Transfer the nascent dough to a surface dusted with flour and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes, working it into a smooth and elastic mass.
3. Put the dough in a bowl that has been lightly greased, then cover the bowl with a clean towel. Next, find a warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
5. In a big saucepan, stir 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
6. Cut the risen dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope. Carefully twist each rope around a hot dog, pinching the seams and ends to seal.
7. With a slotted spoon, gently lower each hot dog wrapped in dough into the boiling water with baking soda and boil for 30 seconds. Transfer them to the baking sheets prepared with parchment paper.
8. Using a pastry brush, coat the pretzel dogs with the beaten egg. These little guys should look shiny and very wet when you’re done. In most respects, this is just like using an egg wash for other kinds of bread.
9. Coarse sea salt should be sprinkled over every pretzel dog to taste.
10. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake in the heated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the pretzels are a deep golden brown. Remove from the oven. Brush with melted butter, if desired. Serve warm.
Equipment Needed
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Wooden spoon or whisk
4. Clean towel
5. Baking sheets
6. Parchment paper
7. Saucepan
8. Slotted spoon
9. Pastry brush
10. Knife or dough cutter
11. Rolling pin (optional for forming dough ropes)
12. Oven
FAQ
- Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?A: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the texture may not be quite the same.
- Q: How do I know if the water temperature is right for activating yeast?A: The water should be warm to the touch but not hot, ideally between 110°F-115°F.
- Q: Can I make these without an egg wash?Yes, but the egg wash helps achieve a golden brown color. You can also use milk or skip it entirely.
- Q: How long should I boil the pretzel dogs in the baking soda solution?A: To achieve the pretzel texture, boil each pretzel dog in the solution for about 30 seconds.
- Q: What’s the purpose of brushing with melted butter?Brushing pretzel dogs with melted butter adds flavor and gives a glossy finish, but it’s optional.
Substitutions and Variations
1 1/2 cups warm milk (110°F-115°F) instead of warm water for a dough that’s richer.
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar can replace 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to create a different flavor profile.
Whole wheat flour rather than all-purpose flour for a more healthful choice.
Dietary preferences can necessitate alternatives to the traditional hot dog. Consider the following substitutions:
– Vegetarian hot dogs
– Turkey hot dogs
Use kosher salt rather than coarse sea salt for your sprinkling needs.
Pro Tips
1. Ensure Proper Dough Rise: After kneading, allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment. If your kitchen is cool, preheat your oven to the lowest setting for a couple of minutes, turn it off, and place the bowl inside with the oven door slightly ajar. This can expedite the rising process.
2. Precise Baking Soda Bath: Make sure the baking soda is thoroughly dissolved in the boiling water before adding the pretzel dogs. This alkaline bath is crucial for achieving the signature pretzel texture and golden-brown color.
3. Seam Security: When wrapping the dough around the hot dogs, press and seal the edges and ends tightly. This will prevent the dough from unwrapping during boiling or baking.
4. Control the Boiling Time: Be diligent with the 30-second boiling time in the baking soda solution. Longer boiling times can result in a thicker, tougher crust, while too short may not give the pretzels their characteristic texture.
5. Egg Wash Perfection: For a perfectly shiny, golden exterior, ensure the egg wash is generously applied to cover all visible surfaces of the dough. This will enhance the pretzels’ appearance and help the sea salt adhere better.
Pretzel Dogs Recipe
My favorite Pretzel Dogs Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Wooden spoon or whisk
4. Clean towel
5. Baking sheets
6. Parchment paper
7. Saucepan
8. Slotted spoon
9. Pastry brush
10. Knife or dough cutter
11. Rolling pin (optional for forming dough ropes)
12. Oven
Ingredients:
“`html
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F-115°F)
- 1 packet active dry or instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 10 beef or pork hot dogs
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
- Unsalted butter, melted (optional for brushing)
“`
Instructions:
1. In a big bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir well until the yeast has dissolved. Wait about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Slowly incorporate the flour into the yeast blend and mix until a cohesive dough starts to show itself. Transfer the nascent dough to a surface dusted with flour and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes, working it into a smooth and elastic mass.
3. Put the dough in a bowl that has been lightly greased, then cover the bowl with a clean towel. Next, find a warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
5. In a big saucepan, stir 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
6. Cut the risen dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope. Carefully twist each rope around a hot dog, pinching the seams and ends to seal.
7. With a slotted spoon, gently lower each hot dog wrapped in dough into the boiling water with baking soda and boil for 30 seconds. Transfer them to the baking sheets prepared with parchment paper.
8. Using a pastry brush, coat the pretzel dogs with the beaten egg. These little guys should look shiny and very wet when you’re done. In most respects, this is just like using an egg wash for other kinds of bread.
9. Coarse sea salt should be sprinkled over every pretzel dog to taste.
10. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake in the heated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the pretzels are a deep golden brown. Remove from the oven. Brush with melted butter, if desired. Serve warm.
