Name: Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; ½ Tbsp brown sugar; 2¼ tsp active dry yeast; ¾ cup + 2 Tbsp warm water; ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups boiling water; ¼ cup baking soda; 8 hotdogs; ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 Tbsp butter, melted; Coarse salt, for sprinkling; Mustard, for serving

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If you are on the hunt for a snack that brings together the irresistible flavors of cheesy goodness and a perfectly salty crust, look no further than this Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that takes a simple hot dog and elevates it into a fun, crowd-pleasing treat with its soft pretzel dough, melty shredded cheddar, and that classic coarse salt crunch. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting game day, or just craving something special, these hot dogs wrapped in cheesy pretzel delight are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several pieces of sliced sausage and rectangular slices of orange cheese on a white marbled surface. There are three thick sausage pieces, each with a shiny, brownish outer skin and a smooth texture, arranged horizontally in the lower part of the image. Above the sausage, there are multiple rectangular slices of cheese stacked in an uneven pile, with a firm and slightly crumbly texture. The overall color palette is warm with the brown sausages and vibrant orange cheese against the light white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is all about simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role — from the yeast that makes the dough wonderfully soft, to the sharp cheddar that infuses it with that signature savory bite.

All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing the perfect structure for these soft pretzels.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the dough’s taste.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the cheese.
Active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise and get its airy texture.
Warm water: Activates the yeast for dough rising and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Works both inside the dough and as a topping, giving that signature sharp, melty kick.
Boiling water: Used with baking soda to create the alkaline bath, which gives pretzels their classic chewy crust.
Baking soda: Reacts with boiling water to form the pretzel’s distinctive crust and flavor.
Hot dogs: The star of the show wrapped up in cheesy pretzel dough for an irresistible combo.
Butter (melted): Brushed on top for a shiny finish and extra richness.
Coarse salt: Sprinkled on top to give that perfect crunchy, salty contrast.
Mustard: Optional but highly recommended for serving with these cheesy bites.

How to Make Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Pretzel Dough

Start by combining all the dough ingredients — flour, salt, brown sugar, yeast, warm water, and shredded cheddar cheese — in a mixer. Mix on medium speed for about six minutes to develop a smooth, elastic dough that’s infused with cheesy flavor from the start. This is the secret to the rich, tender pretzel treat you’re about to enjoy.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it to keep the moisture in. Placing it somewhere warm, such as inside an oven with the light on, will help it rise beautifully. After 30 minutes, your dough will have puffed up nicely and is ready for the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Soda Soak

While your dough is rising, dissolve the baking soda completely in boiling water. This alkaline bath is what sets pretzels apart by giving their crust that unique chewiness and flavor complexity. Let this soak cool slightly so it’s safe to handle in the next step.

Step 4: Shape the Pretzel Dogs

Divide your dough into eight equal pieces and roll each into a long rope, about 20-22 inches long. These ropes will wrap around the hot dogs, creating that classic pretzel spiral enveloping each sausage like a cozy, cheesy blanket ready for baking.

Step 5: Assemble and Soak the Pretzel Dogs

Wrap each hot dog tightly in a dough rope, then dip them briefly in the cooled baking soda soak. This step is vital as it creates the signature pretzel crust when baked, giving your Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs Recipe the perfect chew and that mouthwatering golden color.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Brush the assembled hot dogs with melted butter, sprinkle with coarse salt and a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, then bake in a preheated 450°F oven. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 12-15 minutes. The aroma of baking cheese and salty dough will fill your kitchen, building exciting anticipation.

How to Serve Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs Recipe

Three golden-brown sausage rolls are stacked on a white rectangular plate, with the sausages wrapped in soft, shiny pastry dough that is sprinkled with sesame seeds. The sausages are visible at the open ends of the rolls, showing a rich brown color and slightly shiny texture. In the background on the same white plate, there is a small round dish filled with grainy mustard sauce. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these hot dogs are scrumptious all on their own, a little mustard drizzled on top or served on the side brings in that tangy pop to balance the richness. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped chives or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra touch of color and flavor flair.

Side Dishes

Pairing these Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs Recipe treats with classic sides like crispy French fries or a crunchy coleslaw amplifies the overall meal experience. For a fresh contrast, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette rounds things out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Make these the star at your next party by serving them on a wooden board lined with parchment, with little ramekins of dipping sauces — think spicy mustard, creamy ranch, or even beer cheese dip. They also shine as handheld snacks at picnics or family game nights, where their fun presentation always turns heads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely, but happen to the best of us), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge without losing their deliciousness.

Freezing

You can freeze these pretzel hot dogs before baking by wrapping each individually and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then proceed to bake as usual for freshly baked enjoyment.

Reheating

To revive your leftovers, place them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the pretzel exterior, losing that perfect chew.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for this Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a classic tangy flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just be mindful of how well the cheese melts inside the dough.

Is it necessary to use the baking soda soak?

The baking soda soak is essential for achieving that authentic pretzel crust and flavor. Skipping this step will result in bread-like hot dog rolls rather than the trademark chewy pretzel texture.

Can I make these with vegetarian or vegan hot dogs?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite plant-based hot dogs, and consider using vegan cheese to keep the recipe fully plant-based. The dough and soak process remain the same for excellent results.

How long can I store baked Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs?

Refrigerated properly in an airtight container, these hot dogs last about 2 days. For longer storage, freezing before baking is recommended to preserve texture and flavor.

What dips go best with Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs Recipe?

Mustard varieties, especially spicy brown or honey mustard, complement the flavors beautifully. Beer cheese dip, ranch, or even a tangy barbecue sauce are also fantastic choices to elevate your snacking experience.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs Recipe is such a joyful journey from mixing that cheesy dough to enjoying the first warm, salty bite. It’s the perfect way to turn an everyday hot dog into a scrumptious treat that everyone will rave about. So grab your ingredients, have fun with the process, and get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful cheesy pretzel dogs.