Ingredients
Dough
- 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
Baking Soda Soaker
- 2 cups boiling water
- ¼ cup baking soda
Hot Dogs and Toppings
- 8 hotdogs
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- Coarse salt, for sprinkling
- Mustard, for serving
Instructions
- Make the dough: Using a countertop mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, brown sugar, active dry yeast, warm water, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix on medium speed for 6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot for 30 minutes until it slightly rises and becomes puffy. Using the oven with the light on is a good option to create a warm environment.
- Prepare the baking soda soak: In a heatproof bowl, combine 2 cups of boiling water with ¼ cup baking soda. Stir until the baking soda is completely dissolved, then set this soak aside to cool slightly.
- Shape the dough ropes: Divide the risen dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a long rope about 20-22 inches in length to fit around the hot dogs.
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel hot dogs.
- Form the pretzel hot dogs: Wrap each hot dog with a dough rope, overlapping slightly to encase the hot dog entirely in dough.
- Soak the dough-wrapped hot dogs: Carefully dip each wrapped hot dog into the cooled baking soda soak briefly, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add toppings: Brush each pretzel hot dog with melted butter, sprinkle with coarse salt, and then top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pretzel hot dogs for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese has melted and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with mustard on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the dough mixture.
- Make sure the baking soda soak is not too hot when dipping the dough as it could affect the dough’s texture.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to verify the oven temperature is accurate for best browning results.
- If you prefer, substitute the hot dogs with sausage or vegetarian sausage alternatives.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American