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Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

Cheddar Pretzel Hot Dogs feature juicy hot dogs wrapped in a soft, chewy pretzel dough infused with shredded cheddar cheese. These homemade pretzel buns are dipped in a baking soda soak before baking, resulting in a perfectly golden crust sprinkled with coarse salt and topped with sharp cheddar cheese for a savory finish. Ideal for a fun and delicious twist on classic hot dogs, served with mustard for extra flavor.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel hot dogs.
  6. Form the pretzel hot dogs: Wrap each hot dog with a dough rope, overlapping slightly to encase the hot dog entirely in dough.
  7. 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.
  8. Add toppings: Brush each pretzel hot dog with melted butter, sprinkle with coarse salt, and then top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American