Description
Make better-than-store-bought pretzel dogs at home using a simple homemade pretzel dough and the classic baking soda bath for authentic flavor and color. Includes oven and air fryer instructions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 packet 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
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 8 standard hot dogs or cocktail wieners
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 8 cups water (for boiling bath)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse pretzel salt, for topping
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the dogs: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10 inches long. Wrap one rope around each hot dog, pinching the ends securely to seal.
- Prepare the bath: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a wide, shallow pot, bring 8 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. The water will foam; this is normal.
- Boil: Carefully lower two pretzel dogs at a time into the boiling baking soda water. Boil for 30 seconds, turning once. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them back on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Brush the boiled dogs with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
- For Air Fryer: Place 2-3 dogs in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Brush with egg wash and salt before or after cooking.
Notes
- For a cheesy version, press shredded mozzarella cheese onto the hot dogs before wrapping them in the dough.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or a simple cheese sauce.
- If you want mini pretzel dogs, cut the dough ropes into smaller sections and wrap them around cocktail wieners.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking/Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel dog
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 45