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The Best Easy Homemade Pretzel Dogs with Classic Baking Soda Bath

Four freshly baked pretzel dogs with a shiny brown crust and coarse salt, resting on parchment paper.
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Make soft, chewy pretzel dogs at home that taste better than the mall version. This easy recipe wraps juicy franks in classic pretzel dough using a simple baking soda bath for that perfect golden color and ballpark flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) 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
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 large beef franks or hot dogs
  • 8 cups water (for boiling bath)
  • 1/2 cup baking soda (for boiling bath)
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Coarse pretzel salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and the melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the franks: While the dough rises, prepare a large pot with 8 cups of water and the 1/2 cup of baking soda. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil.
  5. Shape the pretzel dogs: Gently punch down the risen dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10 inches long. Wrap each rope around a beef frank, pinching the ends firmly to seal the dough around the hot dog.
  6. Boil the dogs: Carefully lower 2 or 3 pretzel dogs at a time into the boiling baking soda water. Boil for 30 seconds on each side (about 1 minute total). Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush the boiled pretzel dogs with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse pretzel salt.
  8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the pretzel dogs are deep golden brown. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a classic ballpark flavor, use high-quality beef franks.
  • If you want cheesy pretzel dogs, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the egg wash before adding the salt.
  • These are excellent served with a simple dipping sauce made from mixing equal parts Dijon mustard and honey.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/best-easy-homemade-pretzel-dogs-recipe/