Introduction

Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs combine the classic flavors of a pretzel with melty cheddar cheese and a juicy hot dog inside. This irresistible treat is perfect for game days, parties, or a fun family snack. Crisp on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside.

A close-up view of six pretzel dogs arranged tightly on a white plate. Each pretzel dog has a thick golden-brown pretzel dough wrapped spirally around a reddish-brown sausage, with melted yellow cheese oozing out in several thick bands along the dough. The pretzel dough has a glossy, crispy texture with large grains of white salt sprinkled on top, adding contrast. The sausages peek out from both ends, showing a slightly wrinkled surface. The plate sits on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg, beaten
8 hot dogs
8 slices cheddar cheese
Coarse salt, for sprinkling
Mustard or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir to form a dough.
Step 3: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 6: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil, and add baking soda. Stir to dissolve.
Step 7: Once dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
Step 8: Roll out each piece into a rope long enough to wrap around a hot dog and cheese slice.
Step 9: Place a slice of cheese around each hot dog, then wrap the dough around, sealing the ends and edges by pinching them together.
Step 10: Using a slotted spoon, carefully dip each wrapped pretzel dog into the boiling soda water for 30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 11: Brush each pretzel dog with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 13: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning before baking instead of coarse salt.
Try different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist.
Use turkey or plant-based hot dogs for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Make mini-sized pretzel dogs for bite-sized snacks perfect for parties.

Storage

Store leftover pretzel dogs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, reheat in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pretzel dough chewy or tough.

How to Serve

Five pretzel-wrapped hot dogs are placed closely together on a white plate. Each hot dog is wrapped in a golden-brown pretzel dough layer that looks thick and slightly crispy with a shiny surface. There are layers of melted, yellow cheese stretched across the top of each wrapped hot dog in thick bands. Small white salt crystals are sprinkled generously over the pretzel dough, creating a rough texture. The reddish-brown hot dogs peek out from the ends of each pretzel wrap, showing a smooth, shiny skin. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have baking soda for the boiling step?

Boiling the dough in baking soda water gives pretzels their signature chewy crust and color. Without baking soda, you can boil in plain water, but the texture and color will be less authentic.

Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 114 reviews

Soft Baked Cheesy Pretzel Dogs are a delightful twist on the classic pretzel, featuring warm, soft pretzel dough wrapped around a juicy hot dog with melted cheddar cheese inside. Perfectly boiled in baking soda water for that authentic pretzel crust and baked to golden perfection, these savory treats are great for parties, game days, or a fun family snack.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 8 pretzel dogs 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dough and Coating

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup baking soda
1 large egg, beaten
Coarse salt, for sprinkling

Assembly

8 hot dogs
8 slices cheddar cheese
Mustard or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir to form a dough.
Knead Dough: Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let Dough Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare Baking Soda Bath: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil and add baking soda. Stir to dissolve the baking soda.
Divide Dough: Once dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
Shape Dough and Assemble: Roll each piece of dough into a rope long enough to wrap around a hot dog and cheese slice. Wrap a slice of cheddar cheese around each hot dog, then wrap the dough around it, pinching the ends and edges to seal completely.
Boil Wrapped Dogs: Using a slotted spoon, carefully dip each pretzel-wrapped dog into the boiling baking soda water for 30 seconds, then transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
Egg Wash and Salt: Brush each pretzel dog with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Make sure the water for yeast activation is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Kneading is essential for gluten development, which ensures soft yet structured pretzel dough.
The baking soda bath is critical for the pretzel crust formation and flavor.
You can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
Serve immediately for best texture; pretzels may become less soft if stored too long.

Keywords: pretzel dogs, cheesy pretzel, baked pretzels, hot dog snacks, party food, game day recipe