Pretzel Dogs Recipe

These aren't your average franks!

During the dog days of summer, nothing beats a tall glass of lemonade, scoop of creamy macaroni salad, and the satisfying snap of a hot dog. The only way the cookout classic could get any better is if it was wrapped in chewy pretzel dough and topped with sesame seeds! Meet the wildly delicious pretzel dog. These franks are sure to be a home-run at your next summer dinner or 4th of July feast.

Why do pretzel dogs need to be boiled with baking soda?

To get that iconic rich brown color and the chewy crust that is so crucial to a good pretzel, the outside of the dough needs to be set before baking. A quick thirty second dip in a boiling water and baking soda mixture does the trick. But heads up—when the baking soda is added to the boiling water it's going to fizz and bubble up in the saucepan. This is totally normal, but because of this, it's best to choose a large saucepan with tall sides for this step.

What kind of hotdogs work best for pretzel dogs?

Specialty franks are a crowd pleaser for a Father's Day dinner, but for this recipe any classic, all-beef hot dog works like a charm! What's important is that the dogs are labeled "bun size." You can use hotdogs that are longer than the standard 5 ½ inches, but the ropes of dough won't wrap around them quite as much. If you’re more into the dog than the pretzel, then go for it with this larger size!

What goes well with pretzel dogs?

When it comes to hot dog toppings, the possibilities are endless! Slather on some cowboy beans for a twist on a chili dog, or try adding some crunch with a spoonful of colorful coleslaw. And of course, there's always the classics—mustard, pickled relish, and ketchup! (Looking to impress? Opt for homemade ketchup instead of store-bought!)

warm water (110ºF to 115ºF)

light brown sugar

active dry yeast

bread flour, divided

kosher salt

unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

bun-size beef hot dogs, patted dry

baking soda

large egg, lightly beaten

sesame seeds

Ketchup and mustard, to serve

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