Soft Pretzel Dogs

Maybe you've had puff pastry wrapped hot dogs, maybe even brioche wrapped hot dogs, but have you ever had pretzel dogs? They are so delicious and savoury that I had to make 2 batches, one for devouring and the other for this recipe. Each bite is filled with a soft pretzel, chives, jalapeno and good old fashioned hot dogs (Red Hots for us). And, the best part about this recipe is that it doesn't require any bread baking skills.

If you want to bake these without the added spice and herbs, you are welcome to. Taking them out doesn't change this recipe at all. You can also remove the hot dog, if you want, or replace it with a veggie dog.

This recipe makes 6 large pretzel dogs and will take about 2 hours.

Ingredients

1 cup of milk

1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)

3 Tablespoons of brown sugar

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 Tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 tsp sea salt

1 Tbsp chopped chives

1 Tbsp chopped jalapenos (more or less depending on spice tolerance)

Pack of hot dogs

1/3 cup baking soda

3 cups water

Directions

1. Warm the milk in the microwave or saucepan until it reaches 110°F or 43°C and mix with the yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes.

2. Stir in the brown sugar and 1 cup of flour.

3. Add in the melted butter, salt and mix.

4. Add in the remaining flour, chives and jalapenos and mix.

5. Knead for 5 minutes on a floured surface.

6. Place into a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour (double in size).

7. Preheat oven to 450°F and line a baking tray.

8. When dough is ready, use a shallow bowl to dissolve the baking soda into warm water.

9. Punch down the dough gently and cut into 6 even pieces.

10. Roll each piece out or hold the ends and slap the middle out (like a skipping rope). Once long enough, dip into the baking soda solution.

11. Wrap the dough around the hotdog in a spiral and press the ends into the dough.

12. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes until golden.

13. Enjoy with mustard, ketchup, any sort of sauce or alone. They are equally as good alone.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat pretzel as required.