SUSIE'S PRETZEL DOGS

Susie's Pretzel Dogs image

These are going to be a huge hit in your household. The bread is hard and salty on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside - the perfect baked pretzel dog. If you've had pretzels from those places in the mall, these are just as good (maybe better!) at a fraction of the cost. Fun for kids and adults! Serve with your favorite...

Provided by Sue Lally

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 1/2 c warm water (about 110 degrees)
1 Tbsp honey
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 pkg)
4 1/2 c bread flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 c melted butter
10 c water
1/2 c baking soda
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp water
14-18 hot dogs
Kosher salt to sprinkle on top (optional)

Steps:

1. Add honey to the warm water and stir to dissolve (you can use sugar if you don't have honey). Stir in yeast and set aside until foamy. (5-10 min)
2. In a large bowl, mix about 3 cups of bread flour and the 1 tsp. of kosher salt together. Add the melted butter & yeast mixture. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour a little at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic (about 8-10 min). I use my Kitchen-Aid mixer with a dough hook for this.
3. Put dough in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until double (about 1 hour).
4. When dough is ready, roll out on a lightly oiled surface to about 10 x 20 inches.
5. Slice the dough into 1 inch wide strips. Wrap the dough around each hot dog, making sure to pinch the edges at each end. There should be about 1/2 inch of hot dog at each end showing. If you have any dough left over after wrapping your hot dogs, roll them into strips and shape into a pretzel. :)
6. Bring the 10 cups of water to a boil and then add the baking soda and stir to dissolve. Add the dough-wrapped hot dogs a few at a time, and boil for about 30 seconds.
7. Remove with a large slotted spoon and place on 2 greased baking sheets (or use parchment paper).
8. Mix the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon water together, and brush on the pretzel dogs.
9. Sprinkle with kosher salt if you like, and then bake in a preheated 425-450 oven for about 15 minutes, until golden brown.
10. Remove from pans and let cool slightly...and then enjoy!