Vegan Hot Dog Bakes

Vegan Hot Dog Bakes

Imagine soft, fluffy bread baked right around a savory vegan wiener, topped with tangy ketchup and melted vegan cheese! These Vegan Hot Dog Bakes are a fun twist on a classic, perfect for a crowd-pleasing meal, easy lunch, or satisfying snack. They're like a complete hot dog experience, all wrapped up in one delicious bake.

Dough Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and instant dry yeast.
  2. Gently heat the water until it's lukewarm (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C) – comfortably warm, not hot.
  3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the lukewarm water.
  4. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. This dough will be quite soft and potentially sticky due to the high water content. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to mix the dough. If you don't have a stand mixer, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. It will likely still be softer than typical bread dough.
  5. Lightly flour a clean bowl. Place the kneaded dough inside, turn to coat lightly, and cover tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
  6. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Assembly & Baking Instructions

  1. Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
  2. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a small ball.
  3. Working one ball at a time, roll it out into a rectangle or oval shape 5mm thick, roughly the length of your vegan wieners. Roll the dough like a jelly roll, pinching the seam gently to seal.
  4. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place four dough shapes on each sheet, leaving space between them.
  5. Using a sharp knife, make a deep slit down the center of each dough piece, stopping just before the ends. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
  6. Gently open the slit slightly. Squirt or spread a line of ketchup inside the slit.
  7. Press one vegan wiener firmly into the ketchup-filled slit in each dough piece.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded vegan cheese generously over the top of the wieners and exposed dough.
  9. Cover the baking sheets loosely with a kitchen towel and let the bakes rest for another 20-30 minutes.
  10. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). If using a steam function, prepare it now (or place a heatproof dish with water on the bottom rack).
  11. Uncover the bakes and place them in the preheated oven.
  12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
  13. Carefully transfer the baked hot dog bakes to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm!

Notes

  • This dough is intentionally high-hydration, making it sticky but resulting in very soft, fluffy rolls. Don't be afraid to use enough flour on your work surface during kneading and shaping.
  • The '00' flour contributes to a soft texture, but all-purpose flour can be substituted.
  • Make sure your water is the correct lukewarm temperature to activate the yeast properly.
  • Using the steam function or a pan of water in the oven helps create a softer crust.
  • Feel free to add a squiggle of mustard alongside the ketchup, or sprinkle with some finely chopped onions or relish before baking.
  • Check if your brand of vegan wieners needs any pre-cooking; most do not, but it's good to confirm.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.