Pretzel Dogs Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for Pretzel Dogs—a crowd-pleasing favorite that transforms classic hot dogs into something irresistibly golden, chewy, and utterly snackable! Imagine the warm, pillowy embrace of pretzel dough snuggled around juicy sausages, all finished with a hit of coarse salt for that authentic street cart vibe. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat, looking to jazz up game day, or hoping to surprise the family with something fun, these Pretzel Dogs check every box for comfort and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Pretzel Dogs is how the simplest ingredients come together for that mythical combo of soft, salty, and savory. Every item plays a starring role—don’t be tempted to skip any; they each have a purpose that makes these homemade snacks shine!
- Sausage franks or hot dogs: The heart of every good Pretzel Dog, choose your favorites for the most flavor-packed bite.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: This shortcut makes the recipe nearly foolproof, giving you chewy texture with minimal effort.
- Water: Essential for the baking soda bath, which is the secret to that signature pretzel crust.
- Baking soda: A must for turning soft pizza dough into deeply bronzed, chewy pretzels—don’t skip the bath!
- Large egg (beaten): Brushing the dough gives you a shiny, golden finish and helps the salt stick.
- Kosher salt: That final sprinkle gives Pretzel Dogs their classic pretzel-shop flavor and satisfying crunch.
How to Make Pretzel Dogs
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by setting your oven to 425°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This gets you off to a smooth, nonstick start and ensures your Pretzel Dogs release easily after baking, with minimal cleanup required.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut Your Dough
Unroll the pizza dough onto a clean cutting board and, with a rolling pin, shape it into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Take a pizza cutter or sharp knife and slice the dough into 15 even strips. This step helps each Pretzel Dog cook evenly and look picture-perfect.
Step 3: Wrap the Sausages
Take each dough strip and gently stretch or roll it into a rope, then spiral it tightly around the length of each sausage. Make sure to pinch the ends so the dough doesn’t unravel during the water bath and baking. This wrapping step is where all that classic pretzel character starts to shine.
Step 4: Boil Water and Make the Baking Soda Bath
In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring 5 cups of water to a light boil. Carefully stir in the baking soda until dissolved (add it slowly to avoid any bubbling over). The bath will help your Pretzel Dogs develop that iconic amber color and chewy texture.
Step 5: Boil the Wrapped Franks
Working in small batches, gently lower three or four pretzel-wrapped sausages into the simmering water. After about 20–30 seconds, use a slotted spoon to remove them and let excess water drip off before placing them onto the prepared sheet. The baking soda bath is key for the right bite and appearance, so don’t skip it!
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash and Sprinkle with Salt
Use a pastry brush to coat each Pretzel Dog with the beaten egg—this promises a deep golden shine and appetizing finish. Immediately sprinkle each with a generous pinch of kosher salt for maximum flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-21 minutes or until the dough is beautifully golden and baked through. You’ll know they’re done when the crust has a glossy, deep color and a satisfying crunch when you tap them.
How to Serve Pretzel Dogs
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, serve Pretzel Dogs with a side of spicy brown mustard, tangy cheese sauce, or even a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. A finalize swipe of melted butter right out of the oven can also turn up the shine and flavor even more!
Side Dishes
Your Pretzel Dogs pair perfectly with all kinds of classic sides. Think crispy potato wedges, fresh veggie sticks, or even a simple green salad. They’re also excellent with crunchy coleslaw or pickles to add a tangy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Make Pretzel Dogs the star of your next party by skewering them with small sticks for a fun, portable appetizer. Or, slice them into bite-sized rounds and spear with toothpicks for the ultimate snack platter. Kids especially love them cut into little “pretzel dog bites” for easy dipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have Pretzel Dogs left over, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—making snack time or lunch prep a breeze.
Freezing
Pretzel Dogs freeze beautifully. Let them cool, then wrap each in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their quality for up to 2 months—just pull them out, thaw, and reheat whenever cravings hit!
Reheating
To bring those Pretzel Dogs back to their oven-fresh glory, pop them into a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the pretzel dough crispy outside and pillowy inside. A quick microwave zap works in a pinch, but the oven truly delivers the best texture.
Pretzel Dogs FAQs
Can I use homemade pretzel dough instead of pizza dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite soft pretzel dough recipe, go for it. The pizza dough hack just makes this recipe super quick and approachable, perfect for busy days.
What’s the best way to keep the dough from unraveling?
Be sure to pinch the dough ends well after wrapping. If you’re extra cautious, you can slightly moisten the edge of the dough strip before pressing it to seal—it acts like a glue!
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes! Get creative—smoky beef franks, turkey hot dogs, or even vegetarian sausages all work deliciously here. Just be sure to choose varieties that fit your taste and dietary needs.
Can I make Pretzel Dogs in advance for a party?
Definitely. Prepare and bake them a few hours ahead, then reheat in a warm oven just before serving. They hold up great and are always a hit with guests.
How can I make mini Pretzel Dogs for appetizers?
Simply cut your hot dogs and dough strips in half before wrapping, and proceed as usual. Mini Pretzel Dogs are super cute, ideal for dipping, and perfect for party platters or kids’ snacks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun, foolproof way to bring a little joy (and a lot of flavor) into your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with Pretzel Dogs! Whether they’re a special treat for family movie night or a hit at your next gathering, these golden beauties are always devoured in record time. Grab your ingredients and let the delicious aroma of fresh-baked pretzel goodness fill your home—your friends and family will thank you!
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Pretzel Dogs Recipe
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 15 Pretzel Dogs
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pretzel Dogs are a delicious twist on classic hot dogs, with a soft pretzel exterior that is golden brown and perfectly seasoned. Great for a fun meal or party snack!
Ingredients
Sausage Franks:
15 sausage franks or hot dogs
Pizza Dough:
1 tube (13.8 ounces) pizza dough
Water:
5 cups
Baking Soda:
¼ cup (55 g)
Beaten Egg:
1 large egg, room temperature
Kosher Salt:
1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat oven. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough. Cut into strips. Remove pizza dough from the package and roll out into a rectangle. Cut into 15 strips.
- Wrap each dough strip around hot dog. Roll each strip into a rope and wrap around each sausage.
- Boil water. Add baking soda. Bring water to a boil, add baking soda.
- Boil wrapped franks. Place on baking sheet. Boil wrapped sausages, then place on prepared sheet.
- Brush each with beaten egg. Sprinkle with salt. Brush with egg, sprinkle salt.
- Bake for 20-21 minutes. Bake until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Pretzel Dog
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Pretzel Dogs, Hot Dogs, Snack Recipe
