Pretzel Dogs

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to impress your family or friends, you’ve come to the right place! These Pretzel Dogs are a delightful twist on classic hot dogs, wrapped in warm, soft pretzel dough. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying, or when you want to make snack time extra special for the kids. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household!

The best part? Making Pretzel Dogs at home is surprisingly easy and requires just a few simple ingredients. Whether it’s game day, a birthday party, or just another cozy evening at home, these tasty bites will surely steal the spotlight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-friendly fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and wrapping the sausages is a great activity for little hands.
• Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these scrumptious snacks ready in no time!
• Versatile flavors: Feel free to switch up the sausage types or add your favorite seasonings for a personalized touch.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s dinner or an appetizer at your next gathering, these Pretzel Dogs fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these delightful Pretzel Dogs, you’ll only need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need!

• 15 sausage franks or hot dogs
• 1 tube (13.8 ounces) pizza dough
• 5 cups water
• ¼ cup (55 g) baking soda
• 1 large egg (room temperature, beaten)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! You can easily switch things up based on what you have available or what flavors you enjoy most. Here are some fun ideas to get you started:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey dogs or veggie sausages for a lighter option.
• Add cheese: Place a slice of cheese inside the dough before wrapping it around the sausage for an ooey-gooey surprise!
• Experiment with spices: Sprinkle garlic powder or onion powder into the dough for added flavor.
• Make it sweet: For dessert-style treats, substitute chocolate-covered pretzel bites instead of sausages—delicious!

How to Make Pretzel Dogs

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it ensures that your Pretzel Dogs bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Remove your pizza dough from its package and place it on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. Then grab a pizza cutter and slice it into 15 strips. These strips will be used to wrap around each sausage.

Step 3: Wrap the Sausages

Now comes the fun part! Take each strip and roll it into a rope before tightly wrapping it around each sausage franks. Make sure they are completely covered—this helps create that iconic pretzel crust! Pinch the ends together to seal them well.

Step 4: Boil with Baking Soda

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add water and bring it to a light boil. The magic happens here when we add baking soda; stir until dissolved! This step gives our Pretzel Dogs that signature chewy texture.

Step 5: Boil Your Wrapped Sausages

Working in batches of about 3-4 at a time, gently lower your pretzel-wrapped sausages into the boiling water mixture. Let them boil for about 20-30 seconds—this helps set that pretzel crust! Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Salt

Now it’s time to give those puppies some shine! Use a pastry brush to apply beaten egg over each pretzel dog. This will help achieve that beautiful golden color while baking. Afterward, sprinkle kosher salt over each one—you want that salty goodness!

Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown

Finally, pop those Pretzel Dogs into your preheated oven! Bake for about 20-21 minutes until they turn golden brown. The aroma wafting through your home will be irresistible!

And there you have it—your very own homemade Pretzel Dogs! Enjoy them warm from the oven with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of an exciting meal shared with loved ones. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Pretzel Dogs

Making Pretzel Dogs at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially with these handy tips to ensure your pretzel dogs come out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh dough: Fresh pizza dough from the store or homemade will yield better texture and flavor compared to older dough. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in taste!
• Keep water at a gentle boil: It’s important to maintain a light boil when adding the pretzel-wrapped sausages. This helps create that classic pretzel crust without overcooking the dough.
• Pinch the seams tightly: Make sure to seal the ends well after wrapping each sausage. This prevents the dough from unraveling during boiling and baking.
• Experiment with toppings: While kosher salt is traditional, feel free to get creative! Try adding sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for an extra flavor kick.
• Serve immediately for best results: Pretzel Dogs are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. If you have leftovers, reheat them in an oven for a few minutes to revive that crispy texture.

How to Serve Pretzel Dogs

Pretzel Dogs are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, here are some delightful presentation ideas!

Garnishes

• Dijon mustard: A classic condiment that adds a zesty kick to complement the savory flavors of the pretzel dogs.
• Chopped chives or parsley: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and freshness, making your dish visually appealing and flavorful.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries: These crispy fries are a deliciously sweet contrast to the salty pretzel dogs, making for an irresistible combination.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture and balances out the richness of the pretzel dogs, providing a refreshing bite.
• Veggie sticks with hummus: A healthy option that pairs nicely; crunchy carrot and cucumber sticks dipped in creamy hummus offer a light side to your meal.
• Macaroni salad: Creamy and comforting, macaroni salad is an easy side that complements the heartiness of Pretzel Dogs while adding a touch of nostalgia.

With these serving suggestions, your Pretzel Dogs will be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy sharing this delicious treat with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pretzel Dogs are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your treats fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pretzel dogs to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• After they have cooled, wrap each pretzel dog individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped pretzel dogs in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 30-45 seconds, but this may make the dough a bit softer.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Pretzel Dogs that might help you out!

Can I use different types of sausages for Pretzel Dogs?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any sausage franks or hot dogs that you prefer. Turkey, chicken, or plant-based options work beautifully too!

How do I make Pretzel Dogs with homemade dough?

You can easily substitute store-bought pizza dough with your favorite homemade dough recipe. Just ensure it has similar texture and elasticity for the best results.

What should I serve with Pretzel Dogs?

Pretzel Dogs pair wonderfully with mustard, ketchup, or even cheese sauce for dipping. They also make a great addition to any game day spread!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Pretzel Dogs as much as I do! They’re such a fun and tasty treat that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a quick snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends!