Pretzel Dogs

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious meal that the whole family can enjoy, you’ve landed in the right place! These Pretzel Dogs are a delightful twist on your classic hot dog, wrapped in soft, chewy pretzel dough and baked to golden perfection. They are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even game day snacks. Trust me; once you make these, they’ll become a go-to favorite!

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of mouthwatering Pretzel Dogs ready to devour in no time. Plus, kids adore them! Whether served with mustard, ketchup, or a special dipping sauce, they are sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these tasty treats ready in just over half an hour!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun shape and flavor; it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.
• Make Ahead: Perfect for meal prep! You can prepare these ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready.
• Versatile Snack: Serve them as an appetizer or main dish; they fit any occasion beautifully.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of soft pretzel dough and juicy sausage franks creates an irresistible flavor experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for these Pretzel Dogs are simple and wholesome. No fancy items here—just everything you need to create something truly delightful!

Ingredients:
– 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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with it based on your preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or chicken franks for a lighter option.
• Add some spice: Incorporate jalapeño cheddar sausages for an extra kick!
• Go vegetarian: Try wrapping veggie dogs in the pretzel dough for a plant-based version.
• Experiment with toppings: After baking, sprinkle with garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning for added flavor.

How to Make Pretzel Dogs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your Pretzel Dogs will bake evenly and get that beautiful golden color. While your oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Open up that tube of pizza dough and place it onto a cutting board. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. This thickness is just right for wrapping around your sausages without overwhelming them. Then grab your pizza cutter and slice it into 15 strips—each one will become a cozy blanket for your sausage franks!

Step 3: Wrap It Up

Take each strip of dough and roll it into a rope shape before wrapping it tightly around each sausage frank. Make sure to cover every inch! Pinching the ends together helps keep everything neatly wrapped during cooking.

Step 4: Boil the Pretzels

Now comes the fun part! In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring water to a light boil. Once it’s bubbling gently, stir in the baking soda until dissolved—this gives your Pretzel Dogs that signature chewy pretzel texture. Working in batches of 3-4, carefully add your wrapped sausages to the boiling water for about 20-30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to remove them afterward and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

Using a pastry brush, generously coat each pretzel-wrapped sausage with the beaten egg mixture. This step not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that lovely brown crust as they bake. Don’t forget to sprinkle each one with kosher salt—this is where all that yummy flavor comes from!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown

Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 20-21 minutes or until they’re golden brown and irresistible. Your kitchen will soon be filled with an amazing aroma!

And there you have it—delicious homemade Pretzel Dogs ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself (I won’t tell!).

Pro Tips for Making Pretzel Dogs

Making Pretzel Dogs at home is a fun experience, and these tips will ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh pizza dough: Fresh dough has a better texture and flavor than refrigerated or frozen options. If you can find it at your local bakery or grocery store, go for it!
• Boil the pretzel dogs long enough: Boiling the wrapped sausages helps achieve that classic pretzel texture. Don’t skimp on the boiling time; 20-30 seconds is key for the right chewiness.
• Experiment with spices: Consider adding garlic powder or onion powder to your dough for an extra flavor kick. It can make a simple dish feel gourmet!
• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your Pretzel Dogs around 18 minutes. You want them golden brown but not overdone.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot: When boiling, work in small batches to ensure each pretzel dog cooks evenly. This prevents them from sticking together and ensures a lovely finish.

How to Serve Pretzel Dogs

Pretzel Dogs are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some creative ideas to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: Adding fresh chives on top adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
• Dijon mustard drizzle: A light drizzle of Dijon mustard over the top can elevate your Pretzel Dogs, giving them a tangy twist that balances out the savory flavors.

Side Dishes

• Crispy sweet potato fries: These fries bring a hint of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the salty pretzel dogs. They’re also packed with nutrients!
• Fresh veggie sticks: Carrot and cucumber sticks provide a refreshing crunch and are perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces.
• Homemade coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw offers a nice contrast in texture and taste, making it a great side option.
• Baked beans: The sweetness of baked beans complements the salty pretzel dogs perfectly, making for a hearty meal.

Now you’re all set to whip up some delicious Pretzel Dogs! Enjoy sharing them with family and friends—they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pretzel Dogs recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or serve them at parties. Here are some tips on how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious treats.

Storing Leftovers

• Place leftover pretzel dogs in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Freezing

• Allow pretzel dogs to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each pretzel dog individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped pretzel dogs in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat pretzel dogs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on your microwave’s wattage.

FAQs

If you have questions about making Pretzel Dogs, you’re not alone! Here are some commonly asked questions that might help.

Can I use different types of sausage for Pretzel Dogs?

Absolutely! Feel free to use turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage options. The key is to choose a hot dog that you enjoy.

How do I make Pretzel Dogs healthier?

To make your Pretzel Dogs healthier, consider using whole wheat pizza dough and turkey or veggie sausages. You can also reduce the amount of salt sprinkled on top.

Can I make Pretzel Dogs without baking soda?

Baking soda is essential for achieving that classic pretzel flavor and color. If you don’t have any, it’s best to find some before attempting this recipe!

What do I serve with Pretzel Dogs?

Pretzel Dogs go wonderfully with a variety of dips! Mustard, ketchup, or even cheese sauce are great choices that complement their flavor perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Pretzel Dogs as much as I do! They’re not only fun to prepare but also bring a sense of joy when shared with family and friends. Whether it’s game day or a cozy dinner at home, these snacks are sure to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and dips!