Pretzel Dogs
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Homemade Pretzel Dogs take delicious, classic hot dogs and wrap them in homemade, yeast-based, buttery pretzel dough for a dinner entree or appetizer that will be a fun and tasty treat for the whole family.
Did you ever try one of the pretzel dogs from the pretzel shop at the mall? Something about the juicy hot dog wrapped in the buttery, salty, chewy pretzel just makes my mouth water!
I decided one day that I needed to figure out how to make pretzel dogs at home and, let me tell you, this recipe is so delicious that I’d rather have this than the ones from the mall. (Same with homemade mini corn dogs–even better than the fair!)
Just pair them with mustard or cheese dip, and you have the perfect, versatile treat.
For more easy, kid-friendly meal ideas try my chili cheese dog casserole, tater tot casserole, or sheet pan pizza.
You may think that the homemade pretzels will be tricky to make but they really aren’t, and you will love the taste.
You essentially just activate your yeast, mix everything together in your stand mixer, knead the dough, let it rise, then wrap your hot dogs. Once they are wrapped, you just boil them in a baking soda bath and bake!
Then you’ll have a large batch of pretzel dogs ready to enjoy. Or for another homemade pretzel recipe try these tasty air fryer cinnamon sugar pretzel bites.
Why You’ll Love These Pretzel Wrapped Hot Dogs
- These hot dogs are very versatile – they can be enjoyed for dinner, a snack, or even as a game day appetizer.
- They will be a hit with your whole family.
- This recipe will make a large batch (15 hot dogs!).
- They pair well with any of your favorite dipping sauces.
- They are a fun way to switch up the good ole American hot dog.
Equipment
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook
- Mixing Bowls
- Tea Towel
- 2 Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper (Obsessed with these – they fit my half sheet pans perfectly!)
- Large Pot
- Slotted Spatula
- Whisk
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients For Your Homemade Pretzel Dogs
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Active Dry Yeast– one packet or 2 ¼ teaspoons
- Warm Water– To warm the water you can microwave it for 30 seconds, then test to make sure it isn’t too hot. 100-110°F is ideal. If too hot be sure to let it cool a bit so that it won’t kill the yeast.
- Sugar
- Butter
- Salt– I like to use kosher salt for the dough and then sprinkle coarse salt on top of the pretzel buns.
- All-Purpose Flour
- Hot Dogs- We like Ball Park Beef Franks but you can choose your favorite brand. Or feel free to use polish sausages or even turkey dogs instead.
- Baking Soda
- Egg
How To Make Pretzel Covered Hot Dogs
Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir to combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. The yeast will start to foam.
Step 2: Stir in the butter, salt, and 4 ½ cups of flour. Using a dough hook, mix on low speed until it starts to come together (1-2 minutes) Then switch to medium speed and allow it to knead for 4-5 minutes, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and isn’t as sticky.
Note: If the dough isn’t pulling away from the bowl you can add more flour, 1 Tablespoon at a time, as needed. The exact amount of flour you will need can vary depending on how much moisture is in your flour, the environment etc. However, you should not need over 5 cups total.
Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely with a tea towel, and allow to rise in a warm place for an hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and place them on your countertop next to the stove.
Step 5: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda to a boil.
Step 6: Meanwhile, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 18 inches long. Wrap the dough around each hot dog, starting at one end and pressing the dough onto itself at the other end to secure it in place.
Step 7: Gently place 2-3 hot dogs at a time in the boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spatula or slotted spoon, lift the hot dogs out of the water and place them 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk to combine the egg and 1 teaspoon water. Brush each pretzel dog with the egg mixture and sprinkle with salt.
Step 9: Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown.
Be sure to allow your homemade pretzel dogs to cool for a few minutes before serving as the inside will be very hot.
What to Serve/Pair with Your Pretzel Hot Dogs
Enjoy your hot dog wrapped in pretzel dough with your favorite dipping sauce. My two favorites are mustard and cheese sauce! Others love ketchup with their dogs.
If you are taking these pretzel dogs as a game day appetizer, put them on a tray with these Buffalo Chicken Jalapeno Poppers. They are spicy and delicious, and with those and the pretzel dogs together on a tray, your friends will be very impressed with your spread!
If you are enjoying your pretzel dogs for lunch or dinner, they are delicious with this Stovetop Mac and Cheese, Slow Cooker Calico Beans, or this Old Fashioned Potato Salad (a tasty alternative to fries!).
Storage
These will last for up to 5 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 2 minutes, or until warm. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
These pretzel dogs are also freezer-friendly! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or a sealed bag. They will last up to 6 weeks. To reheat, thaw them completely, then heat as directed above. This makes them a great option to take out on a busy weeknight for a quick, tasty dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can roll any leftover dough into rolls or twists and bake it until it is firm, then enjoy it as a dinner roll!
When your dough is not super sticky and is no longer sticking to the sides of the bowl, that should be enough flour.
For this pretzel dog recipe, you’ll want to use the parchment paper. Sometimes the non stick spray can make the pretzels brown a little too much on the bottoms.
Yes, this is a very important step that can’t be skipped. It is important for the texture and consistency of the pretzels.
More Finger Food Favorites
Pretzel Dogs
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast or 1 package
- 1 cup warm water 100-110°F
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 Tablespoons butter melted
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 ½ – 5 cups all-purpose flour
For the Pretzel Dogs:
- 15 hot dogs
- 10 cups water
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon cold water
- 1-2 Tablespoons coarse salt or kosher salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir to combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. The yeast will start to foam.
- Stir in the butter, salt, and 4 ½ cups of flour. Using a dough hook, mix on low speed until it starts to come together (1-2 minutes) Then switch to medium speed and allow it to kned for 4-5 minutes, until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and isn’t as sticky. If the dough isn’t pulling away from the bowl you can add more flour, 1 Tablespoon at a time, as needed.*
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely with a tea towel, and allow to rise in a warm place for an hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and place them on your countertop next to the stove.
- In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda to a boil.
- Meanwhile, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 15 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 15 inches long. Wrap the dough around each hot dog, starting at one end and pressing the dough onto itself at the other end to secure it in place.
- Gently place 2-3 hot dogs at a time in the boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds. Using a slotted spatula or slotted spoon, lift the hot dogs out of the water and place them 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk to combine the egg and 1 teaspoon water. Brush each pretzel dog with the egg mixture and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown.
- Allow the pretzel dogs to cool for a few minutes before serving as the inside will be very hot.
Notes
- *The exact amount of flour you will need can vary depending on how much moisture is in your flour, the environment etc. However, you should not need over 5 cups max.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container.
- To re-heat wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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my dough is not wet at all it still need something wet like water for me to mix il as a dought
what cant y do
thank you