Why Make This Recipe
Homemade pretzel dogs are a fun and tasty treat that everyone will love. They bring together the soft, chewy texture of pretzels and the savory goodness of hot dogs. Making them at home allows you to enjoy a fresh snack that is perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite dipping sauces!
How to Make Homemade Pretzel Dogs
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix and knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and wrap it around each hot dog, pinching the ends to seal.
- Bring 6 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Carefully dip each wrapped hot dog into the boiling solution for 30 seconds, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each pretzel dog with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Homemade Pretzel Dogs
Serve your homemade pretzel dogs while they are warm. They are great on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard, cheese sauce, or ketchup. You can arrange them on a platter for parties or serve them individually in paper hot dog holders for a fun touch!
How to Store Homemade Pretzel Dogs
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Tips to Make Homemade Pretzel Dogs
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot when you dissolve the yeast, as high temperatures can kill the yeast.
- Use a floured surface when rolling the dough to prevent sticking.
- If you want extra flavor, you can add seasonings like garlic powder or onion flakes to the dough.
Variation
You can switch up the hot dogs by using turkey dogs, sausage, or even vegetarian options. Additionally, you can sprinkle different toppings on the pretzel dogs, like sesame seeds or poppy seeds, instead of coarse salt.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze homemade pretzel dogs?
A: Yes, you can freeze them! Let the pretzel dogs cool completely and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. You might want to mix it with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
Q: What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
A: If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water is at the right temperature (warm, not hot). You can also try letting it rise in a warmer area.
Homemade Pretzel Dogs
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
Homemade pretzel dogs combine the soft, chewy texture of pretzels with the savory goodness of hot dogs, making a perfect snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix and knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and wrap it around each hot dog, pinching the ends to seal.
- Bring 6 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. Carefully dip each wrapped hot dog into the boiling solution for 30 seconds, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each pretzel dog with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve while warm. Great with mustard, cheese sauce, or ketchup. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.