Pretzel Dogs

If you’re looking for a fun and tasty treat that will bring smiles to everyone at the table, these Pretzel Dogs are just the thing! There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, soft pretzel wrapped around savory sausage franks. This recipe is not only easy to make but also perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. You can whip up a batch in no time, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike!

One of the best parts about these Pretzel Dogs is that they can be enjoyed as a snack during game day or served as a hearty meal with your favorite dipping sauces. Trust me, once you try making them at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them from the store!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious Pretzel Dogs ready to enjoy.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love them! These tasty treats are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a cozy movie night, these Pretzel Dogs fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep them in advance for a quick meal solution during busy weeks.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of soft pretzel dough and savory sausage creates an irresistible flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Pretzel Dogs is straightforward, and you’ll find that these ingredients are simple and wholesome. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

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

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for lighter options.
• Add some cheese: Wrap small cheese sticks along with the sausage for a melty surprise inside!
• Try different seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for an extra flavor kick.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap out the sausage for veggie dogs or even roasted vegetables for a delightful twist.

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 ensures that your Pretzel Dogs bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Roll Out Your Dough

Remove the pizza dough from its package and place it on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick. This thickness is important; it allows the dough to wrap around the sausages perfectly without being too thick or too thin.

Step 3: Cut and Wrap

Using a pizza cutter, slice the rolled-out dough into 15 strips. Now comes the fun part! Take each strip and roll it into a rope shape before wrapping it tightly around each sausage. Make sure each sausage is fully covered by pinching the ends together so they don’t unravel during cooking.

Step 4: Boil with Baking Soda

In a large saucepan over medium heat, add water and bring it to a light boil. Stir in the baking soda until dissolved. This step gives your Pretzel Dogs that classic pretzel flavor and beautiful brown color when baked!

Step 5: Boil Your Wrapped Sausages

Working in batches of 3-4, carefully add your pretzel-wrapped sausages into the boiling water. Let them boil for about 20-30 seconds before using a slotted spoon to remove them. Place each one onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process until all of your Pretzel Dogs are boiled.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Salt

Grab your pastry brush and coat the outside of each Pretzel Dog with beaten egg. This will give them that lovely golden finish once baked! Sprinkle kosher salt on top for added flavor—don’t skimp on this step!

Step 7: Bake Them Up!

Finally, pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let those beauties bake for about 20-21 minutes or until they turn golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will drive everyone wild with anticipation!

And there you have it—delicious homemade Pretzel Dogs ready to be devoured! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pretzel Dogs

Making Pretzel Dogs at home is a delightful experience that can be made even better with a few handy tips. Here are some suggestions to ensure your pretzel dogs turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allowing your egg to reach room temperature helps it blend more easily with the dough and gives a nice golden color when baked.
• Don’t skip the boiling step – Boiling the pretzel-wrapped sausages in baking soda water before baking is crucial. It gives them that signature chewy texture and beautiful brown color.
• Keep the dough evenly thick – When rolling out the pizza dough, aim for an even ¼-inch thickness. This ensures that each pretzel dog cooks uniformly and maintains its shape.
• Experiment with toppings – While kosher salt is classic, feel free to sprinkle on sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even garlic powder for added flavor and texture.
• Watch the baking time closely – Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your pretzel dogs as they bake to avoid over-browning. You want them golden but not too dark!

How to Serve Pretzel Dogs

Pretzel Dogs make for a fun and impressive dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy dinner at home, here are some ideas on how to present this tasty treat!

Garnishes

• Dijon mustard – A tangy kick complements the savory flavors of the pretzel dogs beautifully.
• Fresh parsley or chives – Chopped herbs add a pop of color and freshness that elevates the overall presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vegetable sticks with hummus – Crisp carrots, celery, and bell peppers served with creamy hummus make for a crunchy, healthy side that balances out the richness of the pretzel dogs.
• Potato wedges – Seasoned with herbs and spices, these crispy wedges are perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce alongside your pretzel dogs.
• Coleslaw – A refreshing slaw brings a lightness to the meal, providing a nice contrast to the hearty pretzel dogs.
• Chili cheese dip – For an indulgent twist, serve your pretzel dogs alongside warm chili cheese dip—it’s perfect for dipping and adds an extra layer of flavor!

With these serving ideas and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with homemade Pretzel Dogs! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pretzel Dogs are not only perfect for a fun meal but also great for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and have them ready for busy days or special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Pretzel Dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• To keep the pretzel texture intact, avoid stacking them too tightly.

Freezing

• Allow the Pretzel Dogs to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, wrap each dog in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the frozen Pretzel Dogs on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• For leftover refrigerated dogs, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up when making these delicious Pretzel Dogs.

Can I use different types of sausage for Pretzel Dogs?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausages. Just ensure they are fully cooked before wrapping them in dough.

How do I achieve the perfect texture for my Pretzel Dogs?

To get that iconic pretzel texture, boiling the wrapped sausages in water mixed with baking soda is key. It creates that lovely chewy exterior when baked!

Can I make these Pretzel Dogs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and boil the Pretzel Dogs ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge or freezer as instructed above, and reheat when ready to serve.

Are Pretzel Dogs suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! These Pretzel Dogs are easy to make in batches and store well, making them ideal for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these irresistible Pretzel Dogs as much as I do! They are such a delightful mix of flavors and textures—perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. Whether it’s game day or just an ordinary weeknight, these treats will surely bring joy to your table. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to invite friends over to share this tasty goodness!