Pretzel Dogs are the ultimate comfort food mash-up that brings together two beloved classics: soft pretzels and juicy hot dogs. There’s something magical about biting through that chewy, golden-brown pretzel exterior to reach the savory hot dog inside. It’s like having the best of the ballpark and the fair all in one delicious package!
This homemade version is surprisingly doable, even for beginner bakers. The dough comes together quickly, and the satisfaction of wrapping it around hot dogs before achieving that signature pretzel finish makes for a fun cooking project that delivers impressive results. Perfect for game day, family movie night, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing snack!
Why You’ll Love This
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved – everyone loves this fun twist on hot dogs
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare the dough earlier in the day for quick assembly later
- Customizable with your favorite hot dog varieties (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort – looks like you spent hours baking
- Better than mall or stadium versions at a fraction of the cost
Ingredients
- 15 sausage franks or hot dogs
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 5 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove pizza dough from package and place on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin, roll into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into 15 even strips.
- Take each dough strip and roll it into a rope. Tightly wrap each rope around a sausage frank, covering the entire length. Pinch the ends together to seal and prevent unwrapping during cooking.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring 5 cups of water to a light boil. Add baking soda and stir until completely dissolved.
- Working in batches of 3-4, carefully add wrapped pretzel dogs to the boiling water. Boil for 20-30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Using a pastry brush, brush the outside of each pretzel dog with beaten egg. This creates the golden brown color and shiny finish.
- Sprinkle each pretzel dog evenly with kosher salt. Bake for 20-21 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve warm with mustard, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips & Variations
- For a cheese-filled version, slice hot dogs lengthwise (not all the way through) and stuff with thin strips of cheddar before wrapping in dough
- Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning instead of salt for an extra flavor boost
- Mini version: Use cocktail wieners and divide dough into smaller portions for bite-sized pretzel dogs
- The baking soda bath is crucial for developing that characteristic pretzel flavor and color – don’t skip it!
- If dough is too sticky when rolling, dust hands with flour rather than adding more to the dough
- For make-ahead prep, refrigerate the wrapped (unbaked) pretzel dogs for up to 4 hours, then boil and bake when ready to serve
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pretzel dogs with an array of dipping options to please everyone at the table. Classic yellow mustard is traditional, but honey mustard, spicy brown mustard, cheese sauce, and even ranch dressing make excellent companions. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad or some homemade sweet potato fries.
These also make a fantastic centerpiece for a DIY condiment bar – set out small bowls of relish, diced onions, sauerkraut, and different sauces so everyone can customize their pretzel dog experience.
Notes
- Store leftover pretzel dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the exterior crispness
- The pretzel dogs are done when they’re uniformly golden brown with a firm exterior
- Pat hot dogs dry with paper towels before wrapping to ensure the dough adheres properly
FAQs
Can I freeze these pretzel dogs?
Yes! Cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Can I use refrigerated pizza dough instead of making my own?
While homemade dough yields the best texture, refrigerated pizza dough can work in a pinch. You’ll still need to do the baking soda bath for that pretzel flavor and appearance.
Why is my pretzel crust not browning properly?
The baking soda bath is essential for browning. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil and that you’re using the full amount of baking soda specified in the recipe.
Can I make these with plant-based hot dogs?
Absolutely! Plant-based hot dogs work perfectly in this recipe with no other adjustments needed.
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