These Homemade Pretzel Dogs have a soft and chewy pretzel layer wrapped around classic hot dogs– serve these with ketchup for a kid-friendly lunch or a spicy honey mustard for the perfect game-day treat!
If you love pretzels like we do, don't miss our Homemade Soft Pretzels, Rolo Pretzels, and Raspberry Pretzel Salad!
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Apparently I have a thing for mall food. Like Orange Julius, Soft Pretzels, and these pretzel dogs.
But who doesn't love a delicious and easy pretzel dog recipe? Pretzel dogs combine the chewy bit of soft pretzels with the savory, meaty flavor of hot dogs. You just need some simple pretzel dough ingredients, hot dogs, egg wash, parchment paper, baking soda, and a few other ingredients.
If you're looking for an easy and delicious recipe to make for dinner tonight, look no further than this pretzel dogs recipe! These tasty treats are perfect for the whole family and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
One of my favorite dipping sauces for pretzel dogs is a spicy honey mustard made by mixing ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup grainy mustard, and a dash of hot sauce in a small bowl.
What are pretzel hot dogs?
A pretzel hot dog is a hot dog that is wrapped in soft pretzel dough and then baked or fried. This gives the hot dog a crispy exterior and a delicious flavor.
What You'll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Warm water - Water gives the pretzel dough moisture. Make sure it's warm, so the yeast blooms properly.
- Light brown sugar - Light brown sugar acts as food for the yeast. Granulated sugar or honey could be used if you prefer.
- Active dry yeast - I'm using active dry yeast! If you use instant yeast, skip step 1 and simply mix all of the ingredients together at once.
- All-purpose flour - Flour gives the pretzels structure. If your dough feels especially wet, you can add up to ¼ cup of additional flour.
- Kosher salt
- Hot dogs - I'm using classic all-beef hot dogs! But feel free to use turkey dogs, polish dogs or whatever kind of sausages you like!
- Baking soda - Baking soda helps create that crisp pretzel-like exterior we all love!
- Large egg, beaten
- Pretzel salt, Flakey Sea Salt, Coarse Sea Salt, or Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
What do you eat on a pretzel dog?
One of the best things about these easy pretzel dogs is their versatility. You can top them with anything you like! Some of our favorite toppings include:
- Spicy mustard (or other favorite mustard)
- Cheese sauce
- Ketchup
- Relish
- Chili
- Grilled onions
- Cheddar cheese
How to Make Pretzel Dogs
It's easy to make this recipe. This is a quick overview with step-by-step images to help you visualize the process. Scroll down to the recipe card for printable, detailed instructions. Here is the basic approach:
Prepare. Add the warm water, light brown sugar, and active dry yeast to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Set aside for the yeast to bloom for 5 minutes.
Next, add the flour and kosher salt. Stir with a dough whisk or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Assemble. Turn the dough onto a floured work surface like a countertop or cutting board and knead until it is smooth and tacky– about 2-3 minutes. You'll know the dough is ready when you poke it gently, and it springs back.
Cover the dough (with plastic wrap or a clean towel that is damp) and place it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size– about 90 minutes.
When the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 10" long rope and then wrap it around one of the hot dogs. Pinch the seams together at the ends to ensure the pretzel dough doesn't become unwrapped.
Cook. Preheat the oven to 400F and make a large pot of boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium (a gentle boil) and very slowly add the baking soda.
Cook the pretzels 1-2 at a time (making sure not to crowd the pan) for 30 seconds. Then flip the pretzel dogs and cook them for an additional 30 seconds.
Finish. Remove the pretzels from the water bath and place them on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.
Brush the pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt or sesame seeds.
Bake, the pretzel dogs for 20-22 minutes or until the pretzels, are golden brown. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Here's how to make sure your homemade Pretzel Dogs recipe turns out perfect!
Use extra flour. Put some extra flour on your kneading surface and your fingers if the dough is sticky. This will help to prevent the dough from sticking.
Enough rising time. Make sure to give the dough enough time to rise. Once the dough rises, It should be doubled in size before you shape it into ropes.
Don't overbake. The pretzels should be golden brown, not dark brown. They will continue to cook a little when you remove them from the oven, so take them out when they are just right.
Easy Sides for Pairing with Pretzel Dogs
If you want to keep things super simple, pair your Pretzel Dogs with french fries or onion rings. If you're up for putting in a little more effort, here are some easy side dish ideas that will go well with the flavors in this recipe:
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Macaroni salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Tator Tots
- Hashbrowns
- Corn on the cob
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Pretzel Dogs are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven. However, leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350F oven until warmed through.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked and cooled pretzel dogs on a baking sheet for 2 hours or until frozen. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or wrap them in aluminum foil. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to eat, place the frozen pretzels on a baking sheet and bake at 400F for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Try switching up the hot dogs for sausages or cheese-stuffed brats!
- Try topping the pretzels with granulated garlic or everything bagel seasoning.
- One of my favorite dipping sauces for pretzel dogs is spicy honey mustard! Mix ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup grainy mustard, and a dash of hot sauce in a small bowl. Feel free to use your own favorite dipping sauce as well.
FAQ's
Auntie Anne's is a popular chain of pretzel shops, and their pretzel dogs are a customer favorite. While you can't get the exact same recipe at home, this homemade version comes pretty close!
Auntie Anne's uses Nathan's Famous all-beef hot dogs in their pretzel dogs. However, you can use your favorite hot dog, brat, or sausage for this recipe. Simply cook your favorite hot dogs according to the package directions before adding them to the dough.
More Kid-Friendly Recipes Like This
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
Homemade Pretzel Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (100-110°F)
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 hot dogs
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg
- Pretzel salt, flaky sea salt, or sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add the warm water, light brown sugar, and active dry yeast to a large bowl and stir to combine. Set aside for the yeast to bloom for 5 minutes.
- Next add the flour and kosher salt. Stir with a dough whisk or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until it is smooth and tacky– about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know the dough is ready when you poke it gently and it springs back.
- Cover the dough (with plasticwrap or a damp towel) and place it in a warm place to rise until doubled insize– about 90 minutes.
- When the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 10” long rope and then wrap it around one of the hot dogs. Pinch the seams together at the ends to ensure the pretzel dough doesn’t become unwrapped.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium (a gentle boil) and very slowly add the baking soda.
- Cook the pretzels 1-2 at a time (making sure not to crowd the pan) for 30 seconds. Then flip the pretzel dogs and cook them for an additional 30 seconds.
- Remove the pretzels from the water bath and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Brush the pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with salt or sesame seeds.
- Bake the pretzel dogs for 20-22 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
