Homemade Pretzel Dogs: A Delicious Twist on Your Favorite Snack

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 package active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 10 cups water
  • 2/3 cup baking soda
  • 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • Pretzel salt for topping
  • 14 hot dogs

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and kosher salt. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it begins to foam.
  2. Add the flour and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Use a dough hook attachment on a stand mixer to mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  4. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with vegetable oil. Set aside.
  5. In a large, deep, stainless-steel saucepan, bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil.
  6. While the water heats up, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 14 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope. Wrap each rope around a hot dog, pinching the ends to seal and placing on the prepared sheet pans.
  7. Place the pretzels into the boiling water, one by one, for 30 seconds, removing them with a large flat spatula. Return the boiled pretzels to the sheet pan.
  8. Brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt. Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Cool on a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option
  • Replace the hot dogs with vegetarian or vegan hot dog alternatives for a meat-free version
  • Add different seasonings or spices to the dough, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs, to enhance the flavor
  • Experiment with different types of cheese or fillings inside the pretzel dogs, such as cheddar, pepper jack, or sauerkraut
  • Make mini pretzel dogs by using cocktail-sized hot dogs and smaller sections of dough
  • Try different toppings for the pretzel dogs, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated cheese
  • Create a sweet version by sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top of the pretzel dogs before baking
  • Make pretzel bites by cutting the dough into small pieces and wrapping them around bite-sized pieces of hot dog
  • For a spicy twist, add some hot sauce or chili powder to the dough mixture
  • Experiment with different shapes for the pretzel dogs, such as twists, braids, or knots

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you step by step on how to make delicious Pretzel Dogs from scratch. Pretzel Dogs are the perfect blend of soft, chewy pretzel wrapped around a juicy hot dog. It's a fun and tasty treat that you can make at home. The process involves making a simple yeast dough, giving it time to rise, rolling and wrapping it around hot dogs, and then boiling and baking for the perfect pretzel texture. Expect to indulge in a warm, salty, savory snack with a golden, buttery crust and a soft bread interior cradling a flavorful hot dog. Perfect for parties, game days, or just a unique family meal, Pretzel Dogs are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the process and most importantly, enjoy your homemade Pretzel Dogs!

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount of instant yeast as specified for active dry yeast.
  2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Whole wheat flour can be used, but keep in mind that it will yield a denser and heartier pretzel dog compared to using all-purpose flour.
  3. Can I make the dough by hand without a stand mixer? Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand if you don't have a stand mixer. It will require more effort and time to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Can I freeze the pretzel dogs? Yes, you can freeze the baked pretzel dogs. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed through.
  5. Can I reheat the pretzel dogs in a microwave? While it is possible to reheat the pretzel dogs in a microwave, the texture may become soft and less crispy. It is recommended to use an oven for reheating to maintain the desired texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used for baking the pretzel dogs in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the pretzel dogs from sticking.
  • Large bowl - Used for mixing the dough ingredients and allowing the dough to rise.
  • Plastic wrap - Used to cover the bowl and protect the dough while it rises.
  • Stand mixer with dough hook attachment - Helps mix and knead the dough efficiently.
  • Vegetable oil - Used for greasing the bowl and brushing the baking sheet.
  • Saucepan - Used for boiling the pretzels in water and baking soda solution.
  • Large flat spatula - Used to remove the boiled pretzels from the water.
  • Brush - Used to brush the pretzels with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture before baking.
  • Cooling rack - Used to cool the pretzel dogs after baking.

Origin stories

The pretzel dog, a delightful combination of a hot dog wrapped in a soft pretzel, is a relatively recent invention in the grand timeline of culinary history. Its roots can be traced back to the ballparks of America, where concessionaires were always on the lookout for the next great snack to feed their sports-loving patrons. While the history of the pretzel dates back to medieval European monks who used them to reward children for good deeds, and the hot dog is a product of German immigration to the United States, marrying the two together was a distinctly American innovation. This delicious food fusion is now enjoyed at stadiums, on boardwalks, and in homes across the country, proving once again the American knack for combining the best of different culinary traditions into something new and delicious.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.