You can be enjoying these Easy Pretzel Dogs in no time! I’ve got a quick start tip that will have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes – with no yeast, no kneading, and no waiting!
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Quick and Delicious Pretzel Dogs: Perfect Game Day Food
When it comes to game day food or casual gatherings, having a lineup of great hot dog recipes is essential. Enter Pretzel Dogs, a crowd-pleasing favorite that combines the beloved flavors of hot dogs with the irresistible appeal of soft pretzels.
If you’re looking for game day meal ideas or simply craving a quick and tasty treat, Pretzel Dogs are the answer. You can never have too many game day meal ideas.
While I do enjoy making my own breads, sometimes I need a quicker solution. That’s when I discovered a fantastic shortcut – using refrigerated pizza dough to craft these delightful Pretzel Dogs. This method eliminates the need for yeast, kneading, and the waiting time typically associated with traditional pretzel recipes.
Pretzel Dogs are not only a hit on game day but also a versatile snack that can satisfy your cravings any time. They offer the perfect blend of salty, savory, and doughy goodness that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s perfect if you’re looking for new hot dog recipes!
Whether you’re hosting a sports-themed gathering or just want a simple yet satisfying snack, Pretzel Dogs should be on your list of go-to hot dog recipes. The convenience of using refrigerated pizza dough makes this dish accessible to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned cooks.
So, the next time you’re in need of game day food that will impress your guests (or a dinner idea for the family), consider whipping up a batch of these Quick and Delicious Pretzel Dogs. They are a winning choice for any occasion and a delightful twist on the classic hot dog.
Let me show you how to make one of the easiest game day meal ideas …
Pretzel Dogs: Ingredients & Equipment
To make this hot dog recipe and game day food, you will need …
Ingredients
- refrigerated pizza crust – If you don’t have refrigerated pizza dough, you can substitute it with other pre-made dough options like crescent roll dough or biscuit dough. You can also make your own pretzel dough using a basic bread dough recipe, which includes flour, yeast, water, sugar, and salt.
- hot dogs – While classic hot dogs are the standard choice, you can use different types of sausages or vegan sausages as a substitute. Experiment with various flavors to suit your taste preferences.
- water
- baking soda – If you don’t have baking soda on hand for the boiling step, you can use baking powder as a substitute. However, you’ll need to use more baking powder (about 3 times as much) since it’s less concentrated than baking soda. Keep in mind that this may affect the flavor slightly.
- large egg yolk – To brush the pretzel dogs, you can substitute the egg yolk with melted butter or milk for a glossy finish. It won’t have the same richness as the egg yolk, but it will work as a coating.
- kosher salt – If you don’t have kosher salt, you can use regular table salt as a substitute for sprinkling on top of the pretzel dogs. Just be mindful of the salt’s intensity, as table salt is finer and saltier than kosher salt, so you may need less.
NOTE: Remember that substitutions can alter the taste and texture of the final product, so it’s a good idea to adjust quantities and flavors according to your preferences.
Equipment
- baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- large pot
- rolling pin – or clean hands
- knife
- silicone brush
Serving Suggestions For Pretzel Dogs
- Classic Condiments: Serve Pretzel Dogs with classic condiments like ketchup, mustard, and relish for that traditional hot dog flavor.
- Cheese Dip: A warm, velvety cheese dip is a crowd-pleaser. Try cheddar, nacho cheese, or a homemade cheese sauce for dipping.
- Spicy Variations: Spice things up with jalapeño slices, hot sauce, or sriracha mayo. These add a kick to your Pretzel Dogs.
- Sauerkraut: For a tangy twist, top your Pretzel Dogs with sauerkraut. The sourness complements the savory hot dog and dough.
- Sweet and Savory: Opt for a combination of flavors by drizzling honey mustard or a honey glaze for that sweet and savory contrast.
- Pickles: Add a crunchy element by serving dill pickles or pickled onions on the side.
- Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings make a tasty accompaniment, offering both texture and flavor.
- Potato Salad: A side of potato salad or coleslaw balances the richness of Pretzel Dogs with a refreshing side dish.
- Beverages: Pair Pretzel Dogs with a variety of beverages like soda, lemonade, or even beer for adult gatherings.
- Side of Fries: Classic French fries or sweet potato fries can be served alongside for a complete meal.
How to make Pretzel Dogs
Pretzel Dogs: FAQs
Boiling the dough-wrapped hot dogs in a baking soda water solution is a crucial step in making Pretzel Dogs. It gives the pretzel dough its signature chewy texture and adds a distinct flavor. It also helps the dough brown beautifully when baked.
Absolutely! These hot dogs are highly customizable. You can experiment with different toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, or even cheese. Customize them to suit your taste.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven until they are heated through and crispy again.
Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the freezer. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator and then warm them up in the oven.
Yes, they pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces. Popular choices include mustard, ketchup, cheese sauce, and honey mustard. Customize your dipping sauces to enhance the flavor experience of this game day food.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Easy Pretzel Dogs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- ⅓ cup baking soda
- 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust 13.8 oz.
- 1 package hot dogs 16 oz.
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon water
- Kosher salt optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease with vegetable oil. Set aside.
- Stir the baking soda into 5 cups water in a large pot until dissolved, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Turn the pizza dough out onto a lightly oiled surface. Press or roll the dough into a rectangle.
- Cut the dough in half lengthwise. Then, cut into 4 equal sections width-wise. Wrap each square tightly around a hot dog, pinching the edges to seal and leaving the ends open. About half an inch of the hot dog should peek out of each end of the dough wrapper.
- Drop 2 or 3 dough-wrapped hot dogs into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Then, arrange the boiled hot dogs on the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with remaining hot dogs.
- Beat the egg yolk in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon water. Brush each pretzel dog with the egg yolk mixture, and sprinkle with salt, if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Boiling the dough-wrapped hot dogs in a baking soda water solution is a crucial step in making Pretzel Dogs. It gives the pretzel dough its signature chewy texture and adds a distinct flavor. It also helps the dough brown beautifully when baked.
- Pretzel Dogs are highly customizable. You can experiment with different toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, or even cheese. Customize them to suit your taste.
- Leftover Pretzel Dogs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven until they are heated through and crispy again.
- You can freeze Pretzel Dogs. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and then warm them up in the oven.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on March 7, 2016. Updated on January 7, 2024.
Love how easy these pretzel dogs are to make !
We tend to gravitate toward some sort of pasta when we are in a rush for dinner! We definitely eat Mac & Cheese once a week and the family loves it!
I'm always a sucker for a pretzel bun and I love what you did with these! We always have Mac & Cheese and Hot Dogs and this twist looks fabulous! Can't beat that Kraft Mac & Cheese!
These are so fun! My family would love them!
These are so fun! My family would love them!
What an amazing using biscuit dough as a pretzel wrap! I love this idea, and mac & cheese is the very best side dish for these dogs!
These are awesome! The perfect side to our FAVORITE…mac & cheese! 🙂
This is my kind of meal that I crave! I'm a huge mac and cheese fan – will need to give the new stuff a try!!
My son Madden has requested these for this birthday party lunch. Thanks for the recipe friend.
You don't have to be a kid to love these!! The hubby and I would love them!!
I love what you did with these! We always have Mac & Cheese and Hot Dogs and this twist looks fabulous! Can't beat that Kraft Mac & Cheese! login
Used your recipe this morning to try making my own pretzel dogs and it turned out pretty tasty. Changed to beddar cheddar brats and used pillsbury pizza dough. I had a couple trial and error attempts when wrapping and found doing a braided top was easier than trying just to wrap the dough around as it wasn’t wanting to stay wrapped. Lol. Got some pics if you want to see. With the extra dough scraps made tiny knots and rosettes. Look forward to finding more recipes to try. Thanks.