Pretzel Dogs

Fresh, buttery, salty, warm, and just begging to be devoured. These pretzel dogs are a deliciously fun alternative to classic, soft pretzels.

this recipe!

Whether you are making them as an easy lunch item or serve them up at your next get together with a warm and glorious cheese dip, kids and grown-ups alike will be salivating. And guess what? They are easier to whip up than you would think!

Added perk - pretzel dogs freeze extremely well! When I make a batch of these, I will individually wrap the leftover one's and freeze them. They make a delicious, quick and easy lunch item to send in my daughter's school lunch and she loves them!

Ingredients

For the Soft Pretzel Dough

2 Tbsp. Yeast (active dry).

1 ¾ c. Warm Water.

¼ c Brown Sugar.

1 teaspoon Vanilla.

4 c. Flour.

½ tsp. Salt

For Dipping the Pretzel Dogs Before Baking

2 Tbsp. Baking Soda.

2 c. Hot Water (as hot as your fingers can stand).

Topping

Coarse Salt.

Directions

Making the Dough

Mix water, yeast, and brown sugar together. Let rest for 5 minutes, to allow the yeast to activate.

Next, turn your mixer on a medium low setting and gradually add vanilla, flour and salt. The dough should be slightly tack to the touch.

When the dough is thoroughly mixed, cover the mixing bowl with a clean kitchen towel (or clear wrap) and let rise for 30 minutes.

Creating the Pretzel Dogs

After the dough has risen, remove it from the mixing bowl and place on a clean, very lightly floured surface.

Before rolling the pretzel dough, preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Next, mix the hot water and baking soda in a bowl and set aside.

Grab a dough ball, about 2 inches in diameter. Between your 2 hands, roll the dough back and forth to make it oblong. Then, put it on the counter and roll back and forth. Start with both hands centered on the dough. Gently roll back and forth and slowly move your hands towards the ends of the dough. Try to keep the dough an even thickness the entire length of the rope. When it is about 20 inches long, it is ready for wrapping!

Grab a hot dog. Starting at the one end of the dog, spiral-wrap the dough around length of the dog. Just tear off any extra dough, when you reach the other end.

Dip and roll the pretzel dog in the baking soda-water mixture for a few seconds and place on a parchment covered baking sheet.

Immediately, sprinkle the top of the pretzel with the coarse salt. (If you wait too long to put the salt on top, the pretzel will begin to dry off and the salt will not want to stick.)

Repeat this process, spacing pretzels about 2 inches apart.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 7-9 minutes, until a deep, golden brown. With how thick they are, you want to be sure to bake them long enough to cook the dough through.

This recipe should yield about 12-15 pretzel dogs, filling 2 pans.

Time to devour some pretzels!

Serving Suggestions

Congratulations on making these delicious Soft Pretzel Dogs! Now that they're fresh out of the oven, it's time to savor every bite. Here are some serving suggestions to make your pretzel dogs even more delightful:

• Classic Dipping Sauces: Soft Pretzel Dogs are fantastic with classic dipping sauces. Offer your guests an array of options like yellow mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup, or cheese sauce. These sauces complement the savory pretzel and enhance the flavor.
• Gourmet Mustard Bar: Elevate your pretzel dog experience with a gourmet mustard bar. Include a variety of mustards like honey dijon, spicy brown, and whole grain. Let your guests experiment with different flavors to find their favorite pairing. I’ve done this when hosting an Oktoberfest themed gathering and it was a real hit!
• Pickle Perfection: Sliced dill pickles or pickle relish add a tangy kick to your pretzel dogs. Their zesty flavor pairs wonderfully with the salty pretzel crust.
• Fresh Fruit Platter: Balance the savory pretzel dogs with a refreshing fruit platter. Sliced apples, grapes, and berries make for a sweet and healthy accompaniment.
• Homemade Lemonade: - Quench your thirst with homemade lemonade or a refreshing iced tea. These beverages balance the saltiness of the pretzel dogs.

Whether you're hosting a game day gathering, a family picnic, lunch with your kiddos, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will help you create a memorable and enjoyable dining experience with your homemade Soft Pretzel Dogs. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Print