Mini Pretzel Dogs

Mini pretzel dogs are the perfect combo of stadium hot dogs and soft pretzels, only bite sized. They’re essentially two game day favorites wrapped into one!

These mini pretzel dogs are perfect for parties or any day that ends with a y! For more must-make appetizers try Pizza Bagel Bites, Artichoke Dip, and Jalapeno Poppers.

Mini Pretzel Dogs sprinkled with salt

Pretzel Dog

Please tell me I’m not the only one who grew up eating pigs in a blanket?!

Today’s recipe is a grown-up version of my childhood favorite… made with a thick, crusty pretzel dough and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. They’re little bites of heaven!

I’ve always had a thing for homemade soft pretzels. But this time around I wanted to make something extra special with them, something even my husband would love (he’s not a huge fan of just plain ‘ole pretzels). So I decided to do the whole pretzel hot dog combo. 

If you’re looking for a tasty little appetizer or a game day snack, you’ve gotta try these yummy mini pretzel dogs. Everyone will go wild for them!!

A stack of pretzel hot dogs with a side of ketchup

Making PRetzel dogs

PREP. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.

DOUGH. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, yeast and salt on low for 30 seconds. Add the melted butter and water, mix just until a soft dough forms. Switch to the dough hook and knead on low for 5 minutes.

RISE. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. TURN THE OVEN OFF and place in the oven to rise for 1 hour.

PREP. Fill a large stock pot about 2/3 full of water and place on stovetop. Add the baking soda and bring to a boil.

BOIL. While the water is coming to a boil, divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Roll it out with a rolling pin or use your hands to create a rectangle. Wrap around each half and pinch at the bottom. Make sure that it’s sealed together well so that it doesn’t come undone while it boils or bakes. Put the dogs into the boiling water (4 at a time) for 30 seconds, then transfer them onto a baking sheet lined with baking mats or buttered parchment.

PREP. Turn oven on to 425 degrees.

BAKE. Beat the egg and the water in a small mixing bowl and brush over the tops of the dough. Sprinkle with salt (slit the tops if desired, just take care not to go all the way down to the hot dog) and place into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until deep golden brown. Remove and enjoy warm.

A mini pretzel dog on a toothpick

Tips, Variations + Storing Info

As a shortcut you can use cocktail wieners (lil’ smokies), use premade pizza dough or crescent roll dough

If your mixture is not bubbling you may have killed your yeast. There really isn’t any coming back from this, you just need to start over. 

Variations:

  • Add some spices/herbs to the pretzel dough
  • Use bratwurst or Polish sausage
  • Have a dipping sauce to serve with them:
    • Mustard and ketchup
    • Chili sauce
    • Spicy horseradish
    • Relish

STORE the leftover dogs in an airtight container in the fridge. To avoid them getting soggy line the bottom of the container with paper-towels. Microwave the leftover pretzel dogs until warmed through.

If you have made too many pretzel dogs you can easily FREEZE them for a quick snack later. Assemble and bake as normal but then let them cool completely. After they have completely cooled, layer them in a freezer safe bag and keep in the freezer for up to a month. Reheat on a tray in the oven at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes or until heated through.

To make these ahead of time, after wrapping the dough around the hot dogs place them on a cookie sheet and wrap it with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 hours.

Mini Pretzel Dogs | lifemadesimplebakes.com

For more tasty appetizers, try:

Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest!

Mini Pretzel Dogs | lifemadesimplebakes.com

Mini Pretzel Dogs Recipe

Mini pretzel dogs are the perfect combo of stadium hot dogs and soft pretzels, only bite sized. They're essentially two game day favorites wrapped into one!
5 from 7 votes
Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 16 mini dogs
Calories: 139kcal
Author: Andrea
Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp kosher sea salt
  • 2 tbsp butter - melted
  • 3/4 cup water - lukewarm (110 degrees F)

For Boiling

  • 1/3 cup baking soda
  • 8 hot dogs - cut in half
  • 1 large egg - +1 tbsp water
  • kosher sea salt - for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, sugar, yeast and salt on low for 30 seconds. Add the melted butter and water, mix just until a soft dough forms. Switch to the dough hook and knead on low for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. TURN THE OVEN OFF and place in the oven to rise for 1 hour.
  • Fill a large stock pot about 2/3 full of water and place on stovetop. Add the baking soda and bring to a boil. While the water is coming to a boil, divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Roll it out with a rolling pin or use your hands to create a rectangle. Wrap around each half and pinch at the bottom. Make sure that it's sealed together well so that it doesn't come undone while it boils or bakes.
  • Turn oven on to 425 degrees.
  • Put the dogs into the boiling water (4 at a time) for 30 seconds, then transfer them onto a baking sheet lined with baking mats or buttered parchment.
  • Beat the egg and the water in a small mixing bowl and brush over the tops of the dough. Sprinkle with salt (slit the tops if desired, just take care not to go all the way down to the hot dog) and place into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until deep golden brown. Remove and enjoy warm.

NOTES

  • If you want to stuff the dogs with pickles or cheese, slice them in half lengthwise (taking care not to cut them in half) and place a slice of pickle or cheese inside. FULLY WRAP the hot dogs with the dough, follow the directions as written.

Nutrition

Serving: 16serving | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 1001mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 61IU | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg

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About the Author

Andrea

Hi I'm Andrea!

Hotelier turned Food Blogger to help make your life simple, one recipe at a time.

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Comments:

  1. 5 stars
    I love pretzels and pigs in a blanket so this is two favorites of mine combined! So much good flavor.