Mini Pretzel Dogs are the snack you didn’t know you needed. They’re a perfect blend of hot dogs and pretzels, bite-sized and delicious!
These Mini Pretzel Dogs are a fun, crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. Juicy hot dogs are wrapped in soft, chewy pretzel dough and baked until golden brown, then finished with a sprinkle of coarse salt for that classic pretzel flavor. Everyone will keep coming back for more!
For more appetizers the whole crowd will love you have to try my Pizza Bagel Bites, Artichoke Dip, and Jalapeño Poppers.
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
- Butter: Melted butter adds a rich, buttery flavor that makes the dough so tender and delicious.
- Hot dogs: These are the juicy, savory centerpieces to this dish.
- Kosher Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top gives the pretzels that classic salty finish and adds a little crunch.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Time-Saving Alternative: For a faster prep time, use cocktail wieners (Lil’ Smokies) and substitute the homemade pretzel dough with premade pizza dough or crescent roll dough. This shortcut maintains great taste with less effort.
- Sausage Variation: For a flavorful twist, substitute the hot dogs with bratwurst or Polish sausage. This variation adds a rich, savory taste to your Mini Pretzel Dogs.
How to Make Mini Pretzel Dogs
Step 1: Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius).
Step 2: 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, and mix just until a soft dough forms. Switch to the dough hook and knead on low for 5 minutes.
Step 3: 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.
Step 4: Fill a large stockpot about 2/3 full of water and place it on the 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.
Step 5: Turn the oven on to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius).
Step 6: 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.
Step 7: 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.
Expert Tips
- Check Yeast Activity: Make sure the water is lukewarm (110 degrees Fahrenheit / 43 degrees Celsius) before adding it to the dough. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold can prevent it from activating. If your mixture is not bubbling, you may have killed your yeast. Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to fix this; you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast to ensure proper dough rising.
- Shape Uniformly: Divide dough into 16 pieces using a kitchen scale to ensure each piece is equal in size. This helps the pretzel dogs bake evenly and look more professional.
FAQs
Mustard and ketchup, chili sauce, spicy horseradish, and relish are all excellent dipping options that pair well with the savory flavor of Mini Pretzel Dogs.
Yes, you can make Mini Pretzel Dogs in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and cook for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Storage Info
To STORE leftover Mini Pretzel Dogs, place them in an airtight container in the fridge, lining the bottom with paper towels to avoid sogginess. Microwave until warmed through.
If you have made too many, you can easily FREEZE them. Assemble and bake as normal, then let them cool completely. Layer in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to a month.
REHEAT on a tray in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) for 12-14 minutes or until heated through.
More Tasty Appetizers to Try
Mini Pretzel Dogs 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 Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius).
- 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, and 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 stockpot about 2/3 full of water and place it on the 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 the oven on to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius).
- 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, and follow the directions as written.
Such a fun twist on pretzels, my kids went crazy for them!
I love pretzels and pigs in a blanket so this is two favorites of mine combined! So much good flavor.
These are always a party favorite!! They couldn’t be easier & they are soft & delicious!
My kids love pigs in a blanket, so I made these and they loved these ones so much more! My hubby and I made so many sauces to go with these. Such an easy and perfect snack for the kids!
Dipping sauces make everything more fun. I’m so happy your kids enjoy them!