Pretzel Dogs - 1

By Becky Hardin

Updated Feb 6, 2025

pretzel dogs pinterest. - 2 pretzel dogs pinterest. - 3 pretzel dogs pinterest. - 4

Homemade Pretzel Dogs are my go-to appetizer for parties and game day. They are easy to make and so delicious! You’ll love the crunchy, chewy texture from the hot dogs wrapped in an easy bread dough. These are better than any pretzel hot dog you’ll find in the mall!

a tray of crispy pretzel dogs with a small bowl of dipping sauce - 5

These pretzel wrapped hot dogs are so fun. They look great and are delicious! Always a hit on game day with the kids, or for a BBQ or picnic.

I love the chewy salty pretzel dough surrounding a savory beef hot dog, perfectly crispy when baked. I bet making dough at home is easier than you think.

Pretzel Wrapped Hot Dogs

Pretzel dogs are the delicious combination of salty, chewy soft pretzels and juicy hot dogs . What’s not to love? Ditch the mall bought versions and rustle up this yummy appetizer at home. They make for a delicious lunch, dinner or party snack . Make a big batch and kids and adults will flock to them!

Looking for more oven baked recipes? Why not also try my Garlic Pull Apart Rolls and my Dutch Oven Jalapeno Bread ?

I insist on sprinkling some garlic parmesan seasoning to make garlic parmesan pretzel dogs. I love garlic parmesan and have also made French Fries , Homemade Tortilla Chips , Roasted Asparagus , and Pasta Chips .

Ingredients

  • Water: Make sure it’s warm so the yeast blooms properly. This gives the pretzel dough moisture.
  • Brown Sugar: Acts as food for the yeast. Granulated sugar or honey could be used if you prefer.
  • Yeast: I’m using active dry yeast. If you use instant yeast, skip step 1 and simply mix all of the ingredients together at once.
  • Flour: Gives the pretzels structure. If your dough feels especially wet, you can add up to ¼ cup additional flour.
  • Salt: Kosher salt enhances the flavor of the dough. I highly recommend kosher salt, not table salt.
  • Hot Dogs: I’m using classic all-beef hot dogs! Don’t use jumbo size, regular size is best.
  • Egg: Helps the salt stick to the pretzels but it also helps the pretzels brown in the oven. Make sure your egg is at room temperature.
pretzel dog ingredients - 6

Variations & Substitutions

  • You can make pretzel dogs with wheat flour instead of white flour as well. Wheat flour tends to be more dense than white, so you may need to add extra water to the dough to keep it from being too thick and heavy.
  • To make pretzel dogs into mini pretzel dogs, cut the hot dogs into 3 or 4 small pieces, then wrap them in smaller pieces of pretzel rope. Boil, then bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • I love all-beef hot dogs for their classic taste, but you can use beef and pork, pork, or even chicken hot dogs.
  • Try switching up the hot dogs for sausages, cheese-stuffed brats, or vegan hot dogs!
  • Try topping the pretzels with granulated garlic, everything bagel seasoning, or pretzel salt.
  • Use frozen dinner rolls in place of making pretzel dough from scratch. Thaw it the night before and use.
  • To make vegan or vegetarian pretzel dogs, use vegetarian hot dog and vegan butter.

Pretzel Dogs vs Pigs In A Blanket

Pretzel dogs and pigs in a blanket are prepared nearly the same; however, pretzel dogs are wrapped in pretzel dough and pigs in a blanket are wrapped in plain or croissant dough.

Another difference is pretzel dogs are boiled in soda water to get that signature chewy texture and brown color.

Air Fryer Pretzel Dogs

Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil, then place the dogs a few inches apart to leave room for expansion (you may need to cook in batches). Heat the air fryer to 390°F and bake for about 7 minutes, or until lightly browned, flipping halfway through if desired. You can make donuts in air fryer too!

What does it mean to “bloom” yeast?

To bloom yeast means to dissolve it in warm liquid (often with a little bit of sugar) and leave it for a few minutes, or until foamy. Proofing yeast ensures that it is alive and vigorous enough to make your dough rise.

Tips For Success

  • I recommend using your favorite brand of hot dogs so you know you’ll love them! Make sure to pat them dry before wrapping in the dough.
  • Do not skip the baking soda bath. This step is responsible for the authentic golden brown, chewy texture.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerate: Store leftover pretzel dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Freeze: You can freeze pretzel dogs before or after baking. Before baking, space out pretzel dogs in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

After baking, store in a airtight container or Ziplock bag and store for up to 3-4 months. Reheat and serve.

homemade pretzel dogs on a tray - 7

Serving Suggestions

These easy pretzel dogs are made for dipping. One of my favorite dipping sauces for pretzel dogs is a spicy honey mustard! Mix ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup grainy mustard, and a dash of hot sauce in a small bowl.

I also tried these oven baked pretzels dogs with Homemade Buffalo Sauce , Fry Sauce , and Chick Fil A Sauce . Dip, dunk, smother—there’s so many yummy dipping sauces to try!

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1 cup water 227 grams, warm (100-110°F)
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon brown sugar 13 grams
  • ▢ 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 7 grams (1 envelope)
  • ▢ 2¼ cups all-purpose flour 270 grams
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 grams
  • ▢ 8 hot dogs all-beef recommended
  • ▢ ¼ cup baking soda 72 grams
  • ▢ 1 large egg 50 grams, beaten with a splash of water
  • ▢ flaky salt for garnish
  • ▢ sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Video

Instructions

  • Add the warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast to a large bowl and stir to combine. Set aside for the yeast to bloom for 5 minutes. 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • Add the flour and kosher salt. Stir with a dough whisk or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until it is smooth and tacky, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know the dough is ready when you poke it gently and it springs back.
  • Cover the dough (with plastic wrap or a damp towel) and place it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, about 90 minutes.
  • When the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch long rope and then wrap it around one of the hot dogs. Pinch the seams together at the ends to ensure the pretzel dough doesn’t become unwrapped. 8 hot dogs
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium (a gentle boil) and very slowly add the baking soda. ¼ cup baking soda
  • Cook the pretzels in the boiling water 1-2 at a time (making sure not to crowd the pan) for 30 seconds. Then flip the pretzel dogs and cook them for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Remove the pretzels from the water bath and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  • Brush the pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with salt or sesame seeds. 1 large egg, flaky salt, sesame seeds
  • Bake the pretzel dogs for 20-22 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown. Serve immediately.

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale (optional)
  • Baking Sheet

Becky’s Tips

  • Try switching up the hot dogs for sausages, cheese-stuffed brats, or vegan hot dogs!
  • Try topping the pretzels with granulated garlic or everything bagel seasoning.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces!
  • For a time-saving hack, use store-bought pizza dough. Begin the recipe at step 5.
  • To make vegan or vegetarian pretzel dogs, use vegetarian hot dogs and vegan butter.
  • You can make pretzel dogs with wheat flour instead of white flour as well. Wheat flour tends to be more dense than white, so you may need to add extra water to the dough to keep it from being too thick and heavy.
  • Do not skip the baking soda bath. This step is responsible for the authentic golden brown chewy texture.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

How to Make Pretzel Dogs

Bloom the yeast: In a large bowl add 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 2¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast and stir to combine. Set aside for the yeast to bloom for 5 minutes.

yeast blooming in a bowl - 8

Prepare the dough: Mix your dough ingredients, add 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in the same bowl. Stir with a dough whisk or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

mixing dough in a bowl - 9

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until it is smooth and tacky. It takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know the dough is ready when you poke in it gently and it springs back.

small ball of dough in a mixing bowl - 10

Proof the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp towel and place it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, about 90 minutes.

homemade dough in a bowl - 11

Wrap the hot dogs: When the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch long rope.

a hot dog and a piece of dough lined up on a cutting board - 12

Wrap it around one of the hot dogs (I use 8 hot dogs in total). Pinch the seams together at the ends to ensure the pretzel dough doesn’t become unwrapped.

hot dog wrapped in dough on a cutting board - 13

Preheat the oven and boil in baking soda bath: Preheat the oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium (a gentle boil) and very slowly add ¼ cup baking soda.

Cook the pretzels in the boiling water 1-2 at a time (making sure not to crowd the pan) for 30 seconds. Then flip the pretzel dogs and cook them for an additional 30 seconds.

pretzel dog submerged in water - 14

Bake & Serve: Remove the pretzels from the water bath and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.

unbaked pretzel dogs lined up on a tray - 15

Brush the pretzels with egg wash, sprinkle with salt and bake for 20 to 22 mins.

baked pretzel dogs on a baking tray - 16

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Simple and delicious! These pretzel dogs are that perfect combination of crispy, juicy and savory! They’ll become a favorite with kids and adults. Great as part of a meal or party snack, use your favorite hot dogs and whip these up in no time!

hand dipping a pretzel dog into a dip - 17

More Beef Recipes that we love:

Cooked Denver steaks searing in a cast iron skillet with garlic and thyme, showing a deep brown crust - 18 Cooked Denver steaks searing in a cast iron skillet with garlic and thyme, showing a deep brown crust - 19

Denver Steak

Bowl of crockpot stuffed pepper soup with ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and fresh parsley - 20 Bowl of crockpot stuffed pepper soup with ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and fresh parsley - 21

Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Beef Bourguignon is a delicious beef stew that's perfect for winter meals. Also known as beef burgundy or boeuf bourguignon, this dish is hearty and filling. This beef bourguignon recipe is made with beef, red wine, beef broth, and lots of vegetables. Serve this beef burgundy stew with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or all on its own. It's delicious no matter what! - 22 Beef Bourguignon is a delicious beef stew that's perfect for winter meals. Also known as beef burgundy or boeuf bourguignon, this dish is hearty and filling. This beef bourguignon recipe is made with beef, red wine, beef broth, and lots of vegetables. Serve this beef burgundy stew with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or all on its own. It's delicious no matter what! - 23

Beef Bourguignon (Beef Burgundy)

A bowl of hearty beef stew filled with tender beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and celery in a rich broth, with a jar of homemade beef stew seasoning beside it. - 24 A bowl of hearty beef stew filled with tender beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and celery in a rich broth, with a jar of homemade beef stew seasoning beside it. - 25

Beef Stew Seasoning

Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe is the only recipe I need in life! Pot Roast is my absolute favorite! There's something about the tender meat, potatoes, carrots, and THAT SAUCE that is so comforting and delicious. This is the BEST POT ROAST RECIPE of all time. If you're in the mood for comfort food, you have to learn how to make this Pot Roast! - 26 Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe is the only recipe I need in life! Pot Roast is my absolute favorite! There's something about the tender meat, potatoes, carrots, and THAT SAUCE that is so comforting and delicious. This is the BEST POT ROAST RECIPE of all time. If you're in the mood for comfort food, you have to learn how to make this Pot Roast! - 27

Instant Pot Pot Roast

Close-up of juicy air fryer steak bites on a white plate with a side of creamy dipping sauce and a gold fork lifting a piece. - 28 Close-up of juicy air fryer steak bites on a white plate with a side of creamy dipping sauce and a gold fork lifting a piece. - 29

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Overhead view of a bowl filled with hearty cowboy beans made with mixed beans, ground beef, and bacon, garnished with chopped green onions and served with a gold spoon. - 30 Overhead view of a bowl filled with hearty cowboy beans made with mixed beans, ground beef, and bacon, garnished with chopped green onions and served with a gold spoon. - 31

Cowboy Beans

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Beef Barley Soup

homemade pretzel dogs on a tray - 34

Pretzel Dogs Recipe

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale (optional)
  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water 227 grams, warm (100-110°F)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar 13 grams
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 7 grams (1 envelope)
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour 270 grams
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 grams
  • 8 hot dogs all-beef recommended
  • ¼ cup baking soda 72 grams
  • 1 large egg 50 grams, beaten with a splash of water
  • flaky salt for garnish
  • sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Add the warm water, brown sugar, and active dry yeast to a large bowl and stir to combine. Set aside for the yeast to bloom for 5 minutes. 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • Add the flour and kosher salt. Stir with a dough whisk or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until it is smooth and tacky, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know the dough is ready when you poke it gently and it springs back.
  • Cover the dough (with plastic wrap or a damp towel) and place it in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, about 90 minutes.
  • When the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 10-inch long rope and then wrap it around one of the hot dogs. Pinch the seams together at the ends to ensure the pretzel dough doesn’t become unwrapped. 8 hot dogs
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium (a gentle boil) and very slowly add the baking soda. ¼ cup baking soda
  • Cook the pretzels in the boiling water 1-2 at a time (making sure not to crowd the pan) for 30 seconds. Then flip the pretzel dogs and cook them for an additional 30 seconds.
  • Remove the pretzels from the water bath and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  • Brush the pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle with salt or sesame seeds. 1 large egg, flaky salt, sesame seeds
  • Bake the pretzel dogs for 20-22 minutes or until the pretzels are golden brown. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Try switching up the hot dogs for sausages, cheese-stuffed brats, or vegan hot dogs!
  • Try topping the pretzels with granulated garlic or everything bagel seasoning.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces!
  • For a time-saving hack, use store-bought pizza dough. Begin the recipe at step 5.
  • To make vegan or vegetarian pretzel dogs, use vegetarian hot dogs and vegan butter.
  • You can make pretzel dogs with wheat flour instead of white flour as well. Wheat flour tends to be more dense than white, so you may need to add extra water to the dough to keep it from being too thick and heavy.
  • Do not skip the baking soda bath. This step is responsible for the authentic golden brown chewy texture.

Nutrition

Pretzel Dogs - 35

By Becky Hardin

Published Jul 12, 2017

A screenshot of text - 36 basic grocery list - 37 grocery list iPad image - 38 grocery list free printable - 39 essential grocery list - 40

This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

essential grocery list - 41

Essential Grocery List

It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!

It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.

However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.

In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.

I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

grocery list iPad - 42

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List

What to Buy at the Grocery Store

This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.

When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.

So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Fresh Produce

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Strawberries
  • Avocados
  • Bell Peppers
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Garlic
  • Lemons/Limes
  • Onion
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro
  • Basil
  • Potatoes
  • Spinach
  • Tomatoes

GRAINS

  • Breadcrumbs
  • Pasta
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Sandwich Bread
  • Tortillas

MEAT/PROTEIN

  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Ground Beef
  • Sliced Turkey
  • Lunch Meat

DAIRY

  • Butter
  • Sliced Cheese
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Milk
  • Sour Cream
  • Greek Yogurt

BAKING GOODS

  • Baking powder
  • Baking Soda
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Brown Sugar
  • Flour
  • Honey
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Dry Yeast
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Powdered Sugar

FREEZER

  • Fruit and Berries
  • Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
  • Juice Concentrate
  • Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
  • Pie Crust
  • Cookie Dough

CANNED/DRIED GOODS

  • Chicken stock/broth
  • Salsa
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Jam/Jelly
  • Peanut Butter
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
  • Soups
  • Tuna
  • Green Chiles
  • Canned Veggies
  • Coffee or Tea

Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods

CONDIMENTS/SPICES

  • Black Pepper
  • Chili Powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Crushed Red Pepper
  • Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayo
  • Nutmeg
  • Paprika
  • Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
  • Soy Sauce
  • Steak Sauce
  • Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
  • Salad Dressings

OILS/VINEGARS

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Coconut Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Vegetable/Canola Oil
  • Red Wine Vinegar
  • White Vinegar
  • Cooking Wine
  • White Wine Vinegar

SNACKS

  • Crackers
  • Nuts
  • Quick Oats
  • Popcorn
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Cereal

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Pretzel Dogs - 43

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!

I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!

Stock Your Kitchen

Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

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Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

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Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

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Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

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Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen

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Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use

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26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

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What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?

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Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

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How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

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Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart

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How to Cut Recipes in Half