Pretzel Dogs are juicy sausage franks wrapped in pizza dough, then given a classic pretzel twist with a baking soda bath before being sprinkled with salt and baked to golden brown. It is a delicious appetizer or meal that both kids and adults will love! And, you can also make these in an air fryer. If you prefer mini dogs, check out my Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket, made with cocktail-sized sausages.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sausage Franks: I used sausage franks in this recipe, but you could use your favorite frank or hot dog. Try beef, chicken, pork, turkey, or vegetarian sausages. All are great substitutions.
- Pizza Dough: To make this recipe super easy, use store-bought pizza dough. Or, make my easy pizza crust dough to use. Both are excellent options!
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is a key ingredient in this recipe. When the dough is dipped in water mixed with baking soda before baking, it makes the outside of the pretzel dog turn golden brown and gives it a little extra flavor. This also makes the outside a bit crispy and chewy, just like my soft pretzel bites!
- Egg: Brush a beaten over the pretzel pigs in a blanket before baking. Then, sprinkle a little bit of salt on top. Bake to golden brown.
Can I Assemble Pretzel Dogs Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can definitely get the dough rolled out, cut, and wrapped around the sausage franks. Once wrapped, place them onto a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator overnight, or up to a day or two. When ready to bake, let them come to room temperature before boiling, topping with egg wash and salt, and baking.
How To Serve Pretzel Dogs: Delicious Ideas & Pairings!
Pretzel dogs are not just for kids (but they love them, too), and can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion. Here are some options for serving these pretzel-wrapped franks:
- Dipping Sauces: Offer an array of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, creamy honey mustard sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, or your favorite sauces!
- Pair with Side Dishes: If serving the pretzel dogs as the main dish, serve with my roasted potato salad (the best!), coleslaw, or baked beans for a complete meal. I also like to serve them with air fryer french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings!
- Salads: For a lighter option, serve with a fresh green salad, a side of fruit salad, or a fresh fruit platter to balance out the richness of the pretzel dogs.
- Snack Buffet: Set up a snack buffet with pretzel dogs alongside other finger foods like cheeseburger sliders (or any of my other delicious sliders), buffalo chicken wings, and a vegetable tray for a casual gathering or party.
Storing & Reheating Pretzel Dogs
Pretzel dogs can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. To store:
Refrigeration: Allow the pretzel dogs to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to store pretzel dogs for a longer period, they can be frozen. Again, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat pretzel dogs in a preheated oven at 350°F. It takes about 10-12 minutes if refrigerated or 15-20 minutes if reheating from frozen. Using an air fryer to reheat also works well. Microwave the pretzel dogs for a quicker option, but the texture may not be as crispy.
Pretzel Dogs
Ingredients
- 15 sausage franks or hot dogs
- 1 tube (13.8 ounces) pizza dough
- 5 cups water
- ¼ cup (55 g) baking soda
- 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F* and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove pizza dough from the package and place it onto a cutting board. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a rectangle with a ¼-inch thickness. Using a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into 15 strips.
- Roll each strip into a rope and tightly wrap it around the full length of each sausage, ensuring it is completely wrapped. Pinch the ends together to seal and prevent them from unraveling.
- To a large saucepan over medium heat, add water. Bring the water to a light boil. Add the baking soda and stir until dissolved.
- Working in batches of 3-4, add the pretzel-wrapped sausages to the boiling water. Boil for 20-30 seconds, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining pretzel dogs.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the outside of each with the beaten egg. Sprinkle each evenly with kosher salt.
- Bake for 20-21 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
Notes
- Follow instructions up to the point of baking the pretzel dogs in the oven.
- Place pretzel dogs into the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to work in batches.
- Air fry at 375°F for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
These pretzel dogs were a game-changer! The pizza dough around the hot dogs had the perfect chewy texture, and the sprinkle of salt on top was just right. Ideal for a fun snack or a party appetizer!
Elizabeth
I love these pretzel dogs! (I loved our pretzel pigs in a blanket, so I'm not surprised.) They bake up so nicely, and I am looking forward to trying them in the air fryer, too.
Annabelle
Loved these pretzel dogs! The pizza dough made them soft and chewy, and the baking soda bath gave them that classic pretzel flavor. Perfect for game day or any casual get-together.
Bella
The combination of the chewy pretzel exterior and the savory hot dog was fantastic. Definitely a great twist on the traditional hot dog.
Selena
These pretzel dogs were fantastic. They were easy to make and tasted amazing. The pizza dough wrapped around the hot dogs baked up beautifully, and the salt on top was the perfect finishing touch.
These are sooooo good!