There is something undeniably nostalgic about biting into soft and salty pretzels. Now imagine combining that warm dough with savory Hot Dogs. It is a match made in snacking heaven.
I am so excited to share this recipe with you today. It takes the concept of a classic pig in a blanket and elevates it with a chewy pretzel crust.
You do not need to be a master baker to pull this off. We are taking a shortcut by using store bought pizza dough. This saves so much time in the kitchen.
These are technically mini chicken sausages, but they function exactly like Mini Hotdogs. They are the perfect size for appetizers or a fun lunch for the kids.
If you are planning a Hot Dog Party for the big game, these little bites will be the first thing to disappear from the table.
The secret lies in the baking soda bath. That quick boil gives the dough that signature dark color and distinct pretzel flavor we all love.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You know what? Weeknight dinners can get boring. We often find ourselves rotating the same three meals. This recipe breaks that cycle with something fun and interactive.
First off, it is incredibly budget friendly. You only need a few basic staples. A ball of dough and a pack of sausages can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
It is also a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They can help roll the dough ropes or wrap the Hot Dogs. It turns cooking into a family activity.
The texture is unbeatable. You get a slight crunch from the poppy seeds and sea salt on the outside. Then you hit the soft, chewy dough.
Finally, the savory meat inside provides a burst of flavor. It is comfort food at its finest.
Another reason to love this is the versatility. You can serve these as a main dish or a snack. They travel well in lunchboxes too.
And let us talk about the dip. The sweet apricot jam mixed with spicy mustard creates a tangy sauce that complements the salty pretzel perfectly.
Honestly, you might never want to eat regular Hot Dogs on a plain bun again after trying this method.
Whether you call it a snack or a tiny Hot Dog Sandwich, it is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You likely have many of these items in your pantry already. Here is what you need to get started.
For The Pretzel Dogs
- 1 (1 lb) ball of your favorite pizza dough (store bought or homemade)
- ½ of a (14 oz) pkg mini chicken sausages (like chicken Lit’l Smokies)
- 1 egg (for the egg wash)
- Sea salt (coarse grain works best)
- Poppy seeds (for topping)
- 9 cups water (for boiling)
- ½ cup baking soda (essential for the pretzel crust)
For The Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup apricot jam
- 2 tbsp spicy brown mustard
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Let me explain a few of these choices. The pizza dough is a massive time saver. It has the right elasticity to stretch around the meat.
We chose mini chicken sausages for a lighter option. However, you can use any small smoked sausage. They act just like miniature Hot Dogs in this recipe.
The baking soda is non negotiable. It changes the pH of the boiling water. This chemical reaction is what makes a pretzel taste like a pretzel.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Hot Dogs experience at home. It is easier than it looks!
Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. You want a nice hot oven to get that golden brown color.
Take your pizza dough out of the fridge. Let it sit for a few minutes to relax. Flatten the ball into a circle that is roughly 6 inches wide.
Step 2: Cut The Strips
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into strips. You want them to be about ½ inch wide each.
Take those strips and stretch them out lengthwise. Then, cut them crosswise into 3 to 4 equal pieces. You need enough length to wrap around your mini Hot Dogs.
Step 3: Wrap The Sausages
Now for the fun part. Stretch each small piece of dough until it is long enough to spiral around the sausage.
Place a chicken sausage crossways at the very top of a dough strip. Roll it down, winding the dough as you go.
Make sure to pinch the ends firmly to seal the edge. You do not want them unravelling in the water.
Step 4: The Baking Soda Bath
Pour the 9 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda into a large pot. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil.
Carefully drop the pretzel dogs into the water. Do this in batches, about 6 at a time, so you do not crowd the pot.
Cook them for just 20 to 30 seconds. You will know they are done when they start to float to the surface.
Remove them immediately with a slotted spoon. Let the excess water drip off before moving them.
Step 5: Egg Wash And Top
Place your boiled pretzel dogs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of cool water. Brush this wash over the tops of the dough.
Sprinkle them generously with sea salt and poppy seeds. The egg helps the toppings stick and adds shine.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Pop the tray into your preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
Keep an eye on them. You want them to be beautifully browned and cooked through.
Step 7: Make The Dip
While the Hot Dogs are baking, whip up the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the apricot jam, spicy brown mustard, and balsamic vinegar.
Once the pretzel dogs are cool enough to handle, serve them warm with the dip. Enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, you are in luck. These store surprisingly well. Place any remaining pretzel dogs in an airtight container.
They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dough might lose a little bit of its crunch, but the flavor remains.
To reheat, I recommend using a toaster oven or an air fryer. This helps crisp the outside back up. Microwaving them can make the dough a bit chewy and tough.
You can also freeze them. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first. Then transfer them to a freezer bag.
When you crave savory Hot Dogs later, just bake them from frozen until they are heated through.
Tips
Here is the thing about working with pizza dough. If it keeps snapping back when you try to stretch it, let it rest.
Gluten needs time to relax. Cover it with a towel and walk away for 5 minutes. It will be much easier to handle when you return.
Do not skip the baking soda bath. I know it seems like an extra step, but it is crucial. Without it, you are just making pigs in a blanket, not pretzel dogs.
Be careful with the boiling water. It will bubble up vigorously when you add the baking soda. Make sure your pot is large enough to handle the reaction.
Feel free to get creative with toppings. Sesame seeds, garlic powder, or even everything bagel seasoning work wonders here.
If you are hosting a Hot Dog Party, you can prep these ahead of time. Boil them and place them on the tray, then bake right before guests arrive.
Make sure to pinch the dough seams tightly. If they open up during the boil, they can look a bit messy, though they will still taste great.
For a vegetarian version, you can swap the chicken sausage for a veggie sausage link. Just make sure it is a similar size to mini Hot Dogs.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, fun, and delicious way to enjoy Hot Dogs with a twist. This recipe proves that you do not need fancy equipment to make bakery style treats at home.
The combination of the salty, chewy pretzel and the savory chicken sausage is truly special. Plus, that apricot mustard dip adds a layer of sophistication that adults will love.
Whether you are making these for a movie night, a Hot Dog Party, or just a Tuesday night dinner, they are sure to be a hit.
So grab some pizza dough and give this a try. It might just become your new favorite way to eat Hot Dogs.
FAQ
Can I Use Regular Beef Hot Dogs?
Absolutely. While I used mini chicken sausages, you can cut regular beef Hot Dogs into smaller pieces. Just aim for bite sized chunks to keep the ratio of dough to meat balanced.
Is This Considered A Hot Dog Sandwich?
That is the age old question! Since the meat is fully enclosed in dough, it is more like a savory pastry. But if you want to call it a mini Hot Dog Sandwich to start a debate at your dinner table, go for it!
Can I Make These Gluten Free?
Yes, but you need the right dough. Look for a gluten free pizza dough that handles well. Some gluten free doughs are sticky and hard to stretch, so you might need to simply wrap the sausage without stretching the dough too thin.
Why Are My Pretzel Dogs Wrinkly?
If you boil them too long, the dough can get a bit gummy and wrinkly. Stick to the 20 to 30 second rule. They just need a quick dip to set the outside crust.
What Other Dips Can I Serve?
If the apricot mustard is not your thing, try a warm cheese sauce. Classic yellow mustard or even a honey BBQ sauce also pairs wonderfully with these Mini Hotdogs.
Easy Pretzel Dogs
Upgrade your classic pigs in a blanket with this no-fuss recipe! Using store-bought pizza dough, these soft pretzel-wrapped mini sausages are the perfect family-friendly snack or appetizer for game day.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Flatten the pizza dough into a circle roughly 6 inches wide.
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough into strips about ½ inch wide. Stretch them lengthwise, then cut them crosswise into 3 to 4 equal pieces.
- Stretch each small piece of dough and spiral-wrap it around a mini sausage. Pinch the ends firmly to seal the edge.
- In a large pot, bring 9 cups of water and ½ cup of baking soda to a rolling boil.
- Carefully drop the pretzel dogs into the water in batches (about 6 at a time). Cook for just 20 to 30 seconds, until they float to the surface.
- Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of cool water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the tops of the dough.
- Sprinkle them generously with sea salt and poppy seeds.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until they are beautifully browned and cooked through.
- While the pretzel dogs are baking, make the dip. In a small bowl, whisk together the apricot jam, spicy brown mustard, and balsamic vinegar.
- Serve warm with the dip and enjoy!
Notes
If the pizza dough keeps snapping back when you stretch it, let it rest. Cover it with a towel for 5 minutes to let the gluten relax.
Don’t skip the baking soda bath! It’s the essential step that gives the dough its signature pretzel flavor and color.
Feel free to get creative with toppings. Sesame seeds, garlic powder, or everything bagel seasoning are all tasty alternatives.
For a vegetarian option, simply swap the chicken sausages for a veggie sausage link of a similar size.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
