Name: Mini Pretzel Dogs Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F); 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 package (14 oz) cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs; 10 cups water; 2/3 cup baking soda; 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash); Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

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If you’re in the mood for a party appetizer that disappears as soon as you set the tray down, Mini Pretzel Dogs absolutely deliver. Imagine juicy little sausages, snuggled in soft, golden pretzel dough, then finished with a touch of sea salt—there’s a reason they’re a total crowd pleaser! Whether you’re hosting game day or just need a family-friendly snack, these bite-sized treats are something everyone will beg you to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for these Mini Pretzel Dogs has a purpose, and luckily, nothing here is complicated. The combination is what gives you that fresh, aromatic dough and the signature soft-yet-chewy pretzel coating. Here’s a closer look at the essentials you’ll want on hand.

Cocktail sausages/mini hot dogs: These are the star of the show and make each bite irresistibly savory.
Warm water: Helps activate the yeast, so your dough gets a lovely, fluffy rise.
Active dry yeast: The key to pillowy, airy pretzel dough—it sets everything into motion.
Granulated sugar: Gives the yeast something to munch on and lightly sweetens the dough.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base of our dough, giving that classic pretzel texture.
Salt: Just a bit in the dough to enhance flavor, and coarse salt for finishing gives the pretzel bite.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and a touch of softness to the dough.
Water (for boiling): Boiling the pretzel dogs creates that shiny, chewy crust. Don’t skip this step!
Baking soda: Turns your boiling water into a magical pretzel bath for that signature color and snap.
Egg yolk + water (egg wash): Brushed on top for gorgeous golden brown shine.
Coarse sea salt: The show-stopping, crunchy topping every pretzel dog needs.

How to Make Mini Pretzel Dogs

Step 1: Make the Pretzel Dough

Start by combining warm water, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently, then let it sit for about 5 minutes—you’ll know it’s ready when it’s foamy on top. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter, and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes. Place it back in the bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prep Your Baking Station

While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this step makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking. In a large pot, combine 10 cups of water with the baking soda and bring to a steady boil. This boiling step is the real secret sauce to authentic pretzel color and flavor.

Step 3: Shape and Wrap the Mini Pretzel Dogs

Punch down the dough gently and divide it into small pieces, about 1 tablespoon each. Roll each piece into a short rope and spiral it around a cocktail sausage, pinching the ends to seal so nothing pops open while baking. It’s okay if they’re not perfectly even—that just adds to the homemade charm!

Step 4: Give Them a Pretzel Bath

Now the fun part! Gently drop each wrapped mini dog into the boiling baking soda water for 20 to 30 seconds. This little spa session is what gives pretzels their classic chewy exterior. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and transfer to your prepared baking sheets.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush each Mini Pretzel Dog with the egg yolk wash to ensure an irresistible glossy finish. Sprinkle liberally with coarse sea salt, then bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until deeply golden and the kitchen smells like pure magic. Serve warm, ideally with your favorite dipping sauces.

How to Serve Mini Pretzel Dogs

Garnishes

To really make your Mini Pretzel Dogs pop, brush them with a tiny bit of melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven—this keeps them soft and adds richness. Sprinkle with a little extra coarse salt or even a dash of smoked paprika for a color and flavor boost. For a fun presentation, serve with classic yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, or a gooey cheese sauce in small dipping bowls.

Side Dishes

These are a hit on their own, but you can absolutely round things out. Serve alongside pickles, a simple green salad, or roasted potato wedges for a playful party spread. On game days, a platter of crunchy vegetables and ranch dip pairs perfectly with the warm, bready bites of Mini Pretzel Dogs.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the Mini Pretzel Dogs in a swirl on a large platter or skewer them with decorative picks for parties. If you’re feeling whimsical, lay them out in a “stadium” shape for sports nights, complete with little flags for your dip bowls! For family movie nights, simply pile them high on a plate and watch them vanish faster than popcorn.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you surprisingly find yourself with leftovers, store the cooled Mini Pretzel Dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dough stays remarkably soft and the flavors deepen a little, making them a terrific next-day snack.

Freezing

These Mini Pretzel Dogs are freezer-friendly! Once baked and cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just pull out as many as you need for a quick, satisfying treat.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftover Mini Pretzel Dogs in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, though the crust is best when reheated in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for Mini Pretzel Dogs?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pizza dough or even crescent roll dough can be used. The texture will be a little different, but they’ll still be totally crave-worthy and much faster to make.

Why do I have to boil the dough in baking soda water?

This classic step is what gives pretzels their beautiful brown color and chewy texture. The baking soda alkalizes the dough surface, resulting in that signature pretzel taste and appearance you can’t replicate with baking alone.

Can I stuff the dough with cheese?

You sure can! Try adding a small cube of cheddar or pepper jack inside each sausage before wrapping with dough—this takes your Mini Pretzel Dogs to a whole new, ultra-gooey level. Just beware of melty cheese escapes!

How do I keep the dough from sticking to my hands?

A light dusting of flour on your hands works wonders. If your dough feels especially sticky, a quick knead with an extra tablespoon of flour should make it more manageable for rolling and shaping.

Are Mini Pretzel Dogs kid-friendly?

Without a doubt! Kids love dipping, pulling apart, and snacking on these little bites. They’re not spicy on their own, so even picky eaters usually gobble them up. Letting kids help roll the dough makes for a fun kitchen activity, too!

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say, these Mini Pretzel Dogs are just pure joy in every bite. Once you try them, you’ll find any excuse to whip up a batch. Don’t hesitate—grab those cocktail sausages and make some memories (and delicious snacks) today!

Mini Pretzel Dogs Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes rise time)
Yield: 24 mini pretzel dogs 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Mini Pretzel Dogs are perfect for game day or as a party appetizer. Soft pretzel dough wrapped around cocktail sausages, baked to golden perfection, and sprinkled with coarse salt.

Ingredients

Scale

Soft Pretzel Dough:

1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Other:

1 package (14 oz) cocktail sausages or mini hot dogs
10 cups water
2/3 cup baking soda
1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead into a smooth dough. Let rise for 1 hour.
Wrap the Sausages: Divide dough, wrap around sausages, and seal the ends. Boil in water and baking soda.
Bake: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy warm with mustard or cheese sauce.