Tiny Tangy Pretzel Pups Recipe: Fun Homemade Snack Joy

Savory appetizers always steal the show at parties, and these mini pretzel dogs bring serious snacking excitement to any gathering.

Soft, golden pretzel dough wrapped around juicy hot dogs creates a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food.

The mini pretzel dogs recipe combines two beloved favorites into one irresistible bite-sized treat.

Warm, salty pretzel bread hugs each tender hot dog with a perfect golden-brown exterior that crunches beautifully when you take a bite.

These adorable little snacks work magic at game day events, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers.

Kids and adults alike will gobble them up faster than you can plate them.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that transforms ordinary hot dogs into extraordinary party fare.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Mini Pretzel Dogs

• Warm Water: Activates yeast and helps develop soft, pillowy texture with gentle warmth.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast, creating perfect rising environment and subtle sweetness.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical ingredient that makes dough rise and provides delightful bread-like flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and creates tender, elastic dough base.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast fermentation.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich, luxurious taste and helps create golden, soft crust.

• Baking Soda: Creates signature pretzel shine, deep golden color, and classic chewy exterior.
• Water: Provides boiling medium for achieving authentic pretzel texture.

• Egg Wash: Gives beautiful golden sheen and helps seasonings stick to surface.
• Coarse Salt: Adds delightful crunch and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Lil' Smokie Sausages: Provides savory, meaty center for delicious handheld treat.

Tools Needed for Mini Pretzel Dogs

• Large bowl or stand mixer: Essential for mixing and kneading the dough smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements for perfect dough.
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife: Needed to divide dough into wedges for wrapping.
• Slotted spoon: Critical for removing pretzel dogs from boiling baking soda water.
• Large pot: Used for boiling baking soda water bath.
• Baking sheet: For baking and presenting the pretzel dogs.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for applying egg wash to create golden-brown surface.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll dough into even circles.

Steps to Prepare Mini Pretzel Dogs

Tasty Pretzel Pups

• Dough Preparation

Start by mixing warm water and sugar in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast and wait until it gets bubbly. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead until smooth and stretchy. Let the dough rest in a cozy spot for about an hour, watching it puff up beautifully.

• Boiling Station

Get a large pot ready with water and baking soda. This magical bath gives the pretzels their signature golden shine and chewy texture. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

• Sausage Wrapping

Divide the puffy dough into three portions. Roll each section into a big circle. Slice into triangular wedges. Nestle a tiny sausage at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up snugly, pinching the edges to keep everything tucked in.

• Bath and Bake

Gently lower the wrapped sausages into the boiling water for a quick 30-second dip. Fish them out with a slotted spoon and place on a lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with a touch of salt.

• Golden Finish

Pop the pretzel pups into a hot oven. Bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Let them cool slightly before diving in and enjoying the crispy, soft deliciousness.

Flavor Tips for Mini Pretzel Dogs

• Swap out Lil' Smokies for cocktail sausages, vegetarian sausages, or even cheese sticks to create unique flavor combinations.
• Experiment with different toppings like everything bagel seasoning, dried herbs, or grated parmesan cheese instead of plain coarse salt for an extra flavor punch.
• Keep the dough slightly tacky but not sticky when kneading. Add a little extra flour if it feels too wet, ensuring a perfect pretzel-like consistency that's soft and chewy.
• Ensure the baking soda water is at a rolling boil and work quickly when dipping the pretzel dogs. Use a timer to maintain consistent 30-second boils for uniform color and texture.
• Enjoy warm for the best taste and texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

How to Serve Mini Pretzel Dogs at a Party

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these mini pretzel dogs on a wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, and classic yellow mustard for an eye-catching appetizer spread.
• Kiddie Snack Corner: Pack these bite-sized treats in lunch boxes or serve at children's parties, cutting them into smaller pieces for easier handling and maximum fun factor.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Stack these savory snacks on a large platter during sports watch parties, providing guests with an irresistible handheld munchie that pairs perfectly with cold beverages.
• Picnic Perfect Bites: Wrap these mini pretzel dogs in parchment paper for portable outdoor meals, making them an excellent choice for park gatherings, beach trips, or backyard barbecues.

Storing Mini Pretzel Dogs the Right Way

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover mini pretzel dogs in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal them carefully to maintain their crispy texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Quick Reheat Magic: Warm stored pretzel dogs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture and maintain the golden-brown exterior.
• Freezer Meal Prep: Freeze unbaked wrapped pretzel dogs on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow original baking instructions when ready to cook.
• Portable Lunch Solution: Pack cooled pretzel dogs in lunch containers with small dipping sauces like mustard or cheese for easy transportation. Use compartmentalized containers to keep them fresh and separate from other food items.

Bite-Sized Pretzel Dogs

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

German-inspired mini pretzel dogs blend savory sausage with classic Bavarian pretzel dough, creating a handheld snack perfect for parties. Guests will devour these bite-sized treats that combine salty, chewy textures with hearty flavor.

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Ingredients

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• 2.25 cups (532 ml) flour
• 1 package Lil’ Smokies sausages
• 10 cups (2.4 L) water
• 0.67 cup (158 ml) baking soda
• 0.75 cup (177 ml) warm water
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1.5 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp salt
• Coarse Jacobsen salt (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and activated for 5 minutes.
2. Dough Preparation: Blend flour, salt, and melted butter, kneading into a smooth, elastic dough. Let the dough rise in a greased container until volume doubles, about 1 hour.
3. Pretzel Bath Preparation: Create a boiling solution with water and baking soda to develop the signature pretzel texture and golden exterior.
4. Dough Shaping: Divide risen dough into thirds, roll each into a circle, and cut into 12 triangular wedges. Wrap each sausage at the wide end of a triangle, sealing edges completely.
5. Boiling Process: Immerse wrapped sausages in the baking soda solution for 30-60 seconds to enhance flavor and texture.
6. Finishing Touches: Arrange boiled pretzel dogs on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
7. Baking: Roast in a 450°F oven until achieving a deep golden-brown color, roughly 10-12 minutes. Rest briefly before serving to maintain crisp pastry and warm sausage interior.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Correctly: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to prevent killing the yeast, creating a perfect bubbly foundation for your dough.
• Master Dough Consistency: Knead until smooth and elastic, avoiding over-mixing which can make the dough tough and chewy.
• Baking Soda Bath Technique: Quickly dip pretzel dogs for 30-60 seconds to achieve that classic pretzel shine and distinctive chewy exterior.
• Salt and Egg Wash Precision: Apply coarse salt immediately after egg wash for maximum adherence and a beautiful golden-brown finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg