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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and activated for 5 minutes.
- 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.
- Pretzel Bath Preparation: Create a boiling solution with water and baking soda to develop the signature pretzel texture and golden exterior.
- 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.
- Boiling Process: Immerse wrapped sausages in the baking soda solution for 30-60 seconds to enhance flavor and texture.
- Finishing Touches: Arrange boiled pretzel dogs on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
- 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