Pretzel Dogs are simple to make thanks to only 6 ingredients! Classic pretzel dogs recipe begins with frozen dinner rolls that get wrapped around a hot dog and then flashed boiled in baking soda to create that iconic salty & toasty pretzel exterior. These are always a hit with kids and perfect for lunch or a quick dinner that they'll happily eat.
For another family favorite hot dog recipe be sure and try my Slow Cooker Chili Coney Dogs.
Pretzel Dogs Recipe
My kids love those over priced pretzel dogs you can find at the mall! But they're actually so easy and simple to make at home. This recipe for easy to make pretzel dogs only needs 6 ingredients and it starts with frozen dinner roll dough that creates that 'pretzel' crust on the outside.
The secret to getting that salty & browned pretzel exterior is to flash boil in boiling baking soda water, and then brushing on an egg wash before baking.
This recipe is as kid-friendly as you can get for a yummy quick dinner recipe or lunch idea. It can also be doubled easily if needed.
Ingredients Needed
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe for easy pretzel dogs using frozen bread dough.
- Frozen Yeast Dinner Rolls : I use the Rhodes brand but you can use any brand. You want to make sure they are the frozen yeast dinner rolls and not the heat-n-serve dinner rolls, or the frozen bread loaves.
- Turkey Hot Dogs : I think the turkey dogs taste much better in this recipe because they are not as greasy. However, all beef hot dogs can be used with great results as well. It just depends on your preference.
- Baking Soda : This is what makes that pretzel crust on the outside. You will dump baking soda into boiling water and then flash boil the pretzel dogs in it.
- Egg + Water : This is the egg wash that you will brush on the outside of the pretzel dogs before baking.
- Coarse Salt : I use kosher salt for this.
How to Make Easy Pretzel Dogs with Frozen Bread Dough
Be sure and scroll down to the recipe card below for all the detailed instructions and helpful tips.
Step One : Let the frozen rolls thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before starting. They need to be soft and thawed, but not risen at all. I put the 8 frozen dinner rolls on a plate and then loosely cover it with plastic wrap. I spray the side of the plastic wrap that will touch the rolls.
Step Two : Roll each roll into a long string (about 12 inches) and wrap it around the hot dog completely. Place it onto a cookie sheet that has parchment paper on it or that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Repeat with remaining hot dogs.
Step Three : Boil 12 cups of water. Once boiling, add the baking soda. Working two at a time, drop the pretzel dogs into the boiling water and let it cook for 30 seconds. Use a slotted spoon and let it drain before placing it back onto the cookie sheet.
Step Four : Mix together the egg and water. Brush it over each pretzel dogs and sprinkle with kosher salt.
Step Five : Bake for 8-10 minutes and serve hot!
Tips For Success
Here are a few of my helpful tips that will help you make this recipe in your own kitchen.
- Don't Skip The Baking Soda : The only way to get that dark browned, salty, crispy, pretzel exterior is by boiling the pretzel dogs in baking soda water. If you skip this part, they won't be pretzel dogs, but rather just bread dough covered hot dogs.
- Turkey Dogs : I prefer using turkey dogs in this recipe because they are not as greasy and messy as beef hot dogs. Of course, beef hot dogs can be used if wanted.
- Dipping Sauce : Be sure and have a dipping sauce for the pretzel dogs. My kids love ranch dressing, but mustard and ketchup are always delicious dips for these. Honey mustard, dijon mustard are also good options. You can also make a Homemade Cheese Sauce too!
- Frozen Rolls : No need to let the rolls rise. You only want them to be thawed. This will only take about 2-3 hours out at room temperature so make sure you plan ahead and take the rolls out of the freezer before dinnertime.
Variation & Substitution Ideas
There are a few ways to switch up this recipe. Here are some great ideas!
- Hot Dogs : Choose any hot dog you want. My family loves Turkey dogs so that's what I always use. I love that the turkey dogs are not greasy like regular beef hot dogs. You can also use all beef hot dogs, cheese stuffed hot dogs, etc.
- Cheesy Pretzel Dog : For a delicious and cheesy twist, try putting some shredded cheese on the outside of the pretzel dog before baking. Be sure and do this after you have boiled it in the baking soda water.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, in an air-tight container for 3-4 days.
The pretzel exterior will get softer as it sits in the fridge. You can heat it up in the microwave and try throwing it in the air fryer for a couple minutes to crisp it back up again.
Can I Freeze Cooked Pretzel Dogs?
Yes! These pretzel dogs freeze perfectly. Prepare as directed and let them cool to a warm room temperature. Individually wrap each pretzel dog in tin foil and then place all the wrapped pretzel dogs into a freezer safe Ziploc bag, or container, and freeze for up to 1 month.
When ready to serve, let a pretzel dog thaw in the fridge overnight or for 6-8 hours.
Warm it up in the microwave, back in the oven, or use an air fryer to crisp it back up.
More Kid-Friendly Dinners
- Easy Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Creamy Beef Noodle Bake
- Perfect Instant Pot Baked Ziti
- BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joes
- French Bread Pizza
- Taco Biscuit Bake
Pretzel Dogs
Ingredients
- 8 frozen yeast dinner rolls thawed
- 8 beef or turkey hot dogs
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- coarse kosher salt
Instructions
- ** Make sure the frozen bread rolls are thawed and soft, but not risen, before using. I put the 8 rolls onto a plate and then loosely cover it with plastic wrap (spray the side that will touch the rolls), and let them sit out at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
- Heat oven to 450° F. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining with parchment paper or spraying with cooking spray.
- Roll each dinner roll into a long rope, about 14” in length. Take a hot dog and wrap the rope around it, starting at one end and finishing at the opposite end. Press the dough onto itself at the top and bottom of the hot dog so it does not unroll. Place it on the prepared cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining hot dogs.
- While you are wrapping the hot dogs, boil 12 cups of water, over high heat, in a large soup pot. Once boiling add the baking soda.
- Place 2 wrapped hot dogs into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon, taking a moment to let the water drain, place it back onto the cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining wrapped hot dogs.
- Mix together the water and egg. Brush this over the pretzel dogs. You won’t use it all, and that’s fine. Sprinkle with coarse kosher salt.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown like a pretzel and the bread is cooked through.
Notes
Nutrition
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