Mini Pretzel Dogs: A Crowd-Pleasing Snack for Any Occasion
Mini Pretzel Dogs are the ultimate finger food, combining soft, chewy pretzel dough with savory Lil’ Smokies sausages. Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun family snack, these mini treats are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and full of flavor. With a sprinkle of coarse salt and a golden brown finish, each bite delivers that classic pretzel taste wrapped around a smoky sausage.
Recipe: Mini Pretzel Dogs
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2¼ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 1 package Lil’ Smokies sausages
- 1 large egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water, whisked together
- Coarse salt (Jacobsen salt recommended)
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Calories: 110 kcal per mini pretzel dog
Servings: 36 mini pretzel dogs
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter, then mix until the dough comes together. Knead for 5–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and spray lightly with cooking spray. - Boil the Baking Soda Water:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. This baking soda bath is essential for giving the pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden-brown color. - Shape and Roll the Pretzel Dogs:
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch circle. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each circle into 12 wedges. Place a Lil’ Smokie at the wide end of each wedge and roll it up, pinching the end to seal. - Boil and Bake the Pretzel Dogs:
Working in batches, place the wrapped pretzel dogs into the boiling baking soda water for 30–60 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pretzel dog with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt. - Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Mini Pretzel Dogs
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rise and texture in the dough.
- Don’t Skip the Baking Soda Bath: This step gives the pretzel dogs their unique texture and color.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer mustard, cheese dip, or ranch dressing for an extra flavor boost.
Mini Pretzel Dogs are a fantastic snack that’s always a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to grab and packed with the satisfying taste of warm pretzel dough and smoky sausage. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun family treat, these mini pretzel dogs are sure to delight everyone! Enjoy!
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Mini Pretzel Dogs
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 mini pretzel dogs 1x
Description
Mini Pretzel Dogs are the ultimate finger food, combining soft, chewy pretzel dough with savory Lil’ Smokies sausages. Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun family snack, these mini treats are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and full of flavor. With a sprinkle of coarse salt and a golden brown finish, each bite delivers that classic pretzel taste wrapped around a smoky sausage.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2¼ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- ⅔ cup baking soda
- 1 package Lil’ Smokies sausages
- 1 large egg yolk + 1 tablespoon water, whisked together
- Coarse salt (Jacobsen salt recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. Add the flour, salt, and melted butter, then mix until the dough comes together. Knead for 5–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Boil the Baking Soda Water: In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil. This baking soda bath is essential for giving the pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden-brown color.
- Shape and Roll the Pretzel Dogs: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch circle. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut each circle into 12 wedges. Place a Lil’ Smokie at the wide end of each wedge and roll it up, pinching the end to seal.
- Boil and Bake the Pretzel Dogs: Working in batches, place the wrapped pretzel dogs into the boiling baking soda water for 30–60 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pretzel dog with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour rise time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 110 kcal per mini pretzel dog