Simple Pretzel Dogs with Beer Dough and Coarse Salt
These homemade pretzel dogs combine classic ballpark hot dogs with a chewy beer-enriched pretzel dough. The dough gets its signature pretzel flavor and golden color from a quick boiling bath with baking soda before baking. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or casual entertaining, these handheld treats deliver the authentic pretzel shop experience at home. The beer adds subtle depth to the dough while keeping it tender.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 12 ounces beer, warmed to 110-120°F
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flourbread flour1:1
Creates slightly chewier texture
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 large egg
- coarse salt, or pretzel salt
- 8 hot dogs
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and line baking sheet with parchment paper
- 2
Pour warmed beer into stand mixer bowl, sprinkle yeast over top, add honey and stir
- 3
Allow yeast to bloom until foamy
- 4
Bring water to boil in large pot and prepare egg wash
- 5
Add flour and salt to mixer and knead until dough forms one ball
- 6
Form dough into ball on clean countertop
- 7
Cut dough into 8 even pieces, then roll each into 12-inch strand
- 8
Wrap each dough strand around hot dog, pinching ends to secure
- 9
Carefully add baking soda to boiling water
- 10
Boil pretzel dogs in batches for 30 seconds each, remove with slotted spoon
- 11
Arrange on parchment paper, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt
- 12
Bake until tops are browned
Tips
Use a stand mixer with dough hook for easiest kneading, but hand kneading works too if you don't have one available.
Don't flour the countertop when rolling dough strands - the slight stickiness helps the dough grip and roll properly.
Be very careful when adding baking soda to boiling water as it will bubble up dramatically and could splash.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, or pretzel dogs can be assembled and refrigerated before boiling
Serve warm with mustard, cheese sauce, or your favorite dipping sauces
Common Mistakes
Don't over-flour the dough or it will be tough and hard to work with
Ensure beer temperature is correct to avoid killing the yeast with heat that's too high
Stand back when adding baking soda to avoid splashing from the vigorous bubbling
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a clean surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What if I don't have beer?
Replace the beer with an equal amount of warm water, though you'll lose the subtle flavor depth that beer provides to the dough.
How long do these keep?
Pretzel dogs stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days covered, or refrigerate for up to a week and reheat before serving.