These Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket are the ultimate snack! Juicy hot dogs wrapped in soft, salty pretzel dough make for a fun treat. And let’s not forget the creamy beer cheese dip that takes it to the next level!
You can’t go wrong with this party favorite! I love serving them hot and fresh—perfect for game night or a cozy movie marathon. Grab a napkin; things might get cheesy! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Hot Dogs: These are the stars of the show! You can substitute with veggie dogs for a plant-based option or sausage links for extra flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try bratwurst or different flavors of hot dogs!
All-Purpose Flour: It works well here, but if you’re looking for a heartier bite, use whole wheat flour. For a gluten-free version, consider a gluten-free mix, just ensure it’s suitable for baking pretzels.
Beer: A light lager or ale is traditional for the dip. If you prefer an alcohol-free option, use non-alcoholic beer. You can also swap it with vegetable broth for a different flavor!
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar is a great choice for the dip. You can mix it with smoked gouda or even pepper jack for a kick. Cream cheese is essential for creaminess—don’t skip it!
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Soft, Chewy Pretzel Dough?
To get that perfect pretzel texture, the dough needs time to rise properly. After mixing, knead it until smooth, then let it sit in a warm area for an hour. This helps develop gluten, giving you that desired chewiness. Remember, don’t rush this step!
- After kneading, cover the bowl tightly to keep the moisture in.
- Dough should ideally double in size, which means it’s ready for shaping.
How Do You Make Sure the Pretzels Get That Beautiful Brown Color?
The trick is in the boiling step! Boiling the wrapped hot dogs in a baking soda solution gives them that classic pretzel flavor and color. Make sure to boil them in batches; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Use a slotted spoon to gently place the pretzels in boiling water.
- Boil for exactly 30 seconds; this helps the crust form when baked.
Enjoy making these delicious Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket, and don’t forget to dip in that cheesy goodness! They’re sure to be a hit at any gather!
How to Make Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket With The Beer Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket:
- 12 mini hot dogs or cocktail sausages
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda (for boiling bath)
- 1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- Coarse pretzel salt or flaky sea salt, for topping
For The Beer Cheese Dip:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beer (lager or ale works well)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise and about 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes until you’re ready to savor these delicious snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pretzel Dough:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar together. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy—this means your yeast is good! In a larger bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Then, pour in the yeast mixture along with the melted butter. Mix it all together until a dough begins to form. On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it’s nice and smooth. Put your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area until it’s doubled in size (about 1 hour).
2. Prepare Pretzel Dogs:
Once your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Punch down the dough to release any air, then divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a large rectangle that’s about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into 12 even strips. Take a mini hot dog and wrap it in one of the strips, tucking in the ends as you go to completely encase the hot dog.
3. Boil the Wrapped Hot Dogs:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. Using a slotted spoon, gently drop the wrapped hot dogs into the boiling water in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Boil them for about 30 seconds, then carefully remove them and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
4. Bake the Pretzel Dogs:
Brush the tops of each wrapped hot dog with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse salt. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
5. Make the Beer Cheese Dip:
While the pretzel dogs are baking, it’s time for the cheese dip! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk it together for about a minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually pour in the beer while whisking to avoid any lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens up a bit (about 3-5 minutes). Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve:
Arrange your warm pretzel pigs in a blanket on a platter with a bowl of the beer cheese dip in the center. Enjoy these tasty bites immediately while they’re still warm!
This recipe brings scrumptious and soft pretzel dough wrapped around savory mini hot dogs, paired with a rich, creamy beer cheese dip. Perfect for parties, game nights, or any fun gathering!
Can I Use Regular Hot Dogs Instead of Mini Ones?
Absolutely! You can use regular-sized hot dogs, but keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the amount of dough you use for wrapping. Cut the dough into larger strips to ensure proper coverage.
What If I Don’t Have Baking Soda?
If you’re out of baking soda, you can skip the boiling step altogether and just bake the pretzel dogs. They won’t have that classic chewy pretzel texture, but they’ll still taste delicious! You might want to sprinkle a bit more salt on top to enhance the flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help maintain that crispy pretzel exterior.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the dough. Just make sure your beer is also gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
