Pretzel Hot Dogs: Perfect for summer picnics and gatherings, these hot dogs are wrapped in a beer-based pretzel dough then, topped with melted garlic butter and coarse salt.

These easy pretzel dogs are just like the ones you get at the fair or food court, but better because they are made at home! You don't have to be intimidated by the pretzel dough, it's actually super simple and I will walk you through everything you need to know.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm beer, heated to 110-115 degrees
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon dry active yeast
- 4 ½ cups bread flour
- 4 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 8 hotdogs
- 5 cups water
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- Coarse salt
Making the pretzel dough
Start by combining the beer, sugar and yeast in your stand mixer. Leave it for about 5 minutes or so, until it starts to become foamy like this...

After it's frothy, you can add the flour, melted butter and salt. Use the paddle attachment on the mixture until everything is well combined and then switch to the dough attachment.
Knead the dough at medium low speed for about five minutes. Test the dough by touching it- if it sticks to your hands, add flour 1 Tb at a time until you can touch it without it sticking to your hands. At that point, cover the dough and allow it to rise for an hour or until it doubles in size.
Wrapping the pretzels
Once the dough is done, divide it into 8 equally sized sections and roll into a long rope. Wrap the dough around the pretzels, trimming of the ends if it is too long. After they are wrapped, dip them in the boiling water/baking soda mixture and place them on the baking sheet.
Baking the pretzels
Before you put the pretzels in the oven, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle coarse salt on top. Then, bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Placing an extra baking sheet underneath will help prevent the bottoms from getting too brown.
What kind of yeast do i use?
You can use Instant Yeast, Rapid Yeast or other kinds of yeast for this recipe but you will need to follow the package directions for expected rising time. Whatever yeast you decide to use, the dough is done when it has doubled in size. I prefer regular yeast for this recipe. While the dough is rising, I prepare the rest of the meal and get the water boiling for dipping the hot dogs.
Use warm beer
As tempting as it may be, don't skip warming up the beer. It is vital to have the beer at the correct temperature to allow the yeast to do its job. You can warm it in the microwave in 15 second intervals until the desired temperature is reached, or use the stove top. Be careful not to let the beer boil! Alternatively, you can skip the beer completely and just use water. But please make sure to warm the water to the temperature suggested.

Gluten free pretzel dogs
Make this recipe gluten free by using your favorite 1:1 gluten free flour. I find that an all purpose gluten free mixture works best because they contain a blend of flours.
Vegan
You can make this recipe vegan by swapping out the dairy butter with your favorite vegan butter alternative. It is important to add the vegan butter to both the dough, and brushing on the top. Of course, use a vegan hot dog replacement as well!
Seasoning variations
Skip the salt and try something new, with these fun variations!
- Poppy Seeds
- Sesame Seeds
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Dried onion flakes
- Dried Herbs

Serving suggestions
Serve with traditional condiments like mustard, ketchup, relish and pickles. These pretzel dogs go great with classic picnic sides like coleslaw, baked beans or potato salad.
Storage
There is nothing like a hot pretzel dog straight from the oven, but these pretzel dogs heat up surprisingly well. Be sure to store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. Use the microwave to warm them.

Pretzel Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm beer heated to 110 115 degrees
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast instant or rapid rise
- 4 cups bread flour
- 4 tablespoon butter melted
- 8 hotdogs
- 5 cups water
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
- coarse salt
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm beer, sugar and yeast. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes or until it appears frothy and foamy.
- Using the paddle attachment, add the flour, salt and 4 Tablespoons melted butter. Use medium speed to mix until well incorporated.
- Switch to the dough attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. At this point, the dough should start pulling away from the bowl. The dough should be sticky but not stick to your fingers. If it is too sticky, add one Tablespoon of flour at a time until it can be handled.
- Cover the bowl and place in a warm place to rise for one hour. The dough should double in size.
- Halfway through rising time, preheat the oven to 450 degrees and prepare a baking sheet with a light coating of cooking spray.
- When the dough is ready, section it into 8 equal pieces and roll it into 8 long ropes.
- Wrap the dough ropes around the hot dogs, trimming when you get to the end.
- Meanwhile, boil the 5 cups of water, add the baking soda and stir. When the water is boiling, drop each hot dog pretzel into the water one at a time and allow it to sit for 30 seconds.
- Remove the pretzel dog from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet, evenly apart and brush the remaining melted butter on top. Sprinkle coarse salt over the butter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are beautiful golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition

Alex says
These look absolutely incredible, Karen! I can't wait to try the pretzel dough - I love that it is homemade! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe.
Lizet Bowen says
I've never made bread with beer before. I can't wait to try it. These pretzel dogs are going to look so cute on our next birthday party.
Caitlyn Erhardt says
OMG my son is going to go wild for these! I am so excited to make these for him this week.
Courtney | Love & Good Stuff says
This is such a great idea, my family would love these! Thanks for sharing.
Dawn says
These were perfect! My kids loved them and they were easier to make than I thought they'd be. They are already begging for them again.