These Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket are a fun twist on a classic snack! Juicy little hot dogs are wrapped in soft pretzel dough and baked until golden brown. They’re perfect for munching!
And let’s not forget the beer cheese dip! It’s creamy and cheesy with just the right hint of beer—an irresistible combo that keeps everyone coming back for more. I usually make extra dip because it disappears fast! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough saves time, but homemade pretzel dough gives a chewier texture. If you want a lower-carb option, try using whole wheat or cauliflower dough!
Mini Sausages: Cocktail sausages are traditional, but you can substitute with sliced hot dogs or even vegetarian options. I often pick turkey sausages for a leaner choice and they taste great!
Baking Soda: This is essential for achieving that signature pretzel flavor and color. If you’re in a pinch, you could skip it, but the pretzels won’t have that classic taste.
Beer: Use any lager or ale you like, but if you want a non-alcoholic version, replace it with broth or a light beer alternative, and add a splash of vinegar for a tangy twist.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Pretzel Texture?
The baking soda bath is crucial for getting that soft, chewy pretzel texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil with baking soda added. Be cautious, as it may bubble up.
- Drop wrapped sausages into the bath for about 30 seconds. Don’t overcrowd them; it’s best to do this in batches.
- Let them drain for a moment before placing on the baking sheet; this helps set their shape.
Make sure to give them a thorough egg wash before baking. This gives them a beautiful golden brown shine!
Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket With The Beer Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket:
- 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or homemade pretzel dough
- 24 mini cocktail sausages or hot dogs
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Coarse kosher salt or pretzel salt for sprinkling
For The Beer Cheese Dip:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup beer (lager or ale works well)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes for prep time and 15 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to factor in about 5 minutes for making the beer cheese dip. Total time will be around 40 minutes, but the yum factor makes every second worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Simple, right?
2. Prepare Pretzel Dough:
If you’re using refrigerated pizza dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into small strips wide enough to wrap around each mini sausage.
3. Wrap Sausages:
Take each mini sausage and wrap it snugly with a strip of dough, pinching the edges to seal them well. Make sure a little bit of the sausage peeks out at one end for that cute look!
4. Prepare Baking Soda Bath:
In a large pot, bring the 10 cups of water and baking soda to a boil. We are making that pretzel magic happen!
5. Dip Dough-Wrapped Sausages:
Once the water is boiled, carefully drop the wrapped sausages into the boiling baking soda water for about 30 seconds. This step gives them that beautiful pretzel texture. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on the baking sheets.
6. Egg Wash and Salt:
Now it’s time to brush each pretzel pig with the beaten egg to give them a shiny top. Sprinkle some coarse kosher salt on top for that classic pretzel flavor.
7. Bake:
Pop these delicious bites into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. They’ll start smelling amazing!
8. Make Beer Cheese Dip:
While your pretzel pigs are baking, grab a saucepan and combine the shredded cheddar, cream cheese, beer, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Keep stirring over low heat until it all melts together into a smooth and creamy dip. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
9. Serve:
Once your pretzel pigs are out of the oven and your beer cheese dip is ready, it’s time to enjoy! Serve the warm pretzel pigs in a blanket with a side of delicious beer cheese dip. Perfect for sharing (or not)! 😊
Enjoy these delicious bites perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun snack!
Can I Use Regular Hot Dogs Instead of Mini Sausages?
Absolutely! Regular hot dogs can be used for this recipe. Just cut them into smaller sections to fit the wrap and ensure they cook through properly.
How Do I Store Leftover Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket?
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 for optimal crispiness.
Can I Freeze Them Before Baking?
Yes, you can freeze the wrapped pretzel pigs before boiling and baking. Place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, just boil and bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Beer Should I Use for the Cheese Dip?
You can use any lager or ale that you enjoy drinking! Light beers work well for a milder flavor, while darker beers can give a more robust taste. Feel free to adjust based on your preference!
