These Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket are a fun twist on the classic snack! Juicy little hot dogs wrapped in soft pretzel dough create a yummy treat everyone will love. Plus, the beer cheese dip is the icing on the cake!
Honestly, dipping them into that cheesy goodness makes these even better. I can’t resist grabbing a few while watching a game—perfect for sharing (if you want)! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Hot Dogs: These are the stars of the recipe and bring a delightful flavor. If you prefer, you can opt for turkey dogs or vegetarian sausages for a lighter option.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for the dough to rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use that instead – just add it directly to the dry ingredients; no proofing needed!
All-Purpose Flour: This is perfect for the dough, creating a soft texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Beer: A lager or ale adds depth to the cheese dip. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can use non-alcoholic beer or even vegetable broth as substitutes.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It gives a nice kick to the dip. You can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for different flavors.
How Do I Achieve Perfect Pretzel Texture?
A key step in making these pretzel pigs in a blanket is boiling your dough before baking. This step creates that iconic chewy pretzel texture.
- Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
- Boil the wrapped hot dogs for 30 seconds. This helps give them that delightful pretzel crust!
- Make sure to flip them gently using a slotted spatula to avoid any tearing.
Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before brushing with egg wash. This will enhance the golden color and add shine. Following these tips helps ensure you get that sought-after soft and chewy bite!
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 (110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 10 cups water (for boiling)
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
For the Beer Cheese Dip:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beer (lager or ale, room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus an hour for the dough to rise and another 15 minutes for baking. Altogether, allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy these yummy Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket with your homemade beer cheese dip!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pretzel Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy. This means your yeast is active! Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the melted butter along with the yeast mixture, stirring until everything is combined and a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s nice and smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Pigs In A Blanket:
Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle that’s about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into 12 strips and tightly wrap each mini hot dog with one strip, sealing the edges as you go.
3. Boil the Wrapped Pigs In A Blanket:
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in batches of the wrapped hot dogs, boiling them for about 30 seconds each. This step gives them that signature pretzel texture! Once boiled, remove them with a slotted spatula and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
4. Bake:
Brush each pretzel-wrapped dog with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
5. Prepare Beer Cheese Dip:
While your pretzel pigs are baking, let’s whip up the beer cheese dip! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook while whisking for around 1 minute until it’s bubbly and lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the beer, continuing to cook until the mixture thickens—this should take about 3-5 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in both the cheddar cheese and cream cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. Finally, add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the dip warm!
6. Serve:
Once your Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket are out of the oven and perfectly golden, arrange them on a serving board alongside the warm beer cheese dip. Enjoy by dipping the pretzel-wrapped hot dogs into the rich, cheesy goodness!
This recipe yields about 12 Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket paired with a delicious creamy beer cheese dip—ideal for game days, parties, or just a fun snack at home!
Can I Use Frozen Hot Dogs Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen mini hot dogs. Just make sure to thaw them completely before wrapping them in the dough for the best results!
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be that the yeast was inactive. Make sure the water is at the right temperature (not too hot) when mixing with the yeast. If it’s still warm after 5 minutes, you can try again or use fresh yeast!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness, or microwave for a softer option.
Can I Make the Beer Cheese Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beer cheese dip in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat on low, adding a splash of beer or milk to help smooth it out if it thickens up.
