These Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket are a fun twist on a classic! Juicy hot dogs wrapped in soft pretzel dough are a delicious treat that everyone loves.
And let’s not forget the beer cheese dip—it’s creamy, cheesy, and just a little bit zesty! I can’t resist dunking my pretzels in it. Perfect for game day or movie night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich, creamy texture to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead. It gives a nice tang and is a bit healthier!
Crescent Roll Dough: While store-bought is convenient, homemade pretzel dough really enhances the flavor. If making dough isn’t your thing, any fast-acting dough will work as a substitute to wrap those sausages.
Mini Cocktail Smokies: Use hot dogs for a classic flavor. You can even try plant-based sausages for a vegetarian option. They’ll still taste great wrapped in that pretzel crust!
Beer: A lager or ale works wonderfully, but you can replace it with chicken or vegetable broth for an alcohol-free dip while still keeping it tasty.
What’s the Best Way to Create That Classic Pretzel Texture?
Getting that perfect pretzel texture requires boiling the wrapped sausages in a baking soda bath. This steps changes the pH of the dough, giving it that signature crust. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring 10 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Slowly add 2/3 cup of baking soda—be prepared for a quick bubble up!
- Carefully drop a few wrapped sausages in at a time for about 30 seconds. This is key!
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Don’t skip this part as it’s what really makes your Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket shine! Your friends and family will be so impressed with that fresh pretzel taste!
Pretzel Pigs In A Blanket With The Beer Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pretzel Pigs in a Blanket:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional, for added flavor)
- 8 ounces dried beef or cooked steak, chopped (optional, to mix with sausage)
- 2 (14 ounces each) tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough (or homemade pretzel dough for authenticity)
- 16 mini cocktail smokies or approximately 8 hot dogs cut in half
- ¼ cup coarse sea salt or pretzel salt
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
For the Beer Cheese Dip:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beer (lager or ale preferred)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll need about 5 minutes for making the beer cheese dip while the pretzels are in the oven. All together, expect to dedicate roughly 40-45 minutes for this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the dough and filling:
If you’re using crescent roll dough, just unroll it on a flat surface. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese together. If you like, toss in the chopped chives and optional chopped dried beef or cooked steak for extra flavor. Stir until all ingredients are combined.
2. Assemble the pigs in a blanket:
Take a triangle of the crescent dough and spread a spoonful of the cheese mixture over it. Place a mini cocktail smokie or half a hot dog at the wide end of the triangle. Roll it up towards the point to wrap the sausage tightly, ensuring no filling escapes.
3. Prepare the baking soda bath:
In a large pot, heat the 10 cups of water until it’s boiling. Be very careful now—slowly whisk in the baking soda. It will bubble up, so take it nice and slow!
4. Boil the wrapped sausages:
Once the water is boiling, gently drop 3-4 of your wrapped sausages into the pot at a time. Let them bask in that boiling water for about 30 seconds. This step is what gives them that classic pretzel texture! Use a slotted spoon to take them out, and lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake the pretzel pigs in a blanket:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush each of your wrapped sausages with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are gorgeously golden brown.
6. Make the beer cheese dip:
While those little piggies bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly add in the beer, whisking until it’s smooth and begins to thicken. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Serve:
Once your pretzel pigs are out of the oven, let them cool for a minute. Serve those warm bites on a platter alongside a bowl of your irresistible beer cheese dip. Enjoy dunking and delighting in this perfect snack!
Enjoy your soft, savory pretzel pigs in a blanket paired perfectly with the tangy, cheesy beer dip!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen dough for your pretzels! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using. Follow the same instructions for rolling and boiling.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any 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 or until warmed through for a nice crispy texture.
What Can I Substitute for Beer in the Cheese Dip?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the beer with chicken or vegetable broth. You can also use non-alcoholic beer for a similar flavor without the alcohol content.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pretzel pigs in advance, then refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight before boiling and baking. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before boiling for better results.