Delight your taste buds with these irresistibly fluffy and savory Ham and Cheese Kolaches, a classic Czech-inspired pastry perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacking on the go! This recipe features a soft, pillowy dough made from scratch, filled with hearty diced ham and melty cheddar cheese for the ultimate flavor combination. The golden-brown crust, achieved with a light egg wash, offers a deliciously crisp contrast to the gooey, savory filling. With just a handful of pantry staples and simple steps, this homemade treat is easier to make than you might think. Serve these kolaches warm for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish thatβs sure to disappear in minutes. Perfect for meal prep or enjoying fresh out of the oven, these ham and cheese kolaches will be a family favorite in no time!
In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it reaches about 110Β°F (warm to the touch but not hot). Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted.
In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until a dough begins to form.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours in a warm place, until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a circle about 3 inches in diameter.
Place a small amount of diced ham and shredded cheese in the center of each circle. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal it, forming a ball with the filling enclosed inside.
Place the filled kolache seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for expansion.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the kolache with the egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the kolache are golden brown.
Allow the kolache to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Calories |
2989 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 119.2 g | 153% | |
| Saturated Fat | 64.7 g | 324% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 922 mg | 307% | |
| Sodium | 5350 mg | 233% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 355.3 g | 129% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.8 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.7 g | ||
| Protein | 125.5 g | 251% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.7 mcg | 29% | |
| Calcium | 1271 mg | 98% | |
| Iron | 23.9 mg | 133% | |
| Potassium | 1626 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.