Houston Ham and Cheese Kolaches
Discover the irresistible charm of Houston Ham and Cheese Kolaches, a delightful fusion of soft, pillowy dough and a savory filling of diced ham and melted cheddar cheese. Inspired by the beloved Texas bakery tradition, these kolaches are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack. The homemade yeast dough, enriched with butter and eggs, is easy to work with and creates a fluffy, golden-brown exterior. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of salty ham, gooey cheese, and the slight sweetness of the dough. With a prep time that allows the dough to rise to perfection and a quick bake in the oven, these kolaches are as rewarding to make as they are to eat. Serve them warm for a comforting treat that captures the heart of Texas flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs
- 4.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Cooked ham, diced
- 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 Egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter melts and the mixture is warm (not hot). Remove from heat and let cool to about 110°F.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the milk mixture, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy.
Add the remaining sugar, eggs, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on medium speed until combined.
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, while kneading on medium-low speed until a soft, elastic dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but pull away from the edges of the bowl.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk.
Place a spoonful of diced ham and shredded cheese in the center of each disk. Pull the edges of the dough up and around the filling, pinching to seal tightly, and roll into a smooth ball.
Place the filled kolaches seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make the egg wash. Brush the top of each kolache with the egg wash.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the kolaches are golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
419 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.1 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 97 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 780 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.7 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.6 g | ||
| Protein | 19.5 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 139 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 199 mg | 4% | |
*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.
