Savory Texas Sausage Kolaches

Savory Texas Sausage Kolaches

These Texas-Style Sausage Kolaches are fluffy pastries filled with savory sausage and melted Cheddar cheese, perfect for a snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 teaspoons yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 10 links sausages
• 8 slices Cheddar cheese

Method

1. Begin by warming milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it bubbles. Remove from heat and mix in sugar, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and salt until the sugar completely dissolves. Let the mixture cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
2. In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water and yeast, stirring until the yeast is fully dissolved. Add 2 cups of flour, the cooled milk mixture, and eggs, then mix with the dough hook until smooth. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour until the dough is elastic and slightly firm yet still moist.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10 to 15 minutes until it is smooth and very elastic. Lightly brush with melted butter, place in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
4. While the dough is rising, slice the sausages lengthwise and pat them dry. Cut the Cheddar cheese into thin slices matching the length of the halved sausages.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
6. After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a log, cut it into 5 equal pieces, then divide each piece into 4 smaller portions, giving you 20 pieces. Flatten each piece into a circle or oval shape using your palm. Add a slice of Cheddar cheese and half a sausage in the center of each piece. Fold the dough around the filling, pinching the seams to seal tightly. Smooth the surface of each kolache and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all dough and filling are used, brushing the tops with any leftover melted butter.
7. Bake the kolaches in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown.