Ham and Cheese Kolache

Ham and Cheese Kolache Recipe - Traditional Czech Dish

Region / culture: Czech Republic | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 16

Introduction

Ham and Cheese Kolache is a delicious and savory pastry that originated in Czech cuisine. These soft and fluffy bread rolls are filled with a flavorful mixture of diced ham, Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.

History

Kolaches have been a popular pastry in Czech cuisine for centuries. Originally, they were sweet pastries filled with fruit preserves or poppy seeds. Over time, savory versions like Ham and Cheese Kolache became popular, especially in the United States where they are often enjoyed for breakfast.

Ingredients

Dough

3-3.5 cups of all-purpose flour
0.25 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp of sugar
1 envelope of Fleischmann fast rising yeast
1 tsp of salt
1 cup of water
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
1 large egg

Filling

1 cup of diced ham
0.5 cup of shredded swiss cheese
0.25 cup of grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp of dijon mustard

Egg glaze

1 egg white
1 tbsp of water

How to prepare

To make the Ham and Cheese Filling, combine 1 cup of diced Ham, 0.5 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, 0.25 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tbsp of Dijon mustard in a bowl. Stir well to blend and refrigerate until ready to use.
For the egg Glaze, combine 1 egg white and 1 tbsp of water in a small bowl. Beat lightly to blend.
To make the kolaches, start by combining 1 cup of flour, Cheese, Sugar, undissolved yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
Heat water and butter until very warm (120º to 130°F (54°C)). Gradually add to the flour mixture.
Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed using an electric mixer, scraping the bowl occasionally.
Add the egg and 1 cup of flour. Beat for 2 minutes at high speed.
Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.
Cover the balls and let them rest for 15 minutes.
Place the balls on greased baking sheets, keeping them 2 inches apart.
Make a deep and wide indentation on each ball by pushing outward toward the edge, leaving a 0.5 inch ridge around the outside.
Fill the indentations with the Ham and Cheese filling.
Cover the balls and let them rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Brush the surface of the dough with the egg Glaze.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 15 minutes or until done.
Remove the kolaches from the baking sheets and serve them warm.
Refrigerate any leftovers.
BAKING TIP: When using two baking sheets or pans in the same oven, be sure to stagger them. Heat rises, and stacking one pan directly above another causes the bottom pan to bake faster than the top. Bakers should also rotate the sheets (top to bottom and bottom to top) and turn the sheets 180°F (82°C) (back to front) halfway through baking.

Variations

You can customize the filling of the kolaches by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or different types of cheese.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure that the kolaches are light and fluffy.

- Be generous with the filling, but be careful not to overfill the kolaches as it may cause them to burst open during baking.

- Brushing the surface of the dough with the egg glaze before baking will give the kolaches a beautiful golden brown color.

- Serve the kolaches warm for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Ham and Cheese Kolache can be served as a standalone breakfast or brunch dish. They pair well with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Ham and Cheese Kolache is to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, and to let it rise properly before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use different types of cheese or deli meats in the filling of the kolaches based on your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling for the kolaches ahead of time and assemble them just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Ham and Cheese Kolache on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Ham and Cheese Kolache pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast or snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover kolaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Kolache contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Kolache contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Kolache contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham and Cheese Kolache contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham and Cheese Kolache is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Ham and Cheese Kolache is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ham and Cheese Kolache is a tasty and satisfying pastry that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. With a flavorful filling and soft, fluffy dough, these kolaches are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished baking a batch of cinnamon rolls when my dear friend Margaret stopped by for a visit. Margaret was known for her delicious baking skills, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

As we sat at the kitchen table sipping on hot cups of tea, Margaret pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her bag. She flipped through the pages until she landed on a recipe for Ham and Cheese Kolache. "This is a family favorite of ours," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You have to try it, Mary."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the savory pastries. The combination of ham, cheese, and fluffy dough sounded like a match made in heaven. Margaret must have noticed my enthusiasm because she insisted on helping me make the kolaches right then and there.

We gathered the necessary ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. Margaret took charge, showing me how to knead the dough until it was soft and elastic. I watched in awe as she expertly shaped the dough into small rounds, filling each one with a generous portion of ham and cheese.

As we waited for the kolaches to bake in the oven, Margaret regaled me with stories of her family and the traditions they held dear. She spoke lovingly of her grandmother, who had taught her how to bake when she was just a young girl. I could see the pride in her eyes as she recounted the memories of baking with her family, passing down recipes from one generation to the next.

When the timer finally went off, we eagerly pulled the kolaches out of the oven, the smell of melted cheese and crispy dough filling the air. Margaret insisted we try one right away, and as I took my first bite, I knew I had discovered a new favorite recipe.

From that day on, Ham and Cheese Kolache became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and just for myself on lazy Sunday mornings. Each time I pulled a batch out of the oven, I couldn't help but think of Margaret and the bond we shared over a love of baking.

Over the years, I've tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a sprinkle of herbs or a dash of hot sauce for a little extra kick. But no matter how I change it up, the kolaches always bring me back to that sunny day in my kitchen with Margaret, where a simple recipe sparked a lifelong love of baking.

Now, as I pass the recipe on to my grandchildren, I hope they too will find joy in the simple act of creating something delicious from scratch. And who knows, maybe one day they'll sit in their own kitchens, sharing stories and recipes with the ones they love, just like Margaret and I did all those years ago.