Kolaches – those sweet, savory, and sometimes spicy pastry pockets that bring people together. Whether you’re a native Czech speaker or just a fan of Eastern European cuisine, kolaches have a way of warming hearts and filling bellies. And yet, many of us are limited to the same old fillings we grew up with: sausage and cheese, perhaps, or sweet poppy seeds. But what about all the other delicious options out there? In this article, we’ll explore 18 scrumptious kolache recipes that will take your taste buds on a wild ride.
From classic Czech treats to innovative twists on traditional flavors, we’ve got you covered with a range of mouthwatering fillings and toppings. Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast treat or a savory snack for the game-day crowd, there’s something here for everyone.
Classic Czech Kolache with Sweet Cheese Filling
Experience the warm, comforting tradition of Czech baking with this simple recipe for sweet cheese-filled kolaches. These flaky pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– Filling ingredients (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Filling:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Combine flour, oil, warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl; mix until smooth.
2. Knead dough for 5 minutes, then let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into squares or use a cookie cutter to create desired shapes.
6. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each square; fold and press edges to seal.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Texas-Style Sausage and Cheese Kolache
Texas-Style Sausage and Cheese Kolache Recipe
Get ready to experience the bold flavors of Texas with this mouthwatering sausage and cheese kolache recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of smoked sausage (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
– 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 tablespoon of butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the crescent roll dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Arrange the sliced sausage along one edge of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sausage.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Texas-style sausage and cheese kolache!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Kolache
This sweet and savory kolache combines the freshness of blueberries with the tanginess of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this delightful treat is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese, sugar, and honey until smooth. Spoon the mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Top with blueberries.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Apricot Kolache with Streusel Topping
Apricot Kolache with Streusel Topping Recipe
This sweet and savory apricot kolache recipe combines the flavors of juicy apricots, soft bread, and crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups warm milk (105°F)
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
– Streusel Topping (recipe below)
Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix yeast, warm milk, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the mixture. Knead for 10 minutes.
4. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Place apricots in center of dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Fold edges over apricots, pressing gently to seal.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Prepare streusel topping by mixing dry ingredients with softened butter until crumbly.
8. Sprinkle streusel topping over the kolache and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Savory Ham and Swiss Kolache
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this savory ham and Swiss kolache recipe, featuring flaky pastry, salty ham, and melted cheese. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing morning treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen kolache dough (thawed)
– 6 slices of cooked ham
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the kolache dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Cut out circles of dough using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
4. Place a slice of ham and a sprinkle of Swiss cheese in the center of each dough circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush the tops with softened butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Poppy Seed Kolache with Lemon Glaze
This sweet and tangy treat combines the flavors of warm poppy seed dough and a bright lemon glaze, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– Lemon Glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Gradually add milk and melted butter, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough, roll out to about 1/4 inch thickness, and spread with poppy seeds.
7. Roll up tightly and place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Lemon Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over warm poppy seed kolache.
Cherry Kolache with Almond Crust
This sweet treat combines the warmth of a kolache with the tartness of cherries and the crunch of almonds. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup of cherry jam
– 1 cup of fresh cherries, pitted
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of sliced almonds
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Spread cherry jam over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Arrange cherries on top of the jam, then sprinkle with sugar.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush the egg wash over the pastry to glaze.
7. Sprinkle almonds over the pastry and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving (optional).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon and Egg Breakfast Kolache
Start your day off right with this savory breakfast kolache filled with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 package ofkolache dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced bell peppers, chopped cilantro, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then set aside.
3. Scramble the eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roll out the kolache dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
5. Place a spoonful of scrambled eggs on one half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Add a few pieces of crispy bacon and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
7. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
8. Brush the top with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Kolache with Maple Drizzle
These sweet and savory pastries are perfect for fall mornings or as a special treat any time of the year. With the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, paired with a drizzle of pure Canadian maple syrup, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of kolache dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Roll out kolache dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Spoon the pumpkin mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Fold the other half over the filling and press edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Drizzle with maple syrup while still warm.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Raspberry and White Chocolate Kolache
Sweet and tart, this Raspberry and White Chocolate Kolache combines the freshness of raspberries with the creaminess of white chocolate in a flaky, buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of crescent roll dough (8-10 pieces)
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out crescent roll dough to desired thickness. Cut into squares or use as is for a more rustic look.
3. In a small bowl, mix together fresh raspberries and granulated sugar.
4. Place a spoonful of the raspberry mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the raspberries, then sprinkle with white chocolate chips.
6. Fold the other half of the dough square over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Jalapeño and Cheddar Kolache
Looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe that’s both savory and sweet? Look no further! This Jalapeño and Cheddar Kolache is the perfect combination of spicy and cheesy, wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of kolache dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the kolache dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Arrange the sliced jalapeños on one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around them.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the jalapeños.
5. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press edges to seal.
6. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with water) and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Kolache with Caramel Sauce
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this sweet and savory apple cinnamon kolache, drizzled with a rich caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy mornings.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to desired thickness.
3. In a bowl, mix together diced apples and granulated sugar. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
4. Place apple mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Fold other half of pastry over filling; press edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a splash of water).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Drizzle caramel sauce over warm kolache before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peanut Butter and Jelly Kolache
Peanut Butter and Jelly Kolache: A Twist on a Classic
This sweet treat combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the fruity flavor of jelly, all wrapped up in a flaky kolache dough. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of kolache dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
– 2 tbsp grape or strawberry jelly
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the kolache dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
2. Spread the peanut butter evenly over one half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
3. Spoon the jelly over the peanut butter, making sure to stay within the borders.
4. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal.
5. Brush the top with a little bit of water and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Feta Kolache
This recipe combines the flavors of Greece with the warmth of a Czech pastry, resulting in a delicious and savory Spinach and Feta Kolache. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this sweet and savory treat is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of kolache dough (or 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup warm water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar)
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the kolache dough or mix the all-purpose flour mixture with warm water to form a ball.
3. Place the spinach and feta cheese in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the edges over the filling, forming a triangle or square shape.
5. Brush the egg wash over the pastry and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chocolate Hazelnut Kolache
This sweet treat combines the indulgent flavors of dark chocolate and hazelnuts with a flaky, buttery pastry crust. Perfect for breakfast or as a decadent dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 4-6 rectangles, depending on desired size.
3. In a small bowl, mix together hazelnuts and chocolate chips. Place a spoonful of the mixture onto one half of each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing gently to seal. Brush with melted butter and cut a slit in the top for ventilation.
5. Place the kolaches on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Strawberry Rhubarb Kolache
This recipe combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb, all wrapped up in a flaky, buttery kolache crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup strawberry-rhubarb filling (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Strawberry-Rhubarb Filling:
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1 cup sliced rhubarb
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Spoon strawberry-rhubarb filling onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
7. Fold the other half over the filling and press edges to seal.
8. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Lemon Curd Kolache with Powdered Sugar
Lemon Curd Kolache with Powdered Sugar: A Bright Twist on a Classic Pastry
This sweet and tangy kolache combines the richness of lemon curd with the flaky crust of puff pastry, topped with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into a 9×13-inch rectangle.
3. Spread the lemon curd evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the pastry edges over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Brush the top with softened butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pulled Pork and BBQ Kolache
Savor the flavors of tender pulled pork and sweet BBQ sauce wrapped in a soft, buttery kolache.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
– 1 package of crescent roll dough (8-10 pieces)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and smoked paprika.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder.
4. Place the pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Cook for 8 hours or until tender.
5. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Roll out crescent dough and cut into squares.
7. Place 2-3 tablespoons of pulled pork on each square, leaving a 1-inch border.
8. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
9. Brush tops with softened butter and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (pork) + 12-15 minutes (kolaches)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of flavors with these 18 delicious kolache recipes! From classic Czech sweet cheese fillings to savory ham and Swiss, there’s something for every occasion. Try Texas-style sausage and cheese, or go sweet with blueberry cream cheese and apricot streusel toppings. Spice things up with jalapeño and cheddar or pulled pork and BBQ. And don’t forget the breakfast options like bacon and egg or pumpkin spice with maple drizzle. Whatever your taste buds crave, there’s a kolache recipe here to satisfy!
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