Kolache: A Sweet and Savory Pastry from Texas

Kolaches are a delicious and versatile pastry that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are made with a sweet yeast dough that is filled with a variety of fillings, both sweet and savory. Kolaches are a popular food in Texas, and they can be found in bakeries and restaurants all over the state.

History of Kolaches

Kolaches were first brought to Texas by Czech immigrants in the late 1800s. The pastries quickly became popular, and they are now a staple of Texan cuisine. Kolaches are typically made with a sweet yeast dough that is filled with fruit, cheese, or meat. The most popular fillings include poppy seed, cream cheese, and sausage.

Types of Kolaches

There are two main types of kolaches: sweet and savory. Sweet kolaches are filled with fruit, cheese, or nuts. Savory kolaches are filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Some of the most popular kolache fillings include:

  • Sweet:
    • Poppy seed
    • Cream cheese
    • Fruit (such as apricot, cherry, or blueberry)
    • Nut (such as almond or pecan)
  • Savory:
    • Sausage
    • Ham
    • Cheese
    • Vegetables (such as spinach or sauerkraut)

How to Make Kolaches

Kolaches are relatively easy to make at home. The following is a basic recipe for kolaches:

Ingredients:

  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water (105-115 degrees F)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Fillings of your choice

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes, until the yeast is foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, milk, butter, salt, and flour. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a greased baking sheet.
  6. Make a small indentation in the center of each ball and fill with your desired filling.
  7. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Nutritional Value of Kolaches

Kolaches are a relatively high-calorie food, but they are also a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. A typical kolache contains about 242 calories, 4.2 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat, 41 grams of carbohydrates, and 1.3 grams of fiber. Kolaches are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, niacin, iron, and calcium.

Tips for Making Great Kolaches

  • Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the kolaches will be.
  • Don't overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will make the kolaches tough.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place. This will help the kolaches to become light and fluffy.
  • Bake the kolaches until they are golden brown. This will ensure that they are cooked through.

Conclusion

Kolaches are a delicious and versatile pastry that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are easy to make at home and can be filled with a variety of sweet and savory fillings. So next time you're looking for a tasty treat, give kolaches a try!

How many calories are in Kolache?

Each 1 kolache of Kolache contains 242 calories.

Kolache Nutritional Information

Nutrient Amount per 1 kolache (111g)
Calories 242 Calories
Protein 4.2g
Fat 7g
Saturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 0.042mg
Carbohydrates 41g
Dietary Fiber 1.3g
Sugar 20g
Sodium 0.169mg
Potassium 0.1292mg
Calcium 0.029mg
Iron 0.0006mg