Ham and Cheese Kolache

Delight your taste buds with these irresistibly fluffy and savory Ham and Cheese Kolaches, a classic Czech-inspired pastry perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacking on the go! This recipe features a soft, pillowy dough made from scratch, filled with hearty diced ham and melty cheddar cheese for the ultimate flavor combination. The golden-brown crust, achieved with a light egg wash, offers a deliciously crisp contrast to the gooey, savory filling. With just a handful of pantry staples and simple steps, this homemade treat is easier to make than you might think. Serve these kolaches warm for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to disappear in minutes. Perfect for meal prep or enjoying fresh out of the oven, these ham and cheese kolaches will be a family favorite in no time!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup Whole milk
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 packet Active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 pieces Large eggs
• 1 cup Diced ham
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 piece Egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it reaches about 110°F (warm to the touch but not hot). Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and eggs. Mix until a dough begins to form.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 5

Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours in a warm place, until doubled in size.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a circle about 3 inches in diameter.

Step 8

Place a small amount of diced ham and shredded cheese in the center of each circle. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal it, forming a ball with the filling enclosed inside.

Step 9

Place the filled kolache seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for expansion.

Step 10

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the kolache with the egg wash for a golden finish.

Step 11

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the kolache are golden brown.

Step 12

Allow the kolache to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1173.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2989.2

Total Fat 119.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 64.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 922.4mg	0%
Sodium 5349.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 355.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.8g	0%
Total Sugars 25.7g
Protein 125.5g	0%

Vitamin D 228.4IU	0%
Calcium 1271.4mg	0%
Iron 23.9mg	0%
Potassium 1626.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.8%

Protein: 16.8%

Carbs: 47.4%