Texas Sausage Kolaches Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and texture.

Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.

Warmed milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.

Melted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.

Beaten egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dough.

Pre-cooked sausages: The savory filling for the kolaches.

When kneading the dough, ensure you use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop the gluten structure, making the dough smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface, but be careful not to add too much, as this can make the kolaches dense.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser texture.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly with dry ingredients and doesn't require proofing, making the process quicker.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and adds moisture to the dough, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

• warmed milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking, though it may impart a slight nutty flavor.

• melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well in baking.

• beaten egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) is a vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• pre-cooked sausages - Substitute with vegetarian sausages: Vegetarian sausages are a plant-based alternative that can provide a similar texture and flavor for those avoiding meat.

• Allow the kolaches to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the dough soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the kolaches in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can also store them in the refrigerator to extend their freshness for up to a week.

• To freeze the kolaches, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh. Place the wrapped kolaches in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen kolache, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. Alternatively, you can reheat them directly from frozen.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the kolaches on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the dough is slightly crispy. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, but be aware that the dough may become softer.

• If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or mold, discard the kolaches immediately.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Texas Sausage Kolaches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method ensures the dough remains soft and the sausages are heated evenly.

• Microwave Method: Place the kolaches on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are not overheating. This method is quick but may make the dough slightly chewy.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the kolaches directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet. Heat for about 8-10 minutes. This method is great for achieving a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside warm and soft.

• Steaming Method: If you prefer a softer texture, you can steam the kolaches. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the dough soft.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the kolaches in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method can give the dough a nice, slightly crispy texture while ensuring the sausages are heated through.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast, as well as to mix the dough ingredients together.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, milk, and melted butter.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt and yeast.

• Whisk: Helps to beat the egg and mix the yeast mixture.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the dough as you gradually add the flour.

• Floured surface: A clean, flat area dusted with flour to knead the dough.

• Dough scraper: Handy for dividing the dough into equal pieces.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the kolaches on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lines the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

• Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the kolaches.

• Pastry brush: Optional, but can be used to brush melted butter on the kolaches before baking for a golden finish.

• Kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises.

• Greased bowl: Holds the dough as it rises for an hour.

• Knife: Used to cut the dough into 8 equal pieces.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to save time during the process.

Use pre-cooked sausages: Opt for pre-cooked sausages to skip the cooking step and speed up assembly.

Warm the milk quickly: Use a microwave to warm the milk in seconds instead of heating it on the stove.

Quick dough rise: Place the dough in a warm oven (turned off) to expedite the rising process.

Batch work: Flatten and wrap all dough pieces around the sausages at once to streamline the process.