Savory Texas Sausage Kolaches

Savory Texas Sausage Kolaches

Ingredients

• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup warm water
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) smoked breakfast sausage links (such as Eckrich®)
• 1 (8 ounce) package sharp Cheddar cheese

Method

1. In a small saucepan, gently heat milk over medium heat until it starts bubbling. Quickly remove from the heat and stir in sugar, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and salt until the sugar is fully dissolved. Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water and yeast, stirring until the yeast is dissolved. Mix in 2 cups of flour, the cooled milk mixture, and the eggs, then beat with the dough hook attachment until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough reaches an elastic, slightly stiff consistency but remains moist.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 to 15 minutes until it becomes smooth and very elastic. Lightly brush the dough with some melted butter and place it in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
4. While the dough rises, slice the sausages in half and pat them dry. Cut the Cheddar cheese into thin slices that match the length of the halved sausages.
5. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
6. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a log, cut it into 5 equal sections, and then divide each section into 4 pieces, yielding 20 equal portions. Flatten each piece into a circle or oval using your palm. Place a slice of Cheddar cheese and a half of sausage in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling, pinching the seams tightly to seal them. Smooth the surface and place each kolache on the prepared baking sheet. Continue this process until all the dough and filling are used, brushing the tops with any remaining melted butter.
7. Bake the kolaches in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown.