This Sourdough Kolaches Recipe is the best way to make a classic pastry taste even better. This recipe makes a delicious treat that is both comforting and tasty by combining the sourdough’s tangy flavor with the kolache’s soft, pillowy texture. Kolaches, which came to America from Czech immigrants, have changed over time to include different fillings. The sourdough version, however, gives this popular pastry a whole new level of flavor.
Making sourdough kolaches from scratch may seem complicated, but if you have the right ingredients and are willing to wait, the results are worth every bite. This recipe will show you how to make the perfect dough and fill your sourdough with sweet or savory fillings of your choice, whether you’re a fan of sourdough or just starting to bake. The sourdough base adds a slight tang that goes well with the usual fruit or meat fillings.
Sourdough kolaches are great for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. They have the perfect mix of flavors and textures. Letting your sourdough starter shine is the key to success. This will make sure that the dough rises nicely and bakes to a golden perfection. Let’s get into this great sourdough kolaches recipe and change the way you bake with this tasty and unique pastry.
Origins of Sourdough Kolaches Recipe
Czech immigrants brought kolaches to the United States, especially to Texas and other parts of the Midwest. These immigrants are where the pastry got its start. Traditionally, kolaches are made with a sweet dough and filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients like fruit, cheese, or meats. As the recipe changed to fit the tastes of different areas, adding sourdough gave this classic pastry a new twist.
The idea of sourdough kolaches probably came about because many immigrant communities used sourdough a lot. Sourdough, with its tangy flavor and chewy texture, pairs beautifully with the soft, pillowy dough of a traditional kolache. This mix makes the flavor more interesting by balancing the sweetness of fruit fillings with the savory taste of meats and cheeses. The classic kolaches are made with a soft, sweet dough. Adding sourdough gives the pastry a rustic feel, which is why people who like a deeper, slightly tangy flavor in their baked goods love it.
As more people started using sourdough starters to bake at home, the sourdough kolaches recipe became popular. This is how this old way of making bread rose into new recipes. The kolache changed as sourdough baking became more popular. Sourdough kolaches are a popular choice for people who want to try something new with the original recipe. They are a tasty mix of old and new.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect
Here are some short tips & tricks for making the perfect sourdough kolaches:
- Use a Well-Feeding Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it. This ensures your dough rises properly and develops the tangy flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise slowly, preferably overnight in the fridge, for the best flavor and texture.
- Roll Dough Evenly: Roll your dough to an even thickness to ensure uniform baking and a soft, fluffy texture.
- Fill Generously: Don’t skimp on the filling. Whether it’s fruit, cheese, or sausage, make sure there’s enough to complement the dough without overwhelming it.
- Brush with Butter: For a golden, shiny finish, brush the kolaches with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the perfect sourdough kolaches!
Variations of Sourdough Kolaches Recipe
Fruit-Filled Sourdough Kolaches: Traditional fruit fillings like apricot, cherry, or peach work wonderfully in sourdough kolaches. The tangy dough pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit.
Savory Sourdough Kolaches: Swap the sweet fillings for savory ones such as sausage, cheese, or spinach and feta. The sourdough adds a depth of flavor that complements these hearty ingredients.
Nut and Cream Cheese Kolaches: A decadent twist involves adding a creamy filling of cream cheese mixed with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, providing a rich and satisfying taste.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Kolaches: For a sweet breakfast option, fill your kolaches with a cinnamon-sugar mixture or drizzle with cinnamon glaze for a delightful treat.
Vegan Sourdough Kolaches: You can make vegan-friendly kolaches by using dairy-free butter, plant-based cream cheese, and fruit fillings, making this a versatile option for those with dietary restrictions.
With these variations, you can tailor your sourdough kolaches to fit any taste or occasion!
Sourdough Kolaches
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush (for butter)
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup sourdough starter active and bubbly
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast optional, for extra rise
- 1 cup fruit filling or savory filling e.g., sausage, cheese, or spinach
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, warm milk, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the softened butter, flour, salt, and egg. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook). If using yeast, add it in with the dry ingredients.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into squares or circles, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and fold the edges around the filling to create a pocket.
- Place the kolaches on the prepared baking sheet. Let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Brush the kolaches with an egg wash (beaten egg) and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- After baking, brush with melted butter for a soft, shiny finish. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a sweeter kolache, you can use fruit preserves or jam as the filling.
- Savory options like cheese or cooked sausage work wonderfully as well.
- If you prefer a vegan version, substitute dairy butter with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free fillings.
Share Your Twist!
Have you made this sourdough kolache recipe your own? We’d love to hear about it if you’ve added a creative filling or tried different flavors in the dough. Share your twist in the comments below or on social media, and let’s celebrate how we can make this classic pastry our own in so many tasty ways. Don’t forget to use #SourdoughKolacheTwist and tag us so that others can see how creative you are!
