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Sweet & Spicy Ham and Cheese Kolaches

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Bake Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

4 hours

Yields:

12 servings

Level:

Intermediate

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 4 cups bread flour + more for dusting

  • ¼ cup FreshJax’s Brunch Life seasoning

  • 1½ cups whole milk, warm

  • 1 package (¼-ounce) active dry yeast

  • ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

  • ¼ teaspoon salt


For the filling:

  • 24 deli slices honey maple ham

  • 12 pepper jack cheese sticks


For the topping:

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • Sliced pickled jalapeños (optional)

Tools Needed

Thermometer

Stand Mixer

Silicone Baking Mat

Dough Scraper


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Preparation

  1. Make the dough: Add the milk to a small saucepan and warm on the stove over medium-low heat. Check the yeast package for the right temperature range, and remove the milk from the stove once it reaches temperature.

  2. Place the warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle with yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let stand for 5-7 minutes, or until the yeast is activated and bubbly.

  3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, seasoning, sugar, and salt. Set aside.

  4. Add butter and â…“ of flour mixture to the stand mixer and mix on low speed with the dough hook attachment.

  5. Slowly add the remaining flour ½ at a time and increase mixer speed to medium. Continue to mix until dough is fully formed and pulling away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is too sticky, add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time.

  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough becomes smooth and slightly tacky to the touch. Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Allow to rise for 2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.

  7. Line a baking tray with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. 

  8. Add the filling: One at a time, flatten each dough portion into a small rectangle shape. Wrap once piece of cheese with a slice of ham and place in the center of the dough. Carefully fold the dough over the ham, pinching closed. Place the dough seam-side downward onto the lined baking tray. Repeat with remaining dough, ham, and cheese.

  9. Cover the filled baking tray with a clean cloth and allow to rise for 30-45 minutes more, or until nearly doubled in size.

  10. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400℉.

  11. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the egg and water. Use a basting brush to cover the tops of each kolache with the egg wash. Add 3-4 jalapeno slices to the top of each kolache.

  12. Bake the kolaches for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

  13. Allow to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tags

Spicy, FreshJax, Bread, Breakfast, Appetizer

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