Sausage Gravy Kolaches Recipe

When I film a recipe Im not that familiar with, like these glorious kolaches, I tend to go for a straightforward version. I want to showcase the true essence of the dish without unnecessary extras. But this time, I did a bit of both: keeping things simple while also creating a more visually exciting dish.

Heres how to make Sausage Gravy Kolaches! Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process. But first, a few important notes:

Traditional kolaches are usually sweet, but savory versions arent unheard of. While sausage gravy isnt a common filling for kolaches, I thought it would make for a more visually enticing dish, with the gravy fully exposed. In Texas, where these buns originated, savory fillings are typically tucked inside, but I opted for a more appealing presentation. That said, if sausage gravy isnt your thing, feel free to use any filling you prefer, whether sweet or savory!

Ingredients

Dough:

• 1/2 cup warm milk (110F / 43C)
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra as needed)

Sausage Gravy Filling:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 8 ounces ground pork breakfast sausage (or sausage links with casings removed)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten, divided

Directions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Stir to combine. Add the egg and flour. Attach the dough hook and knead the mixture on low speed, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides and ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Continue for 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Once the dough comes together, increase the mixer speed by one notch and continue kneading for an additional 2 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly elastic.

Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it by hand for another minute. Shape the dough into a smooth ball. Since the dough contains butter, it shouldnt be sticky.

Step 4: Place the dough ball in a lightly buttered bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 90 minutes.

Step 5: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Shape it into a ball again and weigh it on a digital scale. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball, using just enough flour to prevent sticking. Press each ball into a disc about 3 1/2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each disc with your hands.

Step 6: Transfer the discs to a Silpat-lined baking sheet. Cover them and let them rise for another 45 to 60 minutes, or until they have nearly doubled in size.

Step 7: While the dough proofs, make the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sausage and cook until browned and crumbly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 8: In a large bowl, combine the cooled sausage, cream cheese, green onions, milk, sage, half of the beaten egg, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir until the mixture becomes a thick paste.

Step 9: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Step 10: Use slightly damp fingertips to press a well into the center of each kolache. Make sure to leave a 3/4-inch border around the edge. Dont press all the way through the dough.

Step 11: Brush each kolache with the remaining beaten egg. Fill each well with the sausage-cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.

Step 12: Bake the kolaches in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 13: Remove from the oven and transfer the kolaches to a wire rack. Let them cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Enjoy your Sausage Gravy Kolaches!

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 379
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 13g