Originally a Czech pastry, kolaches are quite popular in southwest Louisiana and Texas. This basic dough can be used to make sweet or savory versions.
Crawfish Kolaches
Yields: 15
Ingredients
- 1½ cups water (105° to 110°)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2½ teaspoons instant yeast
- 4¼ cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 pound crawfish tails
- ½ cup shredded farmer cheese, drained
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning, divided
- 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Garnish: chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, stir together 1½ cups water, sugar, and yeast by hand. Let stand until mixture is foamy, about 10 minutes. Add 4 cups flour, melted butter, 1 egg, zest, and salt, and beat at medium speed until a smooth, sticky dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°) until doubled in size, about 1½ hours.
- Lightly spray a work surface with cooking spray. Line a 13x9-inch baking sheet with parchment paper; spray parchment with cooking spray.
- Transfer dough to prepared work surface, and gently deflate. Cut ¼ cup dough, and with floured hands, slightly shape into a ball. Repeat with remaining dough. Place balls on prepared pan. Let stand until puffed, 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with a mixer at medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add remaining 1 egg, and beat for 1 minute. Add crawfish tails, farmer cheese, hot sauce, 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning, and remaining ¼ cup flour; beat for 1 minute.
- Using your fingers, press a deep indentation in center of each ball. Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, scoop filling into each ball, pressing to indent dough.
- Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- In small bowl, stir together sour cream, lemon juice, and remaining 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning. Drizzle over rolls. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve warm.