Kolaches are soft, yeasted Czech pastries traditionally filled with fruit, but this savory version uses a seasoned pork mince filling tucked inside the dough before baking. They work equally well as a hearty appetizer or a main dish for a casual family dinner. Using store-bought dough cuts the prep time significantly without affecting the result.
1tablespoonolive oilextra virgin for depth of flavor
1poundpork mincepreferably organic for richer taste
1mediumonionfinely chopped
2clovesgarlicminced
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
0.5teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
0.5teaspoonsaltto taste
1cupgrated sharp cheddar cheese
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Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Incorporate pork mince, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook until the pork is browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Roll out the pizza dough to a 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4-inch circles.
Put a tablespoon of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and fold the edges over the filling, pinching to seal.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
Lisa’s Tips:
For added texture, toast the kolaches slightly before serving.
If you prefer a spicier filling, incorporate cayenne pepper into the pork mixture.
You can also use a blend of cheeses for more depth of flavor.