Texas may not have invented the kolache, but it sure as heck perfected it.” – Stacey Leasca, freelance journalist, Southern Living

Whether kolaches or klobásníky, these treats are a Texas tradition

Kolaches were introduced to Texas by Czech immigrants and these little pastries were square in shape, filled with fruit or cheese and served for dessert. The meat-filled treats were invented by Texas families of Czech descent and called klobásníky, or klobásník in the singular. So, if you stop at one of those Central Texas Czech bakeries, ask for them by the correct name. The Czech community will thank you.

JALAPEÑO CHEESE AND SAUSAGE klobásníky

Photo by Jennifer Reynolds

DOUGH

2 1⁄4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)

1⁄4 cup lukewarm water

1 cup lukewarm milk

4 tablespoons butter melted and cooled

2 eggs, large

1⁄2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

4 3⁄4 cups flour (you may need up to 51⁄2 cups)

FILLING

12 fully cooked sausages (breakfast links)

3⁄4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1⁄2 cup jalapeño slices

Combine the yeast and water in the bowl of your stand mixer (or whichever bowl you plan on mixing everything in). Let set to proof, about 5 minutes. With the mixer on low, add milk, butter, eggs, sugar and salt until evenly combined. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until blended. Add 2 more cups of flour and mix until blended. Add the remaining 3⁄4 cup and continue mixing. If the dough still sticks to the side of the bowl, continue adding flour 2 tablespoons at a time until the right consistency is reached.

Lightly grease the dough and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest at room temperature until the dough has doubled in size, about 90 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Punch down the dough and divide into 12 portions. Roll each into rectangles about 5 inches by 2.5 inches long.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cheese in a line down the middle. Layer a few jalapeño slices, then lay on the sausage. Wrap the sausage in the dough, pinching to seal.

Transfer the klobásníky to the baking sheet, and place seam-side down. Let rest for 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350 F.

Bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Let cool about 20 minutes before serving.