Potato Kolaches
Soft, fluffy potato kolaches with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or snacks. These classic pastries are hearty, tender, and ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix yeast, sugar, mashed potatoes, and potato water; let sit for 2 hours.
- Add beaten eggs, butter, Crisco, salt, and flour to the mixture.
- Let the dough rise for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Punch down the dough and let it rise again.
- Shape the kolaches from the dough.
- Let the shaped kolaches rise.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your kolaches are light and fluffy, make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If you don't have potato water, you can substitute with warm milk or even water. For a unique flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough. If you prefer a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving Suggestions
These potato kolaches are delicious on their own or served with butter and jam. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with a fresh salad or serving alongside Chili Roll-Ups for a delightful brunch spread. They also make a fantastic snack with coffee or tea, perfect for any time of the day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week. When reheating, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Kolaches contains roughly 727 calories, with 19g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2938mg per serving (128% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of dry yeast. Simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to let it sit in water first. This will save you some time in the preparation process.
What can I fill the kolaches with?
You can fill kolaches with a variety of fillings such as fruit preserves, cream cheese, or even savory options like sausage or cheese. For a sweet touch, try using apricot or raspberry jam, which pairs beautifully with the dough.
How do I know when the kolaches are done baking?
Kolaches are done baking when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. To be sure, you can also use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).