Sausage Kolaches

Begin by heating milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer and then remove from the heat source immediately. Next, stir in sugar, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and salt until the sugar is fully incorporated. Allow this mixture to cool down to room temperature, approximately 10 minutes.

In a separate bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Mix until the yeast is fully dissolved. Then, add 2 cups of flour to this mixture and stir until well combined. Add the cooled milk mixture, eggs, and continue mixing with a dough hook attachment until you achieve a smooth consistency. Gradually add the remaining flour, continuing to mix until the dough reaches an elastic yet slightly firm texture.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 to 15 minutes, aiming for a smooth and elastic texture. Lightly brush the dough with some of the melted butter and place it in a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Allow the dough to rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, doubling in size.

Simultaneously, cut the sausages into halves and gently pat them dry. Thinly slice a block of Cheddar cheese from the short end, aiming for uniform slices approximately the same length as the halved sausages.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with some butter or cooking spray.

Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a log. Cut this log into 5 equal pieces, then cut each piece into quarters to create 20 individual dough balls. Use your palm to flatten and press one of these dough balls into a circle or oval shape. Add 1 piece of Cheddar cheese on top, followed by 1 sausage half. Roll the dough around these fillings and tightly pinch all seams together to seal. Smooth out any excess dough and place the kolaches on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and fillings to create 20 kolaches.

Finally, brush the tops of these kolaches with the remaining melted butter and bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.