Savory Meatball Sub Kolaches
These Savory Meatball Sub Kolaches are a delightful fusion of classic flavors, reinventing the beloved meatball sub into a portable, fluffy pastry. Tender dough envelops a juicy meatball, smothered in marinara sauce and melty cheese, bringing comfort food to a whole new level. Perfect for parties, game days, or a satisfying meal on the go, these kolaches are sure to impress friends and family alike with each bite bursting with flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
28
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups (for dough)
granulated sugar
1/3 cup (for dough)
active dry yeast
2 1/4 teaspoons (for dough)
whole milk
1 cup (warmed for dough)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (melted and cooled for dough)
large egg yolks
3 (for dough)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (for dough)
ground beef
1 lb (for meatballs)
large egg
1 (for meatballs)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (for meatballs)
whole milk
1/3 cup (for meatballs)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (for meatballs)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (for meatballs)
coarse black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for meatballs)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped for meatballs)
garlic cloves
2 (minced for meatballs)
granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon (for meatballs)
granulated onion
1/2 teaspoon (for meatballs)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (for meatballs)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (for meatballs)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (for meatballs)
large egg
1 (for egg wash)
splash of water
to taste (for egg wash)
marinara sauce
1/2 cup (for filling)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (for filling)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (for filling)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (for topping)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir in the warmed milk until combined, then let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
2
In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg yolks, and kosher salt. Add this to the yeast mixture and stir until incorporated. Gradually mix in the remaining flour, one cup at a time, until the dough begins to form.
3
Transfer the mixture to a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky, adding flour as necessary. Once ready, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
4
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with cooking spray or oil.
5
To prepare the meatballs, mix ground beef with the egg, breadcrumbs, milk, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, parsley, garlic, granulated garlic, granulated onion, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Form this mixture into 12 evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes and then allow them to cool slightly.
6
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead lightly to deflate. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, approximately 2 1/3 ounces each. Shape each piece into a tight ball. Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes or until puffy.
7
When the second rise is complete, use your fingertips to gently create a 2-inch-wide well in the center of each dough ball. Brush the wells with the egg wash, then fill each with 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top, then add a meatball into each well. Finish with an additional sprinkle of breadcrumbs and parmesan on top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the kolaches are golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil over the top before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the blend of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Meatball Sub Kolaches?
They are a fusion of a meatball sub and a fluffy pastry, featuring meatballs, marinara, and cheese inside a tender dough.
How many kolaches does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 individual meatball sub kolaches.
What is the oven temperature for baking the kolaches?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long should the dough rise initially?
The dough needs to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
What type of yeast is used for the dough?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
How long do you bake the meatballs before assembly?
The meatballs should be baked for 20 minutes on a prepared baking sheet before being added to the dough.
How much flour is needed for the dough?
You will need a total of 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour for the dough mixture.
What is the weight of each dough piece?
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, approximately 2 1/3 ounces each.
How long is the second rise period?
After shaping the dough balls, let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they are puffy.
How do you create space for the filling in the dough?
Use your fingertips to gently create a 2-inch-wide well in the center of each dough ball after the second rise.
How much marinara sauce is used per kolache?
Each well in the dough is filled with 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce.
What cheeses are required for the filling?
You will need shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese for the filling.
How long do the assembled kolaches bake?
Bake the assembled kolaches in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
What herbs are used in the meatball mixture?
The meatball mixture includes fresh parsley, dried oregano, and dried basil.
How do you bloom the yeast for the dough?
Stir yeast and sugar into warmed milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbles form on the surface.
What meat is used to make the meatballs?
This recipe uses 1 pound of ground beef for the meatballs.
What ingredients are in the egg wash?
The egg wash consists of one large egg mixed with a splash of water.
How should the finished kolaches be garnished?
Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top of the kolaches before serving.
What type of breadcrumbs are used?
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are used in the meatballs and as a topping.
How many egg yolks are in the dough?
The dough recipe requires 3 large egg yolks.
How long should you knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 3 to 4 minutes until it is smooth and slightly tacky.
Is the butter for the dough melted or cold?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted and cooled unsalted butter.
What spices add heat to the meatballs?
Crushed red pepper flakes are included in the meatball mixture for flavor and a hint of heat.
What is the purpose of the egg wash in this recipe?
The egg wash is brushed into the dough wells to help the fillings adhere and provide a golden finish.
Can I use fresh garlic in the meatballs?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 minced fresh garlic cloves along with granulated garlic.
How much sugar is added to the dough?
The dough includes 1/3 cup of granulated sugar.
What temperature should the milk be for the dough?
The milk should be warmed to help activate the yeast during the blooming process.
What is the final topping added before the second bake?
A final sprinkle of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese is added on top of the meatballs.
Should the meatballs be cooled before assembly?
Yes, allow the baked meatballs to cool slightly before placing them into the dough wells.
Are these kolaches recommended for events?
Yes, they are perfect for parties, game days, or as a portable, satisfying meal on the go.