Kolach facts for kids
Larger koláč, called "frgál", typical of the Moravian Wallachia area
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| Type | Sweet bread |
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| Place of origin | Czech lands and Slovakia |
| Region or state | Central Europe |
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A kolach (say "KOH-lahch") is a sweet pastry that comes from Central Europe. It's like a soft, puffy bun with a delicious filling in the middle. People often fill kolaches with fruit jam, poppy seeds, or a creamy cheese called quark.
This tasty treat started as a special dessert for holidays. Over time, it became a popular breakfast food in some places. Kolaches are very well-known in parts of the United States, especially in Texas.
The word "kolach" comes from the Czech and Slovak languages. It means "circle" or "wheel," which describes its round shape.
Sometimes, people in the US call a similar pastry with sausage inside a "kolach." But these are actually called klobásníky. Real Czech kolaches are always sweet! Klobásníky were first made by Czech people who moved to Texas.
Kolaches in America
Czech immigrants brought kolaches to the United States in the 1870s. They became very popular in places like Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Pocahontas, Iowa.
Today, kolaches are served at church events and on holidays. They are also a favorite everyday comfort food. Many families pass down their special kolach recipes. These recipes might include spices like mace or nutmeg.
Kolaches can have many different fillings. Some popular ones are prune, apricot, cream cheese, or poppy seed.
Kolach Festivals and Fun
Many towns celebrate the kolach with special events! For example, Bujanov in the Czech Republic has annual kolach celebrations. They even have a kolach marathon!
Several cities in the United States also hold yearly Kolache Festivals. These include Tabor, South Dakota, Wilber, Nebraska, and Caldwell, Texas.
Both Verdigre, Nebraska and Montgomery, Minnesota say they are the "Kolacky capital of the world." Prague, Nebraska, claims to have the world's largest kolach.
In Texas, Caldwell, Texas and West, Texas, both call themselves the "Kolache Capital" of the state. Kolaches are super popular in Central and Eastern Texas. There's even a "Texas Czech Belt" full of kolach bakeries!
Haugen, Wisconsin is known as the Kolache Capital of Wisconsin. This village celebrates its Czech heritage with an annual festival called Haugen Fun Days. Kolaches are a big part of the festival, with sales, bake-offs, and tastings.
Kolaches were even chosen to represent the Czech Republic for a special event in Europe in 2007.
What About Klobasniky?
A related pastry is the klobasnek (say "kloh-BAHS-nik"). These are very popular in central and southeast Texas. They often use the same sweet dough as kolaches. But instead of fruit, they are filled with sausage or ground meat.
Some people call these "kolaches," but they are different. Klobasniky are more like a "pig in a blanket." They can also have fillings like ham, cheese, or jalapeño peppers. Czech settlers created klobasniky after they moved to Texas.
Images for kids
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New York-style strawberry kolach.
