Vegan Beef and Cheese Kolaches

It's the battle of the breakfast breads! I'm from the land of bagels and smear (i.e. the Northeast) and I didn't ever see a kolache until I moved to Texas. A good bagel is hard to beat. Kolaches are dough that can be fruit filled or savory with various meats and cheeses. I have had strawberry cream kolache from a wonderful local vegan bakery Sinfull bakery, but no savory...so this morning I'm taking on the challenge.

Vegan Beef and Cheese Kolaches
1 C warm soy milk
1/6 C sugar
1 package active dry yeast
1/6 C coconut oil
3 C flour
1 tsp salt
Earth balance
vegan shredded cheese*
vegan meat, crumbled**

*I used Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds
**I used Chipotle Savory Grounds from Sweet Earth

1. In a large bowl combine yeast, sugar and soy milk (make sure this is warm, but not hot or it may kill the yeast). Whisk and set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Add coconut oil (melted) and salt. Stir.
3. Slowly add flour and knead to incorporate. Do not overmix!
4. Transfer to oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise for about 45 minutes (or longer).
5. Preheat oven to 350 F.
6. Divide dough into 8 even pieces. On a greased plate punch down each dough ball until it is flat and round. Fill center with a little less than 1 Tbsp meat crumble and a sprinkle of cheese (don't over stuff). Fold one side over the other and then pinch all ends closed. Carefully transfer to two oiled baking sheets (leave several inches between each). 
7. Melt Earth balance and brush on each kolache generously. Let sit for 10 minutes. 
8. Bake for 16 minutes (or until top is slightly brown).
9. Remove from oven and brush on more Earth Balance.

Results are in: This kolache is amazing! Really giving bagels a run for their money!

Look at that filling!