Khachapuri – Georgian Cheese Bread Recipe

If you have a passion for warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible breads, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Khachapuri – Georgian Cheese Bread Recipe. This traditional Georgian delight combines fluffy, tender dough with a melty, salty, and tangy trio of cheeses crowned with a perfectly cooked egg right in the center. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, with each bite delivering a symphony of tastes and textures that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a cozy homemade treat, this recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Khachapuri – Georgian Cheese Bread Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of soft dough, savory cheese, and golden crust. From the yeast that brings life to the dough, to the trifecta of cheeses that makes it rich and flavorful, these components come together to create a mouth-watering masterpiece.

• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the dough’s flavor and balances the richness of the cheese.
• 1 tsp dry active yeast: The magic that helps the dough rise and become airy.
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast to give the dough a lovely softness.
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1 cup water: Warms up the yeast and hydrates the flour for a perfect dough texture.
• 1/2 cup milk: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Brings moisture and a slight fruity aroma to the bread.
• 1 1/2 cups farmers cheese: Offers a mild, creamy base for the filling.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella: Creates that deliciously stretchy, melty texture.
• 1 1/2 cups feta cheese: Adds a salty, tangy punch to the cheese mixture.
• 4 eggs + 1 egg for egg wash: Integral for topping and binding everything together beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (optional): A little finishing touch on top for extra richness and shine.

How to Make Khachapuri – Georgian Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the dough mixture

Start by combining your dry ingredients: salt, dry active yeast, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour in your mixer bowl. Gently warm the water and milk to about 115°F — this warmth wakes up the yeast without killing it. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and get ready to start creating that perfect dough.

Step 2: Knead the dough

Attach the dough hook to your mixer and knead the mixture until the dough becomes nearly smooth and elastic. This is where magic happens! Then add in the olive oil and continue kneading for another minute to fully incorporate it. The olive oil helps give the dough a silky texture that bakes into tender perfection.

Step 3: Let the dough rise the first time

Lightly oil a deep bowl and place your dough inside. Cover it with plastic wrap to keep the warmth in, and let it rest in a cozy spot until it doubles in size, about 1 hour. Watching the dough expand like this always adds to the excitement—they’re the early signs of a wonderfully fluffy bread.

Step 4: Second rise before shaping

After the first rise, remove the plastic wrap and gently press the dough in a few times to release the trapped air. Cover it back up and give it another 30 minutes in a warm spot to relax. This step makes rolling and shaping the dough so much easier, promising even texture and bite.

Step 5: Prepare the cheese filling

While the dough takes its final rest, mix together the farmers cheese, shredded mozzarella, and feta cheese. This blend is what makes the Khachapuri so irresistibly cheesy, salty, and creamy—a perfect homespun flavor trio.

Step 6: Shape the dough

On a floured surface, roll out the dough into four equal 9-inch circles. Now comes the fun part: roll two opposite sides of each circle towards the center to form that classic boat shape, and pinch the edges tightly so no cheese escapes. This shape is the signature look of Khachapuri and holds all the melty goodness.

Step 7: Pre-bake setup

Place each shaped dough boat on a baking sheet lined with greased parchment paper. Fill the boats generously and evenly with your cheese mixture. Mix one egg with a teaspoon of water and brush this egg wash over the exposed dough for a glossy, golden finish once baked.

Step 8: Bake the bread

Pop your creations in a preheated oven at 450°F for about 15 minutes, or until the crust turns a perfect golden brown—you’ll know it by the irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Step 9: Add eggs and butter

Remove the trays and carefully use the back of a spoon to make a shallow well in each cheese-filled boat. Crack one egg into each well and scatter a few small pieces of unsalted butter atop the cheese around the egg. These final touches make all the difference!

Step 10: Bake a second time

Return the Khachapuri to the oven and bake for another 5 to 6 minutes. Keep a close eye on the eggs here— you want the whites set but the yolks still gloriously runny for that signature richness.

Step 11: Serve immediately

When fresh from the oven, gently mix the egg with the cheese filling inside the bread boat with a fork. This action creates a luscious, creamy center that is absolutely addicting. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture—you’re in for a treat!

How to Serve Khachapuri – Georgian Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes such as freshly chopped parsley, dill, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add a lovely fresh or spicy note that complements the rich cheese beautifully. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also up the decadence.

Side Dishes

Serve Khachapuri alongside a crisp green salad or tangy pickled vegetables for contrast. The bread is rich, so pairing it with refreshing, acidic sides balances the meal wonderfully and keeps things light and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, pass the Khachapuri around as warm, flaky individual boats that guests can tear apart and dip. You can also place several smaller khachapuris on a wooden board for a rustic and inviting presentation that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Khachapuri is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crust will soften a bit but reheating helps bring back some of the original crispness.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked shaped dough boats before the first bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with baking instructions for fresh-baked delight anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, warm the Khachapuri in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and compromise the texture and flavor you love.

FAQs

What type of cheese can I use if I can’t find farmers cheese?

Good question! You can substitute ricotta or a mild cottage cheese for farmers cheese. Make sure to drain excess moisture to prevent the filling from becoming watery.

Can I make this dough by hand without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Combine the ingredients in a large bowl and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It’s a bit of a workout, but totally doable.

Is it okay to use all mozzarella instead of the cheese mix?

You can, but the blend of farmers cheese, mozzarella, and feta offers the best balance of creaminess, saltiness, and stretchiness that makes Khachapuri special. Using all mozzarella will be milder and less tangy.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should at least double in size and have a spongy feel when poked gently with your finger. If it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

Can Khachapuri be made vegan or dairy-free?

While traditional Khachapuri relies on cheese and eggs for its signature taste and texture, you can experiment with vegan cheese substitutes and egg replacers, but expect some differences in flavor and consistency.

Final Thoughts

Making this Khachapuri – Georgian Cheese Bread Recipe at home invites you into a world of rich flavors and heartwarming tradition. It’s a dish that unites simple ingredients to create something truly extraordinary—perfect for sharing with family or savoring on a cozy night in. Once you try it, you’ll see why this cheesy, egg-topped bread is a beloved Georgian treasure that deserves a spot in your recipe collection!

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