Georgian Khachapuri Recipe

Khachapuri is one of the most beloved traditional Georgian dishes, known for its rich, cheesy filling and perfectly golden crust. Often served as a comfort food or enjoyed during festive gatherings, it’s a versatile bread filled with melted cheese, eggs, and butter. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make this iconic dish at home with a simple yet delicious recipe.

What is Khachapuri?

Khachapuri (ხაჭაპური) is a Georgian stuffed bread, usually filled with a blend of cheeses, eggs, and butter. It comes in various regional versions, but the most famous is the “Adjarian” khachapuri, which is boat-shaped and topped with a raw egg.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• For the Dough:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
• For the Filling:
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup feta cheese or sulguni (Georgian cheese), crumbled
  • 1 egg (for filling, plus additional for topping)
  • 2 tbsp butter (softened)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Gradually mix the flour into the liquid, kneading until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and allow it to rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the cheese: In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella and feta (or sulguni) cheeses. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix well.
2. Add butter: Stir in the softened butter, which will give the filling a rich, creamy texture.
3. Add the egg: Beat one egg and mix it into the cheese mixture until fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Khachapuri

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 2 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it into a round disc, about 8 inches in diameter.
3. Add the filling: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the center of each dough disc, leaving a small border around the edges. Be generous with the filling!
4. Fold the edges: Fold the edges of the dough inward to create a boat-like shape, leaving a space in the center for the egg. Pinch the edges together to seal.Pro Tip: If you prefer a more rustic look, you can leave the dough edges untucked and let them rise during baking for a fluffier, more natural crust.

Step 4: Bake the Khachapuri

1. Egg wash: Lightly brush the exposed edges of the dough with a beaten egg for a glossy finish.
2. Bake: Place the khachapuri on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
3. Add the final egg: For the classic Adjarian-style khachapuri, crack an egg into the center of the boat-shaped bread during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, and return it to the oven until the egg white is set but the yolk remains runny.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Finish with butter: After removing the khachapuri from the oven, add a small dollop of butter on top of the melted cheese for extra richness.
2. Slice and serve: Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and gooey. You can enjoy it with a fresh salad or even a side of Georgian pickles to balance out the richness.

Pro Tips:

• Cheese Options: If you can’t find sulguni cheese, a good substitute would be a combination of mozzarella and ricotta, which creates a similar creamy, stretchy texture.
• Dough Texture: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky before kneading. This helps create a fluffy and tender bread.
• Making Ahead: If you want to prepare khachapuri in advance, you can shape the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

Variations of Khachapuri

• Meat-filled: In some versions of khachapuri, you can add cooked ground beef or lamb to the cheese filling.
• Vegetarian: You can also fill the bread with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted vegetables for a more plant-based take on this delicious bread.

Khachapuri is a perfect dish for any occasion, from a casual breakfast to a festive dinner. Its combination of warm, melty cheese and soft, buttery bread is irresistible. Enjoy making this Georgian classic at home, and don’t forget to serve it fresh for the best experience!