Khachapuri: Georgian Cheese Bread
Khachapuri is a beloved Georgian dish, a warm and inviting bread often filled with a generous amount of gooey, melted cheese. It's a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 100 ml warm water
- 100 ml warm milk
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 large egg for dough
- 4 g active dry yeast
- 300 g all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 300 g cheese blend Sulguni
- 1 large egg for egg wash (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add salt and the egg to the yeast mixture, stirring well. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the cheese filling by grating or crumbling your chosen cheese blend into a bowl.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into portions (e.g., 2-4, depending on desired size). Roll each portion into a circle.
- Place a generous amount of cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough over the cheese and pinch them firmly together to seal, forming a ball.
- Gently flatten the cheese-filled ball with your hands or a rolling pin, forming a flat, round disk (Imeruli style).
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer the shaped Khachapuri to the prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush with an egg wash (beaten egg).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot, optionally topped with a pat of butter.
Notes
For best flavor and melt, use a blend of cheeses like Sulguni, mozzarella, and feta. If you prefer the boat-shaped Acharuli style, make an indentation in the center before the last few minutes of baking, crack an egg into it, and bake until the egg white is just set. Serve immediately with a pat of butter.