Khachapuri: a Georgian Stuffed Cheese Bread Recipe

Khachapuri is cheese-stuffed, egg-topped bread from Georgia. It’s made with a traditional yeasted dough, two kinds of shredded cheese, and eggs baked on top. The word “khachapuri” is a combination of two Georgian words. The first word, khacho, means “cheese curds”, and refers to the cheesy filling of this traditional bread. The second word, puri, simply means bread. Georgian khachapuri is surprisingly easy to make, but so decadent and delicious to eat. Filled with melty parmesan and mozzarella and topped with a runny egg in the center, this is a perfect hand-held breakfast, lunch, or filling snack.

How to Make Khachapuri: Step-by-Step Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, sugar, water, and milk. Combine with your hands to form a smooth dough.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 15 minutes, until slightly puffy. Then add the sunflower oil and knead again with your hands until smooth. Cover the bowl and let rise for 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a second mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, salt and milk with a spoon.

When the dough is finished rising, press it down and transfer to a floured work surface. Knead a few more times, then divide the dough in half with a sharp knife. Knead each smaller piece of dough again.

Press the dough into flat circles with your fingertips.

Cover the dough around the edges with the cheese mixture. Then gently fold in to form a filled crust all the way around the circle of dough.

Pinch the top and bottom together to create a tapered look.

Fill the center with the remaining cheese and place the field and shaped bread on a baking sheet. Brush the crust with egg wash and bake for 15 minutes, until golden.

After 15 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven and gently crack one egg into each khachapuri well. Bake for 1 more minute.

Remove the bread from the oven and place two pats of butter on top of each egg. Let the butter melt, then serve.

What cheese is used for khachapuri?

This khachapuri recipe uses two kinds o grated cheese for extra flavor. Shredded hard cheese, such as parmesan or Grana Padano, as well as a soft cheese like mozzarella. You can also use other melty cheeses like cheddar, Swiss or ementhaler.

Can I make khachapuri dough ahead of time?

The dough is made with yeast, so it will continue to rise if you leave it at room temperature. If you want to make this dough ahead of time, place it in the freezer immediately after kneading in the oil. Then, before you want to bake them, allow the dough to come to room temperature on the counter for several hours. It will rise as it warms.

How to serve khachapuri

Serve your homemade khachapuri fresh out f the oven, while they’re still hot. You can add sauce if you like, but they don’t need much!