Khachapuri – Georgian Cheese Bread

Khachapuri – Georgian Cheese Bread

Introduction

As a former aid worker and traveller who wandered through Georgia's mountain villages and has had work mates from Georgia, I discovered this soul-warming bread that embodies hospitality itself. Khachapuri isn't just food—it's communion, where molten cheese and golden yolk create pure comfort that transcends language barriers.

History of the Cuisine

Khachapuri represents the heart of Georgian culinary tradition, dating back centuries when it served as both sustenance and symbol of prosperity. In Georgian culture, bread is sacred, and khachapuri elevates this reverence by combining the country's finest cheeses in a boat-shaped vessel that mirrors ancient Georgian hospitality customs. The Adjarian version, with its distinctive boat shape and crowning egg, emerged from the coastal region where fishermen needed hearty, portable meals. This dish became a cornerstone of Georgian identity, served at celebrations, family gatherings, and as a gesture of welcome to travellers—embodying the Georgian philosophy that no guest should leave hungry.

Ingredients

Dough:

• ½ cup warm milk

• ⅓ cup warm water

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

• 1½ teaspoons white sugar

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt

Cheese Blend:

• 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

• 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

• 4 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded

Filling:

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into 4 pats

• Sea salt to taste

• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Preparation Process

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand until foamy (about 5 minutes). Add 2 cups flour, olive oil, and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms.

2. Knead and rise: Turn dough onto floured surface and knead for 3 minutes, adding remaining flour as needed until soft but workable. Form into a ball, place in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (1-1½ hours).

3. Prepare cheese: While dough rises, toss together feta, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until needed.

4. Shape the boats: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down dough, divide in half. Roll each half into a rectangle ⅛ to ¼-inch thick on parchment paper.

5. Form khachapuri: Arrange ¼ of cheese mixture in 2 rows along longest sides. Roll sides tightly over cheese, forming canoe shapes. Pinch and twist end to seal. Transfer to baking sheet and fill with remaining cheese.

6. Bake and finish: Bake 15 minutes. Create wells in centre of each khachapuri with a spoon and crack an egg into each well. Bake 3-4 minutes more until eggs are mostly set. Top with butter pats, salt, and cayenne.

7. You may wish to add some blanched and squeezed spinach to the cheese as an alternate stuffing. Tastes very good.

Nutrition Content (Per Serving - Makes 2 large khachapuri)

• Calories: 620

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 58g

• Fiber: 2g

• Calcium: 540mg

• Sodium: 1,240mg

Rich in protein and calcium from multiple cheeses, providing sustained energy and bone health benefits.

Pro Variation Tips

Cheese Alternatives: Substitute Georgian sulguni and imeruli cheeses if available for authentic flavor. Greek kasseri or Armenian string cheese work excellently too.

Dough Enhancements: Add 1 tablespoon yogurt to the dough for extra tang and tenderness. For a richer version, replace milk with buttermilk.

Flavor Boosters: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or cilantro into the cheese mixture. A touch of garlic powder elevates the Savory profile.

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare dough boats the night before, refrigerate, then add eggs and bake fresh in the morning for effortless brunch entertaining.

Size Variations: Create individual mini khachapuri for appetizers or make one large family-style version for sharing.

Concluding Thoughts

Like breaking bread with strangers who became family, khachapuri taught me that the simplest ingredients—flour, cheese, eggs—become extraordinary when shared with love. "Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred."  Proverbs 15:17