Finally Ive had a cheesy bread that feels like a mealkhachapuri.
This brilliant Georgian dish is all the melty cheese you could dream of, surrounded by carbs.
And with this pizza dough hack, you dont even need to proof the bread for hours.
What is khachapuri?
This particular jot down of khachapuri is Adjarian khachapuri, named for the region of Georgia.
This is a boat Id like to be in.
Your grocery store sells bread just like this and the hard part is done already.
Grab a ball of pizza dough from the freezer section or the refrigerated aisle.
Were building a boat.
How to make khachapuri with pre-made pizza dough
1.
Stretch the dough
If you’re using frozen dough, youll need to thaw it first.
I usually put it in the fridge overnight but if youre short on time usethis water bath method.
Split the dough ball.
Since the finished shape will be an oval, the dough shouldstartin an oval too.
The best way to do this is to shape the cut segments into dough balls.
(Check out my videoif you need a dough ball tutorial.)
Put the ovals on a parchment lined baking sheet, and cover it with a tea towel.
Make the cheese mixture
Besides the unique shape, the cheese mixture is khachapuris signature feature.
In Georgia its common to use imeruli or sulguni cheese.
If those cheeses arent available or reasonably accessible you could use a cheese mixture that replicates their characteristics.
I used a mixture of shredded mozzarella, muenster, ricotta, and feta cheeses.
The next time I make it I think Ill use more feta because I missed the tangy flavor.
Fill the boats
Uncover the bread boats and split the cheese mixture evenly among them.
Twist the ends to hold the shape.
My boats had a lot of excess dough on the ends because of the pointed shape I started with.
Theres no need to aim for that; just seal or twist the ends however it feels natural.
Take the khachapuri out of the oven.
Add a pat of butter and serve it immediately.
Return it to the oven to complete the bake time and cook the egg.
The cheese should still be hot when you serve the bread.
I think I might need to get a cheese-only fridge.
Place the ovals on parchment lined baking sheets.
Cover the dough with a tea towel and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 375F.
Uncover the dough boats and divide the cheese mixture among them.
Roll the edges up to the cheese and have it curl over the filling a bit.
Dont cover the filling completely.
Twist the ends to hold the shape.
Repeat this with the other boats.
Use the back of a spoon to press an indent into the cheese and add a raw egg yolk.
Add a pat of butter and immediately serve the boats piping hot.
For cooked eggs, remove the khachapuri halfway through the cooking time.
Press an indent into the cheese with a spoon and add a whole egg to each boat.
