Name: Authentic Georgian Khachapuri with Cheesy Filling and Baked Egg Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Georgian
Ingredients: 1 cup lukewarm milk; 1/2 cup lukewarm water; 1/2 tbsp active dry yeast; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 4 cups all purpose flour; 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil; 1 1/2 cups farmers cheese; 1 1/2 cups feta cheese; 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese; 6 eggs; 3 tbsp butter

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Introduction

Khachapuri is a traditional Georgian cheese bread that combines a soft, pillowy dough with a rich, melty cheese filling and a perfectly cooked egg on top. This dish is comforting, delicious, and makes a great breakfast, lunch, or snack. Follow this recipe to create your own boat-shaped cheesy delight at home.

Three boat-shaped bread pieces with golden brown crust sit side by side on brown paper in a beige baking tray. Each bread has a single sunny-side-up egg in the center with bright yellow yolks and slightly firm whites. The yolks have a few small cracks where some egg white has spilled over the edges. Around the eggs in each bread, there is a layer of melted white cheese with some browned spots. Sprinkles of fresh green parsley leaves add color contrast on and around the breads. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup lukewarm milk
1/2 cup lukewarm water
1/2 tbsp active dry yeast
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp oil (olive or avocado)
1 1/2 cups farmers cheese
1 1/2 cups feta cheese
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
6 eggs
3 tbsp butter

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine lukewarm water and milk. Add yeast, sugar, and salt, then stir to combine. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes until it becomes bubbly.
Step 2: Gradually add the flour in small parts to the liquid mixture while kneading on low speed. Add the oil and continue kneading until the dough is elastic and no longer sticky.
Step 3: Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise for about one hour until doubled in size.
Step 4: In a large bowl, mix farmers cheese, feta, and mozzarella until creamy and smooth to prepare the filling.
Step 5: Divide the dough into 6 equal parts and roll each into a 7-inch round shape.
Step 6: Roll up two opposite ends of each dough round and pinch the edges to form a boat shape, leaving the center open for the filling.
Step 7: Place the cheese filling into the center of each dough boat. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the khachapuri for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 9: Remove from oven, make a small well in the center of the cheese filling, and crack an egg into each opening. Add 1/2 tbsp butter on top of the cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the egg sets but the yolk remains soft.
Step 10: Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try adding a bit of grated parmesan or tangy ricotta to the cheese mixture.
You can substitute the farmer’s cheese with cottage cheese if unavailable, but drain it well to avoid soggy dough.
Use room temperature eggs and butter to help them incorporate better during baking.
If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the dough boats a couple of minutes longer before adding the eggs.

Storage

Khachapuri is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crust’s crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.

How to Serve

Three boat-shaped baked breads are placed side by side on brown parchment paper lining a baking tray. Each bread has a thick golden brown crust forming the boat shape, with a shiny surface and slight charring at the edges. Inside each bread is a layer of melted white cheese and a cooked egg with a bright orange-yellow yolk that looks soft and slightly runny. Small sprigs of fresh green parsley are scattered on the cheeses and eggs, adding a pop of color. The tray is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

What cheeses can I use if I don’t have farmers cheese?

Farmers cheese can be replaced with ricotta or well-drained cottage cheese. Mixing with feta and mozzarella helps maintain the classic tangy and melty cheese flavor.