Introduction:
Georgian Khachapuri is a traditional cheese-stuffed bread that is a popular dish in Georgia. It’s perfect as a snack or appetizer and can be enjoyed with various fillings. This recipe uses a combination of mozzarella and feta cheese for a delicious and satisfying result. Serve it fresh out of the pan for the best taste and texture.
Yield: 5 servings
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- Olive oil, for greasing
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 tsp. sugar
- ¾ tsp. dry instant yeast
For the filling:
- 4 cups shredded low moisture mozzarella (16 oz.)
- 1 ½ cups crumbled feta cheese (10 oz.)
Instructions:
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Make the dough: Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil and set aside. In the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add the flour, 1 ½ cups tepid water, the salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are completely hydrated, 2-3 minutes. Increase the speed slightly and mix until a smooth, wet dough forms, 3-4 minutes more.
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Transfer the dough to the oiled bowl and cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Set in a warm place until the dough is almost doubled in size, 50-60 minutes.
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Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cheeses and set aside.
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Use a bench scraper or knife to divide the dough into five equal pieces (about 6 ounces each). Loosely shape each into a ball and cover with a clean towel to prevent from drying out.
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On a lightly floured work surface using a rolling pin, roll out one ball of dough into a 10-inch round. Place a generous half cup of the cheese filling into the center of the round, then fold and stretch the edges up to meet at the center. Pleat and pinch the dough to create a tidy center knot. Press the bundle down gently and carefully roll it down to an even, 7-inch disk. Pop any pockets of trapped air with a skewer or the tip of a sharp knife and set the khachapuri back under the towel. Repeat with the remaining 4 disks and the rest of the filling, re-flouring the work surface as needed.
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Heat a large griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add as many khachapuri as will fit in a single layer without crowding or overlapping. Cook on one side until the breads are well browned and lightly charred in some places, 3-4 minutes. Using a wide spatula, turn and repeat on the remaining side.
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Serve immediately, or remove the breads to a baking sheet and cover with a dry towel as you repeat with the remaining breads.
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy Georgian Khachapuri on its own or with a side of fresh vegetables, olives, or a simple salad. This delicious cheese-stuffed bread is best served warm, right out of the pan.