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Crispy Georgian Khachapuri Cheese Bread Boat

Georgian Khachapuri cheese bread boat - featured image

A crispy Georgian cheese bread boat with a golden crust and gooey cheese filling, perfect for brunch or cozy dinners. This easy homemade recipe blends cottage cheese with mozzarella for a creamy texture and uses yogurt in the dough for softness and chewiness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅔ cup warm water (160ml, about 110°F/43°C)
  • 3 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, shredded (100g)
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (150g)
  • ½ cup cottage cheese, drained (120g)
  • 1 large egg
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 large egg yolk (for brushing crust)
  • Butter, a small pat for serving (optional)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or dill (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and instant yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add yogurt, olive oil, and yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. Mix shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, drained cottage cheese, and one egg in a bowl. Season with black pepper and stir until creamy but not runny.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and divide into two portions or keep whole for one large boat. Roll into oval shapes about 10×6 inches (25×15 cm).
  7. Roll the edges inward about 1 inch (2.5 cm) to create a raised crust border and pinch ends to form boat shapes.
  8. Spoon cheese mixture evenly into the center of each dough boat, leaving the crust free.
  9. Cover boats loosely and let rest for 15 minutes.
  10. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking sheet or pizza stone inside.
  11. Brush exposed crust with egg yolk for a golden finish.
  12. Bake boats on parchment paper on the hot baking surface for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
  13. Remove from oven, add a small pat of butter if desired, sprinkle fresh herbs, and serve immediately.

Notes

Preheat baking surface thoroughly for a crispy crust. Brush crust with egg yolk for golden color. Watch cheese carefully to avoid burning; lower oven temperature if needed. Let Khachapuri rest a few minutes before slicing to prevent cheese from oozing. Dough can be refrigerated overnight and brought to room temperature before baking. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. Vegan adaptations possible with plant-based cheese and flaxseed egg replacer.

Nutrition

Keywords: Khachapuri, Georgian cheese bread, cheese bread boat, crispy bread, mozzarella, feta, cottage cheese, homemade bread, brunch recipe, comfort food