Khachapuri Recipe

A Georgian Cheese Boat of Gooey Perfection

This recipe was part of our Breads From Around The World Masterclass with Jay Porter 

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 4–6 people

Khachapuri is a beloved Georgian dish that combines a soft, golden crust with a gooey, cheesy filling. Topped with an egg yolk, melted butter, and fresh chives, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Dough

• 332g Type 00 flour (or strong bread flour)
• 230g Cold water (65% hydration)
• 6g Fine salt
• 4g Fast action yeast

Filling

• 100g Mixed Mozzarella (shredded)
• 100g Cheddar (shredded)
• 200g Feta (crumbled)
• 250g Ricotta
• Chopped chives (for garnish)
• 1 Egg yolk
• 1 Slice of butter
• Melted garlic butter

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Charlie Oven

1. Load lumpwood charcoal (about half a football-sized amount) into your Charlie Oven and light it.
2. Preheat the oven to 275–300°C /  527–572°F and ensure a pizza or baking stone is placed inside to heat up.

Step 2 – Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cold water, salt, and yeast. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
2. Knead by hand or with a mixer until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and well-developed.
3. Cover the dough with a clean towel and leave it to prove at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3 – Shape and Rest the Dough

1. Divide the dough into 200g portions and roll each into a ball.
2. Cover the dough balls with cling film and allow them to rest in a cool place for 1 hour. This will make them easier to stretch and shape.

Step 4 – Shape the Dough into a Boat

1. Roll out each dough ball into a flat disk.
2. Fold the edges inward and pinch the ends to form a boat shape with pointed tips.

Step 5 – Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix the mozzarella, cheddar, feta, and ricotta.
2. Spread the cheese mixture evenly into the centre of the dough boat, leaving the edges uncovered.

Step 6 – Bake the Khachapuri

1. Place the prepared Khachapuri onto the heated stone in the Charlie Oven.
2. Bake for 4–5 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 7 – Add Toppings

1. Once baked, baste the edges of the Khachapuri with melted garlic butter for extra flavour.
2. Add an egg yolk and a slice of butter onto the hot, melted cheese. Stir the yolk and butter into the cheese while still warm to create a creamy, rich topping.

Step 8 – Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped chives for a fresh, herby finish.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy this warm, cheesy delight!