Description
Imeruli Khachapuri is a traditional Georgian cheese bread characterized by a soft, elastic dough filled with a rich blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses. This savory bread is simple to prepare, involving a yeast-leavened dough and a luscious cheese filling, and is perfect as a snack or appetizer. The bread is baked until golden and buttery, resulting in a deliciously cheesy and comforting dish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water (lukewarm)
- 1 cup milk (lukewarm)
- 1/2 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp oil (olive or avocado)
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup feta cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine lukewarm water and milk. Add in the active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir to combine and let the mixture rest for a few minutes until it becomes bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients in small portions. Using the dough hook attachment on low speed, knead the mixture. Add the oil to the mixture and continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and is no longer sticky. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the mixing bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the feta cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir the cheeses together until they form a smooth, uniform mixture that is ready to be used as a filling.
- Shape and Fill: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion out into a circle or oval shape. Place a generous amount of cheese filling onto one half of the dough, then fold the other half over and seal the edges to encase the cheese completely.
- Bake the Khachapuri: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled dough parcels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Butter Topping: Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the top of each khachapuri with unsalted butter for a rich, glossy finish and extra flavor.
Notes
- Use lukewarm liquids to properly activate the yeast and avoid killing it with heat.
- You can substitute cheese types depending on availability, but feta and mozzarella provide the traditional flavor and texture balance.
- Ensure the dough is well kneaded to develop gluten, which results in the soft, chewy texture characteristic of khachapuri.
- Serve khachapuri warm to enjoy the melty cheese filling at its best.
- Brush with melted butter immediately after baking for authentic taste and sheen.
