Description
This Georgian Cheese Bread Boat, also known as Khachapuri, is a delightful traditional dish featuring a soft, yeasted dough shaped like a boat and filled with a savory blend of mozzarella and feta cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a perfect balance of crispy crust and gooey cheese, making it an excellent appetizer or main course for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Finish:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add warm water and knead the mixture until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Let the dough rise: Cover the dough with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the bread boat.
- Shape the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it onto a floured surface. Roll and shape it into an elongated boat shape, ensuring the sides are raised to hold the cheese filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta cheeses thoroughly to create a balanced savory filling.
- Fill the dough boat: Place the cheese mixture evenly inside the shaped dough, leaving the edges free for sealing and holding the filling.
- Apply egg wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the exposed dough edges and surface to achieve a glossy and golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the filled dough boat onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- To enhance flavor, let the dough rise longer for a lighter texture.
- You can substitute feta with a similar salty cheese like ricotta salata if desired.
- Serve warm for the best experience, as the cheese is gooey and melts beautifully fresh out of the oven.
- Egg wash helps achieve a shiny, appetizing crust but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
