Description
Sesame Khachapuri is a delightful Georgian-inspired cheese bread shaped like a boat, filled with a blend of mozzarella, feta, and ricotta cheeses, and topped with sesame seeds and optionally a baked egg. This recipe offers a perfect balance of crispy, golden crust and rich, melty cheese filling, making it a delicious main course or appetizer suitable for vegetarian diets.
Ingredients
Scale
For the dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup shredded low-moisture part-skim ricotta or farmer’s cheese
- 1 egg (for the filling)
- 2 eggs (for topping, optional)
For topping:
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (white or a mix of white and black)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the cheese filling: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, shredded ricotta, and 1 egg until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the khachapuri: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval about 9–10 inches long. Place the dough ovals on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cheese filling down the center leaving a 1-inch border. Roll and pinch the long edges toward the center to form a boat shape and twist the ends to seal securely.
- Apply toppings: Mix the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and brush this egg wash over the exposed dough. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the crust for a nutty crunch and beautiful appearance.
- Bake the khachapuri: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cheese is bubbling. For an optional traditional touch, remove the khachapuri briefly, crack an egg into the center of each, and return to the oven for another 3–5 minutes until the egg white is just set.
- Serve: Serve the khachapuri warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Using a mix of black and white sesame seeds adds beautiful color contrast and a nutty crunch.
- The baked egg in the center is traditional but optional; omit it for a simpler version.
- For variation, mix in spinach or fresh herbs with the cheese filling.
