Savory Imeruli Khachapuri: Georgian Cheese-Filled Bread Recipe

Nestled in the heart of culinary traditions, imeruli khachapuri brings Georgian cheese-filled bread to life with its irresistible charm.

Soft dough embraces a creamy cheese mixture that melts into pure comfort.

Regional kitchens across georgia have perfected this delectable treasure over generations.

Skilled bakers knead love into every fold, creating a masterpiece that speaks volumes about cultural heritage.

Crispy edges give way to a pillowy center bursting with rich, tangy flavors.

Warm memories of mountain landscapes and family gatherings infuse each delightful bite.

Discover why this humble bread captures the soul of georgian cuisine and transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Georgian Cheese Bread That’s Soft and Cheesy

• Quick and Effortless Preparation: Whip up this Georgian cheese bread with simple steps and minimal ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this cheesy bread appeals to both kids and adults with its gooey, comforting filling.
• No-Fuss Cooking Method: Easily cook these khachapuri in a skillet instead of an oven, saving time and reducing complex baking techniques while delivering delicious results.
• Cultural Culinary Adventure: Explore Georgian cuisine through this authentic recipe that brings international flavors right to your kitchen with minimal culinary expertise required.

Imeruli Khachapuri Ingredient Essentials

• Flour: Foundation of the bread dough, provides structure and texture.
• Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds slight sweetness.

• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and adds richness to the dough.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture in the filling.
• Feta Cheese: Adds tangy, salty flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Egg: Binds the cheese filling and adds richness.

• Butter: Adds golden color and enhances flavor when brushing the bread.

Making Georgian Khachapuri with Imeruli Cheese

Step 1: Craft the Dough

Mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.

Pour in warm milk and blend until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes.

Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook to develop gluten and create a smooth texture.

Step 2: Allow First Rise

Transfer dough to a greased bowl.

Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 hour 30 minutes.

The dough should double in size, becoming puffy and light.

Step 3: Prepare Cheese Filling

• Mozzarella cheese
• Feta cheese
• Egg

Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes uniform and creamy.

Step 4: Shape Bread Foundations

Deflate the risen dough and divide into two equal portions.

Roll each section into a circular shape about 9-10 inches wide, creating thin and even rounds.

Step 5: Stuff the Khachapuri

Place half the cheese mixture in the center of one dough circle.

Fold the edges upward, pinching and sealing the filling inside.

Repeat the process with the second dough round.

Step 6: Final Proofing

Position the filled bread on a lightly floured baking sheet.

Let them rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing the dough to become slightly puffy.

Step 7: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

Cook each bread for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a beautiful golden-brown color.

Brush with butter before flipping to enhance flavor and create a crispy exterior.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the khachapuri and serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Watch as melted cheese oozes out with each cut.

Cheese-Filled Bread Tips from Georgian Traditions

• Choose high-quality, soft mozzarella and tangy feta for authentic Georgian flavor, ensuring a creamy and rich filling that melts perfectly.
• Work the dough gently but firmly, developing gluten structure for a soft, elastic texture that creates a light, airy bread base.
• Place dough in a draft-free, warm spot like near a preheated oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on to promote consistent rising.
• Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan with medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior and fully melted cheese without burning.
• Experiment with local cheeses like ricotta or farmer's cheese to create your unique twist on traditional Imeruli khachapuri while maintaining its signature creamy texture.

Reheat Imeruli Khachapuri Bread

• Store leftover Imeruli Khachapuri in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the bread's texture and flavor intact.
• Warm each slice in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, restoring the crispy exterior and melty cheese center.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap khachapuri in aluminum foil, and heat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and cheese becomes gooey.
• Skip microwave reheating to prevent soggy bread and rubbery cheese texture, which can compromise the delicious original quality.

What to Pair with Imeruli Khachapuri

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a Georgian Saperavi or full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, tangy cheese flavors and cut through the bread's buttery texture.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Create a light cucumber and tomato salad dressed with herbed vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy khachapuri and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Herb-Infused Yogurt Dip: Prepare a tzatziki-style sauce with dill, mint, and garlic to add a cool, zesty accompaniment that brightens the bread's intense cheese profile.
• Match with Georgian Tarragon Lemonade: Prepare a traditional Georgian tarragon-infused drink that offers a sweet and herbal counterpoint to the savory, melted cheese bread.

Georgian Cheese Bread Custom Options

• Gluten-Free Khachapuri: Replace wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free flour mix, using rice flour and almond flour for a similar texture and taste.
• Vegan Cheese Version: Substitute dairy cheese with homemade cashew cheese or store-bought vegan cheese alternatives made from nutritional yeast and plant-based ingredients.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use cauliflower or almond flour dough, and swap traditional cheese with a mix of low-fat cottage cheese and mozzarella to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber and nutritional value, creating a heartier bread experience.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Imeruli Khachapuri?

Imeruli Khachapuri originates from the Imereti region in western Georgia, where it is a traditional cheese-filled bread loved by locals and food enthusiasts.

• What types of cheese work best for this recipe?

Mozzarella and feta are ideal, but you can also use traditional Georgian cheeses like sulguni or imeruli cheese for a more authentic flavor.

• Is kneading the dough by hand necessary?

While you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook, hand-kneading helps develop gluten and gives the bread a better texture and consistency.

• Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough in advance and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight, which can enhance the bread’s flavor and make preparation easier.

Imeruli Khachapuri Georgian Cheese-Filled Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Warm Georgian imeruli khachapuri brings melted cheese wrapped in golden, flaky dough straight from mountain kitchens. Savory comfort blends regional ingredients into a hearty slice of culinary tradition you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Bread Dough):

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) warm milk
• 0.75 teaspoon (3.75 ml) instant yeast
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

Cheese Filling:

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) grated mozzarella cheese (or sulguni if available)
• 0.67 cup (160 ml) crumbled feta cheese (or imeruli if available)

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational dough by combining flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a spacious mixing vessel, gradually incorporating warm milk until a cohesive mixture develops.
2. Vigorously knead the dough on a lightly dusted surface for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring a smooth and elastic consistency that springs back when touched.
3. Transfer the dough to a greased container, drape with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to proof in a draft-free environment until it expands to double its original volume, roughly 90 minutes.
4. While the dough rises, craft the cheese blend by thoroughly mixing mozzarella, feta, and egg until the ingredients form a uniform, creamy filling.
5. Deflate the risen dough and partition it into two equal segments, carefully rolling each portion into circular shapes approximately 9-10 inches in diameter.
6. Distribute the cheese mixture centrally on each dough circle, then delicately fold and pinch the edges, creating a secure seal that encapsulates the filling completely.
7. Position the assembled parcels on a lightly floured baking sheet, permitting a brief secondary rise of 15-20 minutes to enhance volume and texture.
8. Heat a large skillet over medium flame, cooking each khachapuri for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring the cheese filling becomes molten and effervescent.
9. Enhance the bread’s richness by brushing with butter during the cooking process, which contributes depth and a luxurious sheen.
10. Remove from heat, slice into wedges, and serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and gooey cheese consistency.

Notes

• Achieve a soft, elastic dough by kneading thoroughly and allowing proper rising time, which ensures a light, airy texture for the khachapuri.
• Mix different cheeses like mozzarella, feta, and regional Georgian cheeses for complex flavor profiles and varied texture.
• Use medium heat when cooking to prevent burning while ensuring the bread browns evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
• Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the dough’s structure and elasticity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Georgian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg