Something like a cross between pizza and the best grilled cheese you ever had, this Khachapuri recipe is super simple to make. It's a great lunch or simple dinner. You can freeze the shaped Khachapuri either baked or unbaked for up to three months.
Combine the yeast, sugar, and water in the bowl o your mixer.
Let stand for 10 minutes, or until foamy.
Add the oil, flour, and salt, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Knead on medium for 3 minutes by machine or 5 by hand. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic.
Transfer it to an oiled bowl, oil the top and cover with a tea towel.
Set in a warm spot to rise for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 500F.
Punch the dough down and divide in six pieces.
Roll each piece out into a circle about 1/.8-inch thick.
Spread with 1/12th of the cheese.
Tightly roll in one side of the dough about a third.
Do the same with the other side, leaving a 2-inch space in the center.
Pinch the ends together, creating a leaf shape. Twist to seal.
Sprinkle 1/12 of the cheese in the center.
Repeat with the rest of the dough.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cheese melts and crust is golden brown.
Add a little of the butter to the open center of each bread while it is hot.
Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Storage:Refrigeration tends to dry out bread, but this recipe has too much dairy to safely leave it at room temperature. You could try keeping it in the fridge overnight if you must, but for best results, use your freezer.Wrap baked or unbaked khachapuri carefully in plastic wrap and then place it into a freezer-safe bag. It'll keep for up to three months.Tips:
Some people like an egg baked on top.
Bread flour gives this Georgian bread its famous, pizza-like texture. If you try to swap it with all-purpose, it won't taste as chewy.
If your dough is a little sticky, cover your work surface with a piece of parchment paper while assembling the bread boats.
Newer ovens may have a bread-proofing setting. This is the perfect "warm place" for the khachapuri to rise.
Careful! Don't bite in without letting the khachapuri cool a little first. The molten cheese can burn the roof of your mouth—ouch.