Sesame Khachapuri with Herb Egg & Honey Butter Recipe
Introduction
Sesame Khachapuri is a delightful twist on the traditional Georgian cheese bread, featuring a rich blend of cheeses, fresh herbs, and a luscious egg yolk center. This recipe combines flavorful cheeses with a crispy dough, topped with a honey butter glaze for a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups shredded gouda or spicy cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 eggs – 2 beaten, plus 2 egg yolks
- 1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon red harissa sauce (optional)
- Chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450° F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the feta, gouda or spicy cheddar, and provolone cheeses. Mix in one beaten egg and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Divide the pizza dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each half into an oval shape about 10 inches long. Transfer the dough ovals to the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 4: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly onto the center of each dough oval, leaving a 1-inch border all around. If using, arrange lemon slices over the cheese.
- Step 5: Fold the dough edges over the cheese to form a “boat” shape, enclosing the cheese but leaving the center exposed.
- Step 6: Brush the edges of each boat with the remaining beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds over the edges. In a small bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, parsley, dill, and grated garlic, then sprinkle this herb mixture evenly over each boat.
- Step 7: Bake the boats for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8: Remove the boats from the oven and carefully crack one egg yolk into the center of each. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the egg yolks are just barely set.
- Step 9: While the boats bake, prepare the honey butter sauce by stirring together the salted butter, honey, smoked paprika, red harissa sauce (if using), and chili flakes in a small bowl.
- Step 10: Remove the Khachapuri from the oven. Drizzle the honey butter sauce over the boats. Stir the butter and runny egg yolk into the melted cheese, then serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture or additional chili flakes on top.
- Use a combination of your favorite cheeses for a personalized flavor—mozzarella or fontina work well.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, substitute with 1 tablespoon dried herbs mixed with the garlic.
- Adding lemon slices is optional but adds a nice bright contrast to the rich cheese.
- Brush the dough edges with olive oil instead of egg for a slightly different crust texture and flavor.
Storage
Store leftover Khachapuri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300° F) or toaster oven to preserve the crust’s crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess, and add a fresh egg yolk on top when reheating for best results.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cheese mixture ahead and assemble just before baking to keep the crust fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for pizza dough?
If you don’t have pizza dough, puff pastry or homemade bread dough can work as alternatives, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.
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Sesame Khachapuri with Herb Egg & Honey Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 Khachapuri boats (serves 4) 1x
Description
Sesame Khachapuri is a delicious Georgian-inspired cheesy bread boat filled with a melty blend of feta, gouda, and provolone cheeses, topped with fresh herbs, a rich egg yolk, and a sweet honey butter sauce accented with smoked paprika and sesame seeds. This comforting, savory dish combines crispy golden crust and creamy, flavorful filling, perfect for sharing or a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups shredded gouda or spicy cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten (for brushing and mixing)
Dough & Assembly
- 1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Herb Garlic Topping
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
Honey Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon red harissa sauce (optional)
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 2 egg yolks (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta, shredded gouda or spicy cheddar, and shredded provolone. Stir in one beaten egg and season with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the mixture is evenly combined.
- Shape the dough: Divide the pizza dough into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll or press each half into a rough oval shape around 10 inches long. Transfer each oval onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Add the cheese and lemon slices: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into the center of each dough oval, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. If using, arrange thin lemon slices over the cheese to add a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Form the bread boats: Fold the edges of the dough up and over the cheese filling to create a boat-like shape, enclosing the cheese but leaving the center exposed. This helps contain the filling while allowing it to bubble and melt.
- Brush and sprinkle sesame: Brush the exposed dough edges with the remaining beaten egg to ensure a golden, glossy crust. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the brushed edges for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Prepare the herb garlic topping: In a bowl, mix together chopped cilantro, parsley, dill, and grated garlic. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over each dough boat to infuse fresh herbal flavor during baking.
- Bake the boats: Bake the assembled bread boats in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese starts melting and bubbling.
- Add the egg yolks: Remove the boats from the oven and carefully crack one egg yolk into the center of each cheesy boat. Return the baking sheets to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until the yolk is just barely set but still soft.
- Make the honey butter sauce: While the boats finish baking, combine salted butter, honey, smoked paprika, red harissa sauce (if using), and chili flakes in a small bowl. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Finish and serve: Remove the Khachapuri from the oven, drizzle generously with the honey butter sauce, and gently stir the butter and egg yolk into the hot cheese filling to finish cooking the egg and enhance the creaminess. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute spicy cheddar with regular cheddar or another favorite melting cheese if preferred.
- The lemon slices are optional but provide a lovely aromatic brightness that balances the richness.
- Red harissa adds a mild heat and depth but can be omitted for a milder version.
- Make sure not to overbake after adding the egg yolks to keep them runny and creamy.
- This recipe works well with store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
- Adjust the salt since feta cheese can be quite salty already.
- Serve hot as this bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Georgian
Keywords: Khachapuri, Georgian cheese bread, Sesame Khachapuri, cheesy bread recipe, baked cheese bread boats, savory bread, herb garlic topping
