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
