Cozy Khachapuri Recipe: Georgian Cheese Bread with Fresh Herb Kick

Bubbling with molten cheese and golden-brown edges, this khachapuri recipe brings the warmth of Georgian street food right to your kitchen.

Nestled between layers of soft dough and a vibrant kale and herb sauce, this cheese bread offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish.

The traditional Georgian khachapuri combines rich, melted cheese with a crisp exterior that beckons you to tear and share.

Kale adds a fresh, earthy dimension to the beloved bread, while the herb sauce introduces bright, zesty notes.

Fresh herbs and tangy cheese create a harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Perfectly balanced and surprisingly simple to prepare, this khachapuri will transport you to the bustling streets of tbilisi with every savory bite.

Khachapuri with Kale & Herb Sauce Variations

• Gluten-Free Khachapuri: Replace pizza dough with gluten-free cauliflower crust or almond flour dough for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cheese Version: Swap dairy cheeses with cashew-based mozzarella, nutritional yeast, and plant-based feta alternatives for dairy-free eaters.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use fathead dough made from cream cheese and almond flour instead of traditional pizza dough, and maintain high-fat cheese filling.
• Mediterranean Greens Variation: Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard, keeping the herb sauce and maintaining similar nutritional profile and flavor complexity.

Serving Khachapuri with Kale & Herb Sauce

• Brunch Centerpiece Delight: Serve the Khachapuri as a stunning, golden-brown centerpiece for a weekend brunch, showcasing its rustic charm and rich cheese filling.
• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack these portable cheese boats wrapped in parchment paper for an outdoor feast, offering a delicious twist on traditional picnic fare.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Match the Khachapuri with a crisp white Georgian wine like Rkatsiteli or a light-bodied red to complement the rich, melted cheese and herbal notes.
• Vegetarian Feast Highlight: Transform this dish into a complete vegetarian meal by adding a fresh side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Storing Khachapuri with Kale & Herb Sauce

• Store leftover Khachapuri in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place Khachapuri on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and bread crisps. Add a splash of water to prevent bread from becoming too dry.
• Reheat for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture and prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.
• For best results, consume within 24 hours. Reheating may slightly alter the original crispy texture and soft egg consistency.

FAQs

• What cheese is traditionally used in Khachapuri?

Traditional Georgian Khachapuri uses a specific cheese called Sulguni, but this recipe uses mozzarella, feta, and provolone as a delicious alternative that mimics the original tangy and creamy cheese blend.

• Is Khachapuri difficult to make at home?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic baking skills. The key steps are rolling out pizza dough, filling it with cheese, creating a boat shape, and baking until golden and cheesy.

• Can I make Khachapuri vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian. It uses cheese, eggs, and pizza dough with added kale and herbs, making it a perfect vegetarian dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.

Khachapuri with Kale & Herb Sauce Highlights

• Savor Authentic Flavors: Experience the rich, traditional taste of Georgian cuisine with this unique cheese bread that brings together multiple cheese varieties and fresh herbs.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping kale with other greens or adding your favorite herbs to make it perfectly suited to your taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a gourmet-style meal in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that deliver impressive results.
• Impress Guests Effortlessly: Create a stunning centerpiece dish that looks professionally made but is surprisingly simple to assemble, perfect for dinner parties or casual gatherings.

Khachapuri with Kale & Herb Sauce Ingredients

• Mozzarella: A soft, mild cheese that melts beautifully and creates a creamy texture.
• Feta: A tangy Greek cheese that adds sharp flavor to the bread.
• Provolone: A semi-hard cheese that provides a rich, smooth taste.

• Pizza Dough: A flexible base that forms the traditional boat-shaped bread.
• Olive Oil: A smooth, flavorful oil used for brushing and massaging ingredients.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Kale: A nutritious green that adds texture and earthy flavor to the dish.
• Egg: A rich ingredient that provides a creamy, luxurious center.
• Butter: A rich, creamy element that adds depth to the final dish.
• Basil, Parsley, Dill: Fresh herbs that create a vibrant and aromatic herb sauce.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth to the herb sauce.
• Crushed Red Pepper: A spicy element that brings a gentle heat to the dish.

Khachapuri with Kale & Herb Sauce Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth baking.

Step 2: Mix Cheese Blend

• Mozzarella
• Feta
• Provolone

Add one egg and mix thoroughly until well blended.

Step 3: Massage Kale

Prepare kale by massaging with olive oil, salt, and pepper until leaves become soft and glossy.

Step 4: Shape Dough Boats

Divide pizza dough into two equal portions.

On a floured surface, stretch each piece into an oval shape approximately 10 inches long.

Transfer dough to prepared baking sheets.

Spread cheese mixture in the center of each dough, leaving a 1-inch border.

Fold edges over cheese to create boat-like shapes.

Top each boat with prepared kale.

Step 5: Bake Initial Crust

Slide baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Look for golden crust and melting cheese.

Remove from oven.

Step 6: Add Finishing Egg

Crack one egg into the center of each khachapuri.

Return to oven and bake an additional 3-5 minutes until egg white is barely set.

Step 7: Create Herb Sauce

• Olive oil
• Basil
• Parsley
• Dill
• Garlic
• Crushed red pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 8: Final Touch

Remove khachapuri from oven.

Add a tablespoon of butter to each bread’s center.

Stir butter and egg into melted cheese.

Brush generously with prepared herb sauce.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Khachapuri with Kale & Herb Sauce Tips

• Mix mozzarella, feta, and provolone for a rich, creamy texture that melts perfectly inside the bread.
• Massage kale with olive oil and seasoning to soften leaves and enhance their flavor before topping the khachapuri.
• Create a boat-like form by folding dough edges to securely hold the cheese mixture and prevent leakage during baking.
• Crack the egg into the center just before final baking, allowing it to cook slightly while maintaining a runny yolk for maximum indulgence.
• Drizzle fresh herb sauce immediately after baking to add bright, aromatic flavors that complement the rich cheese bread.

Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread) with Kale and Herb Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sizzling Georgian khachapuri delights with its molten cheese center and verdant kale-herb sauce, promising a culinary journey through Georgia’s rich bread traditions. Warm, crusty edges embrace melted cheese, inviting you to savor each indulgent, aromatic bite of this rustic comfort classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 1 pound (454 grams) part skim mozzarella (shredded)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) feta cheese (crumbled)
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded provolone cheese

Dough and Eggs:

• 1 pound (454 grams) pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 large eggs

Herbs, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups (128 grams) shredded Tuscan kale
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup (16 grams) fresh basil (chopped)
• 1/4 cup (8 grams) fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon (4 grams) fresh chopped dill
• 2 cloves garlic (grated)
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) salted butter (at room temperature)
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 450°F and prepare two parchment-lined baking sheets for optimal bread positioning.
2. Blend mozzarella, feta, and provolone with one egg until thoroughly integrated into a cohesive cheese mixture.
3. Gently massage kale with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and texture.
4. Separate pizza dough into halves, then stretch each portion into elongated oval shapes approximately 10 inches long on a floured workspace. Carefully transfer dough to prepared sheets.
5. Distribute cheese mixture centrally within each dough piece, maintaining a 1-inch border. Elegantly fold edges inward, creating boat-like structures. Strategically arrange kale atop the cheese filling.
6. Bake for 10 minutes until crust turns golden and cheese begins melting. Delicately crack an egg into each khachapuri’s center.
7. Return to oven, continuing baking 3-5 minutes until egg whites barely set.
8. Simultaneously prepare herb sauce by combining remaining olive oil, basil, parsley, dill, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
9. Remove khachapuri and introduce a tablespoon of butter into each center. Vigorously stir butter and egg into melted cheese.
10. Generously brush herb sauce over warm bread. Serve immediately for optimal taste and temperature.

Notes

• Select soft, fresh cheeses like mozzarella and feta for authentic Georgian flavor and creamy texture.
• Massage kale thoroughly to break down tough fibers and enhance its tenderness before adding to the dish.
• Use high-quality pizza dough and let it come to room temperature for easier stretching and better crust development.
• Create crispy edges by brushing the dough border with olive oil before baking for a golden, appetizing appearance.
• Customize the herb sauce by adjusting spice levels or swapping herbs based on personal preference or seasonal availability.
• Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the melted cheese and runny egg at peak temperature and consistency.
• For gluten-free option, substitute pizza dough with cauliflower or almond flour-based alternatives.
• Try different cheese combinations like ricotta or goat cheese for unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Georgian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg