Description
Sesame Khachapuri is a delightful Georgian-inspired cheese bread boat filled with a rich blend of feta, gouda, and provolone cheeses, topped with fresh herbs, garlic, and a perfectly baked egg yolk. The crispy golden crust is enhanced with a buttery honey sauce and sesame seeds, making this savory dish an irresistible appetizer or brunch favorite.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 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
- 2 egg yolks
Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature
Toppings and Garnishes
- 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
Honey Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon red harissa sauce (optional)
- Chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450° F (232° C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled feta, shredded gouda or spicy cheddar, and provolone cheeses. Mix in one beaten egg to bind the mixture, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Shape the dough: Divide the pizza dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion out into a rough oval about 10 inches long. Transfer each oval onto the prepared baking sheets carefully.
- Assemble the khachapuri boats: Spoon the cheese filling evenly onto the center of each dough oval, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. If using, arrange thin lemon slices over the cheese. Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese filling, pinching the ends to form a boat shape.
- Apply egg wash and sesame seeds: Brush the dough edges with the remaining beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish. Then, sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the edges for a nutty crunch and beautiful appearance.
- Add fresh herbs and garlic: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped cilantro, parsley, dill, and grated garlic. Sprinkle this fragrant herb-garlic mixture evenly over each khachapuri boat.
- Bake the boats: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and melting.
- Add the egg yolks: Remove the khachapuri from the oven gently, and carefully crack one egg yolk into the center of each boat. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, just until the egg yolk is barely set but still runny.
- Prepare the honey butter sauce: While the khachapuri bakes, combine the salted butter, honey, smoked paprika, red harissa sauce (if using), and chili flakes in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth.
- Finish and serve: Take the khachapuri out of the oven, drizzle the honey butter sauce over the top, and gently stir the butter and egg yolk into the cheese filling for a creamy, rich texture. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of chili flakes or red harissa sauce.
- The lemon slices are optional but add a lovely bright contrast to the rich cheese.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch (reduce quantity by half).
- You can substitute the pizza dough with store-bought bread dough or pastry dough if desired.
- For a more rustic look, allow the crust edges to be uneven when folding the dough over the cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Georgian