Traditional Georgian Khachapuri with Cheesy Filling and Egg Topping Recipe
Introduction
Khachapuri is a traditional Georgian cheese bread that’s both comforting and indulgent. With a boat-shaped dough filled with a melty cheese blend and topped with a runny egg, it’s perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (lukewarm)
- 1/2 cup water (lukewarm)
- 1/2 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp oil (olive or avocado)
- 1 1/2 cups farmers cheese
- 1 1/2 cups feta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 6 eggs
- 3 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine lukewarm water and milk. Add the yeast, sugar, and salt, then stir to combine. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes until it becomes bubbly.
- Step 2: Gradually add the flour in small parts to the liquid mixture while kneading on low speed. Once combined, add the oil and continue kneading until the dough is elastic and no longer sticky.
- Step 3: Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, mix together the farmers cheese, feta, and mozzarella until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Step 5: Divide the risen dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion out into a 7-inch round.
- Step 6: Roll the two ends of each round toward the center, pinching the edges to create a boat shape, leaving the center open for filling.
- Step 7: Place the cheese filling in the center of each dough boat. Cover them with a towel and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Step 8: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the khachapuri for 15 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden.
- Step 9: Make a small slit or indentation in the cheese filling, then carefully add one egg to each khachapuri center along with 1/2 tablespoon of butter.
- Step 10: Return to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, until the egg whites are set but yolks remain runny. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk and real butter. You can substitute farmers cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese if unavailable.
- Try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the cheese filling for an herbal twist.
- To make mini khachapuris, divide the dough into more portions and adjust baking time accordingly.
Storage
Khachapuri is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand. Mix the ingredients and knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
What cheeses work best for khachapuri?
The classic combination is farmers cheese, feta, and mozzarella for a balance of tangy and creamy flavors. You can substitute with similar cheeses like ricotta, halloumi, or even a mild cheddar as desired.
PrintTraditional Georgian Khachapuri with Cheesy Filling and Egg Topping Recipe
Khachapuri is a traditional Georgian cheese-filled bread that features a soft, yeasted dough shaped like a boat and filled with a blend of farmers cheese, feta, and mozzarella. Topped with an egg and butter, this warm, savory bread is perfect as a hearty snack or meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Georgian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (lukewarm)
- 1/2 cup water (lukewarm)
- 1/2 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp oil (olive or avocado)
Cheese Filling
- 1 1/2 cups farmers cheese
- 1 1/2 cups feta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 6 eggs
- 3 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough Starter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the lukewarm water and milk. Add the active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir gently and let the mixture rest for a few minutes until it becomes bubbly, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Knead the Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture in small portions while kneading on low speed. Incorporate the oil once the flour is mostly combined. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticky.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a towel and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine the farmers cheese, feta cheese, and mozzarella. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the risen dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 7-inch round shape. Roll up the two ends of each round and pinch the edges tightly to form a boat shape, leaving an open center for the filling.
- Fill and Second Rise: Spoon the cheese filling into the center of each dough boat. Cover the boats with a towel and let them rise for about 30 minutes.
- Bake the Khachapuri: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the khachapuri boats for 15 minutes or until the dough is lightly golden.
- Add Egg and Butter: Carefully cut a slit or indentation in the center of the cheese filling in each boat. Crack one egg into each opening, add 1/2 tablespoon of butter on top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the egg white is set but yolk remains runny.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the milk and water are lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- You can substitute the cheese blend with any melty cheeses and tangy cheese to suit your taste, but keep the balance of salty and creamy flavors.
- Serve khachapuri immediately after baking for the best experience, as the crust is crisp and the cheese melts perfectly when fresh.
- To enhance flavor, brush the crust edges with melted butter right after baking.
Keywords: Khachapuri, Georgian cheese bread, cheese filled bread, traditional Georgian recipe, baking cheese bread

