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Sesame Khachapuri Recipe

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3.9 from 64 reviews

Sesame Khachapuri is a Georgian-inspired cheese bread featuring a blend of feta, gouda or spicy cheddar, and provolone cheeses encased in a golden, sesame-crusted dough. Baked to perfection and finished with a rich honey butter sauce and fresh herbs, this dish offers a delightful mix of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors with a vibrant herbal touch. Perfect as a shareable appetizer or a comforting main dish, it combines simple ingredients into an impressive and indulgent treat.

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
  • 1 beaten egg (for mixing)
  • 2 egg yolks (for topping)

Dough

  • 1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature

Herb Mixture

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated

Toppings and Sauce

  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 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
  • 1 beaten egg (for brushing edges)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled feta, shredded gouda or spicy cheddar, and shredded provolone. Add one beaten egg to bind the cheeses together, then season well with salt and black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
  3. Shape the dough: Divide the pizza dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll or gently push each portion into a rough oval shape about 10 inches long. Transfer each oval onto the prepared baking sheets.
  4. Assemble the khachapuri boats: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into the center of each dough oval, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Optionally, arrange a few thin lemon slices over the cheese for a bright note. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to form a boat shape, fully enclosing the cheese inside the dough border.
  5. Prepare for baking: Brush the exposed dough edges with the remaining beaten egg to create a shiny, golden crust when baked. Sprinkle the edges generously with sesame seeds to add crunch and nuttiness.
  6. Add herbs: In a small bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, parsley, dill, and grated garlic. Sprinkle this herb mixture evenly over the cheese filling inside each dough boat to infuse freshness and aromatic flavor.
  7. Bake the khachapuri: Place both trays in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the dough is golden and the cheese melts and bubbles.
  8. Add egg yolks and finish baking: Remove the khachapuri from the oven gently, and crack one egg yolk into the center of each boat. Return the trays to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the yolks are just set but still creamy.
  9. Make the honey butter sauce: While baking, prepare the sauce by mixing the salted butter, honey, smoked paprika, red harissa sauce (if using), and chili flakes in a small bowl until well combined and smooth.
  10. Serve: Remove the khachapuri from the oven and immediately spoon the honey butter sauce over the cheese and egg yolk in each boat. Stir the butter and egg yolk into the hot cheese filling to finish cooking the egg and create a luscious texture. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, cheesy, herbaceous, and slightly sweet flavor combination.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add more red harissa sauce and chili flakes according to your preference.
  • The lemon slices are optional but add a bright, citrusy layer that complements the richness of the cheese.
  • Ensure the dough is at room temperature before working with it for easier shaping.
  • This dish is best eaten fresh from the oven for the melty cheese and perfectly cooked egg yolk texture.
  • If you want a crispier crust, you can bake the boats on a preheated pizza stone if available.
  • Substitute any of the cheeses with similar melting cheeses if needed, but the mixture is key to authentic flavor and texture.