If you've not heard of Adjaruli khachapuri, let me sum it up in a few words: fresh bread, filled with cheese and an egg on top. This comforting Georgian cheese bread is sure to be an instant hit (and is easier than you might think).

whole Adjaruli khachapuri Georgian cheese bread from overhead

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When I first came across khachapuri, I knew I had to try it. After all, the idea of a cheese stuffed bread is just too good to pass up, right?

But, I'll admit, I was a little daunted by the idea. I was worried they might be kind of fiddly to make. Now that I have got a bit more back in to making bread (like my sourdough rye bread) and pizza (my fall pizza and bacon corn pizza have been popular), I figured it was about time to tackle it.

The good news is it's actually pretty easy and tastes SO delicious.

tearing piece from Adjaruli khachapuri and dipping the bread into the cheese and egg filling

Where does khachapuri come from?

Khachapuri comes from Georgia, a country between Turkey and Russia that's predominantly in the Caucus mountains and very much at the crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Georgians are very proud of their cuisine, and rightly so. There are influences from Turkey, Greece and Persia and many dishes are incredibly comforting, like dumplings, stews and breads like this, reflecting the sometimes harsh mountainous climate.

The name comes from the words "khacho", meaning cheese curd or cottage cheese, and "puri" meaning bread.

adding butter to middle of baked Adjaruli khachapuri Georgian cheese bread

Variations on khachapuri

Khachapuri comes in a few different forms in different parts of Georgia. Probably the most common is round, more like a pizza in shape, with a cheese stuffing - like Imeruli khachapuri - or cheese inside and out. You'll also find versions made on a spit and with different fillings.

This Adjarian version, (from the Adjaria region on the coast) is more of a cheese boat with the egg on top. Others have potato added in, or are more like a calzone.

What cheese should you use for Adjaruli khachapuri?

The traditional cheese for this bread is sulguni, or a mix of sulguni and imeruli cheeses. However since they are hard to find, most recipes recommend a blend of feta and mozzarella as a pretty close alternative.

The result of this combination is a fantastic mix of stringy cheese pulls and slightly salty flavor.

cheese added to middle of shaped dough, ready to bake

Steps to make Adjuruli khachapuri

First mix together all the dough ingredients.
Once combined, knead a few minutes then put in an oiled bowl, covered, to rise.
Knock back the dough once doubled in size then roll in a circle.
Mix together the crumbled feta and grated mozzarella.
Put some cheese towards the edge of the dough circle.
Roll in two sides to make an oval, then twist the ends together to form a 'boat'.
Fill the middle with the rest of the cheese.
Bake until lightly brown then add egg to middle.
Once white is almost cooked through, remove from oven and add a little butter. Serve warm.

adding egg to middle of cheese filling in Adjaruli khachapuri

This stuffed 'cheese boat' was an instant hit in our house. Both of my kids were coming back for more and so it was just as well it was big enough for all of us. There was a little left that I shared in the school playground, again to rave reviews.

The combination of cheeses is perfect to give both flavor and that gooeyness it feels like it needs. And the egg and touch of butter on top? Pure heaven.

We enjoyed this partly for lunch and partly for a snack, but it would be perfect as a party appetizer or really any excuse.

Adjaruli khachapuri Georgian cheese bread torn and dippied into the egg and cheese filling

True, this Adjuruli khachapuri is not the kind of thing you are going to want to eat every day. But for now and then, it is one of the most comforting and delicious combinations. You need to add it to your to make list.

Try these other delicious breads:

Japanese milk bread
Fig walnut bread
Herb fougasse (a tasty French bread similiar to focaccia)
Peshwari naan (an Indian flatbread with a gently sweet, nutty filling)
Tsoureki - Greek Easter bread (similar to brioche)
Plus get more bread recipes in the archives.

Adjaruli khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread) from overhead

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