Georgian Cheese Bread

Georgian Cheese Bread Recipe - Traditional & Tasty

Region / culture: Georgia | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Georgian Cheese Bread, also known as Khachapuri, is a traditional Georgian dish that features a delicious cheese filling wrapped in a soft and fluffy bread dough. This savory bread is a popular dish in Georgia and is often enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal.

History

Khachapuri has a long history in Georgia and is considered a national dish. It is believed to have originated in the Adjara region of Georgia and has since become a beloved dish throughout the country. The recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in Georgian cuisine.

Ingredients

2 packages of dry yeast
1 tbsp + 0.5 tsp of sugar
1.25 cups of lukewarm milk
2 tsp of salt
0.5 cup of softened butter
4.5 cups of flour
1 tbsp of sugar
salt

Cheese filling

1 lb (454 g) of shredded muenster cheese
2 tbsp of softened butter
1 beaten egg

How to prepare

Cheese filling

Combine cheese, butter, and egg in a large mixing bowl.
Knead vigorously until the texture is uniform.
Shape into a thick round cake 8 to 7.5 inches in diameter.

Yeast

Sprinkle yeast and 0.5 tsp sugar over milk in a small shallow bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm place until the yeast blooms and the mixture nearly doubles in volume, 5 to 10 minutes.

Bread

Combine 4.5 cups of flour, 1 tbsp sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Make a well in the flour mixture and add the milk-yeast mixture and softened butter.
Beat vigorously with a large spoon until smooth.
Form into a ball and place it on a lightly floured surface.
Knead hard for 10 minutes, adding more flour or water as needed to create a medium-stiff dough.
When the dough is smooth and elastic, place it in a large, lightly buttered bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place, such as an unlit oven with the pilot light on, until doubled in bulk and the dough springs back slowly when gently poked with a finger, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Punch the dough down and let it rise until doubled again, 30 to 40 minutes.
Punch the dough down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 22 inches in diameter.
If the rolling surface is too small, divide the dough in half and roll it into 2 half-circles 22x11 inches.
Roll the dough up on a rolling pin and unroll it carefully over a buttered 9-inch cake or spring-form pan or spring-form so that it is centered, with the edges overlapping more or less evenly on all sides.
If using 2 half-circles of dough, form a 1-inch seam to make a whole circle and moisten thoroughly to seal.
Carefully press the center of the dough down to the bottom of the pan.
Place the cheese filling on the dough and bring up the edges of the dough over the filling, forming thick, fabric-like folds.
Moisten the edges at the top and seal.
Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) in the center of the oven, with foil underneath in case the filling leaks, until golden brown, 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Cool for 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Variations

Add herbs such as dill or parsley to the cheese filling for added flavor.
Use different types of cheese such as feta or mozzarella for a unique twist.
Add cooked vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly to ensure a soft and fluffy texture.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place to ensure it doubles in size.

- Be sure to seal the edges of the bread dough tightly to prevent the cheese filling from leaking out during baking.

- Let the bread cool for a bit before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Georgian Cheese Bread can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or served with a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of Georgian wine or a cup of hot tea.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough thoroughly is key to achieving a soft and fluffy texture.

- Rolling out the dough evenly and sealing the edges tightly will ensure the cheese filling stays inside during baking.

- Baking the bread at the right temperature and for the right amount of time will result in a golden brown crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use active dry yeast instead of dry yeast in this recipe.

- Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in the dough.

- Different types of cheese can be used in the filling, depending on your preference.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and cheese filling ahead of time and assemble the bread just before baking. Store the dough in the refrigerator and the cheese filling in an airtight container until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Georgian Cheese Bread on a platter with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Georgian Cheese Bread pairs well with a variety of dishes such as grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. It also goes well with Georgian side dishes such as pkhali (vegetable pate) or lobio (bean stew).

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Georgian Cheese Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Georgian Cheese Bread contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Georgian Cheese Bread contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Georgian Cheese Bread contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Georgian Cheese Bread contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Georgian Cheese Bread is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D due to the cheese filling.

Alergens

Georgian Cheese Bread contains dairy (cheese, butter) and gluten (flour), making it unsuitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Georgian Cheese Bread is a delicious and satisfying dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a good source of calcium and vitamins A and D.

Summary

Georgian Cheese Bread is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a soft and fluffy bread dough and a savory cheese filling, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this traditional Georgian recipe and savor the flavors of this classic dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Georgian Cheese Bread. It was many years ago, during a trip to the beautiful country of Georgia. I had always been fascinated by the rich culinary traditions of different cultures, and I was eager to learn as much as I could during my time there.

I had the opportunity to visit a small village in the mountains, where I met a kind old woman who invited me into her home for a traditional Georgian meal. As we sat at her table, surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of fresh herbs and spices, she served us a dish unlike anything I had ever tasted before – Georgian Cheese Bread.

The bread was warm and golden brown, with a crispy crust that gave way to a soft, cheesy center. The flavors were a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, with just a hint of tanginess from the cheese. I couldn't get enough of it, and I begged the old woman to share her recipe with me.

She smiled warmly and told me that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had taught her the secrets of making the perfect Georgian Cheese Bread. She graciously agreed to teach me how to make it, and we spent the afternoon together in her cozy kitchen, kneading dough and shaping the bread into loaves.

As we worked, she shared stories of her childhood and the traditions of her people. She told me about the importance of using fresh, local ingredients – like the rich, creamy cheese that came from the nearby mountains, and the fragrant herbs that grew in her own garden. She explained the significance of each step in the process, from mixing the dough to letting it rise, and she showed me how to bake the bread until it was golden and crispy on the outside, but soft and gooey on the inside.

By the time we had finished, the kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread. The old woman cut a steaming hot loaf into thick slices and served it to me on a rustic wooden platter. I took a bite, savoring the delicious flavors and feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a skilled cook.

After my trip to Georgia, I returned home with the recipe for Georgian Cheese Bread tucked safely in my suitcase. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends, and I spent many happy hours in my own kitchen, baking loaf after loaf of the delectable bread.

Over the years, I have made some adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own twist by incorporating different types of cheese or experimenting with new herbs and spices. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a warm, comforting bread that brings people together and evokes memories of a faraway land.

Whenever I bake Georgian Cheese Bread, I am transported back to that small village in the mountains, where I first learned the art of making this delicious dish. I am reminded of the old woman who generously shared her knowledge with me, and I am grateful for the connections that food can create between people of different cultures and backgrounds.

As I sit down to enjoy a slice of warm, cheesy bread with my loved ones, I am filled with a sense of joy and gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me as a cook and a storyteller. And I know that the recipe for Georgian Cheese Bread will continue to hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.