Ingredients
Method
Step-by-Step
- Combine the lukewarm water, yeast, and sugar. If using active dry yeast, let it stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy; instant yeast may be mixed directly with the flour.
- Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl, then add the yeast mixture and oil. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, keeping the dough soft and slightly tacky rather than wet.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, combine the grated mozzarella and crumbled feta, keeping the cheese mixture fairly dry.
- Heat the oven to 230°C/450°F with a baking stone, steel, or heavy baking sheet inside. Divide the risen dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each into an oval about 25–30 cm long.
- Roll or fold the long edges inward and pinch the two ends together to create a boat shape with an open center. Transfer the boats to parchment paper and fill each with one-quarter of the cheese mixture.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling. Remove the tray briefly, make a shallow well in each cheese center, and crack one egg into each well.
- Return the khachapuri to the oven for 2–4 minutes, just until the egg white is set while the yolk remains soft. Add a piece of butter to each hot bread and serve immediately.
Notes
Traditional Georgian cheeses include sulguni and imeruli. You can replace the mozzarella-feta mixture with approximately 600 g grated sulguni or a mixture of sulguni and imeruli. Use low-moisture mozzarella rather than fresh mozzarella unless the fresh cheese has been thoroughly drained.
