SouthernTurk
Unusual recipes for curious cooks.
https://southernturk.versust.com/recipe/georgian-khachapuri-megruli
Printed September 1, 2026
Printed September 1, 2026
Global Breakfasts
Georgian Khachapuri Megruli
This indulgent cheese-stuffed bread boat comes loaded inside and topped with even more melted cheese, creating breakfast decadence from the Caucasus mountains.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz sulguni cheese, grated (or substitute mozzarella)
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons butter
Preparation
In the Republic of Georgia, khachapuri is more than breakfast—it's a national treasure with regional variations debated as passionately as barbecue styles in the American South. The Megrelian version is especially cheese-forward, named after the Samegrelo region where cheese is never too much.
Making the Dough
- Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm milk and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Mix together two-thirds of the sulguni cheese with all the feta and one egg.
- Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into an oval about 8 inches long. Spread a quarter of the cheese mixture in the center of each oval, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Fold the long edges up and pinch them together, then pinch the ends to create a boat shape. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Brush the dough edges with beaten egg and sprinkle the remaining sulguni on top of the exposed cheese filling.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Remove from oven, make a small well in the center of each, and add a pat of butter. Serve immediately.
