Name: Sesame Khachapuri with Fresh Herbs, Lemon, and Honey Butter Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Georgian
Ingredients: 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 (from 2 eggs); 1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature; 1 beaten egg (remaining egg from 2 eggs), for brushing crust; 1/4 cup sesame seeds; 2 egg yolks (separate from the beaten eggs); 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, grated; 1 lemon, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon red harissa sauce; Chili flakes, to taste; 3 tablespoons salted butter; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Ingredients

8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

2 cups shredded gouda or spicy cheddar cheese

2 cups shredded provolone cheese

Salt and black pepper

4 eggs – 2 beaten, plus 2 egg yolks

1 pound pizza dough, at room temperature

1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional)

1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped

2 cloves garlic, grated

1/4 cup sesame seeds

3 tablespoons salted butter

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon red harissa sauce (optional)

Chili flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled feta, shredded gouda or spicy cheddar, and shredded provolone. Mix in one beaten egg and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Divide the pizza dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll or gently push each piece into an oval about 10 inches long. Transfer each dough oval to the prepared baking sheets.

Step 4: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into the center of each dough oval, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. If using, arrange a few lemon slices on top of the cheese.

Step 5: Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese filling, shaping each into a “boat” that encloses the cheese but leaves the center open.

Step 6: Brush the folded dough edges with the remaining beaten egg, then sprinkle sesame seeds over the edges for a golden, nutty crust.

Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, parsley, dill, and grated garlic. Sprinkle this herb mixture generously over each dough boat.

Step 8: Bake the boats for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Carefully crack an egg yolk into the center of each cheese boat.

Step 10: Return the boats to the oven and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the egg yolk is just set but still soft.

Step 11: While the boats bake, mix the butter, honey, smoked paprika, red harissa sauce (if using), and chili flakes to make the honey butter sauce.

Step 12: Remove the Khachapuri from the oven. Drizzle the honey butter sauce over the top. Stir the butter and soft egg yolk into the cheese filling to finish cooking the egg. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add extra chili flakes or harissa to the cheese mixture before baking.

If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with a mix of dried herbs but use less to avoid overpowering the dish.

Use homemade pizza dough or store-bought for convenience; just make sure it’s at room temperature for easier shaping.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished Khachapuri to brighten the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What can I use if I don’t have all the cheeses listed?

You can substitute with any melty cheeses you have on hand, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, combined with a tangy cheese like feta to maintain the flavor balance.