Recipe for Stuffed Flatbread with Cheese

 

Cheese Stuffed Flatbread Inspired by Khachapuri

Inspired by Georgian cuisine, this cheese-stuffed flatbread is a mouthwatering delicacy with a gooey cheese filling sandwiched between crispy, golden dough. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg (optional; used for binding)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in a small bowl with the lukewarm water. Let it sit until it foams, about 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the olive oil and yeast mixture.
3. Stir the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Cheese Filling:

5. In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella, feta, and ricotta cheeses. Add the egg and parsley if using. Stir until well mixed.

Assemble the Flatbread:

6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each part into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Place half of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle. Spread the cheese, leaving about 1 inch of dough around the edges.
9. Fold the edges over the cheese filling and pinch the seams to seal, forming a round or oval shape.
10. Gently flatten the stuffed dough with your hands to distribute the cheese evenly.

Cook the Flatbread:

11. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil.
12. Place one of the stuffed dough circles in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp.
13. Transfer the cooked flatbread to a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
14. Repeat with the second dough circle.
15. Bake the flatbreads in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

16. Allow the flatbreads to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
17. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Feel free to use your favorite cheeses or add herbs or garlic to the cheese filling for extra flavor.
• If preferred, you can cook the flatbread entirely in the skillet without baking. After flipping, cover the skillet with a lid to ensure the cheese melts properly.
• Serving Suggestions: This cheesy flatbread pairs well with a fresh salad, tomato soup, or as a stand-alone snack.

This mouthwatering cheese-stuffed flatbread offers the perfect balance of gooey cheese and a crunchy crust, sure to delight your taste buds.

ENJOY!!