Name: Kyachapuri: Georgian Cheese Flatbread with Egg and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (224 g) granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2 to 3 large lemons); 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1/4 cup vegetable oil (canola or any neutral oil); 3 large eggs, room temperature; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon extract; 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup full fat Greek yogurt (or sour cream), room temperature; 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar; Juice of 1/2 lemon; 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 14 reviews

If you have a passion for rich, comforting flavors paired with fresh, vibrant ingredients, then let me introduce you to this absolute gem: the Kyachapuri: Georgian Cheese Flatbread with Egg and Fresh Herbs Recipe. This traditional Georgian dish brings together a warm, fluffy flatbread loaded with a gooey cheese center, crowned with a perfectly baked egg and sprinkled with fresh herbs for a pop of color and brightness. It’s a heartwarming recipe that feels like a warm hug straight from the Caucasus, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a soul-satisfying treat on a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl with a white spoon inside holds a thick white creamy mixture, topped by four bright yellow egg yolks grouped near the center. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding the bowl's edge gently from the top left corner. The overall look shows a fresh mix ready to be stirred, with smooth, soft textures in the cream and shiny egg yolks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Even with its impressive taste, this recipe relies on surprisingly simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the unique flavors and textures in the final dish. From the fluffy dough to the creamy cheese filling and the fresh herbs, every component is essential to delicious Kyachapuri.

All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and that perfect chewy bite.
Warm water: Helps activate the yeast, making the dough light and airy.
Active dry yeast: The magical ingredient that makes the dough rise beautifully.
Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and give a hint of sweetness to balance the cheese.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and sharpens the cheese’s savoriness.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps create a golden crust.
Cheese blend (traditionally sulguni or mozzarella and feta): Offers the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and melty filling.
Eggs: One for the filling to add richness, and additional eggs for the topping.
Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill): Bring a fresh, bright note that livens up each bite.

How to Make Kyachapuri: Georgian Cheese Flatbread with Egg and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by activating your yeast. In a bowl, mix warm water with a pinch of sugar and your dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until foamy and alive with bubbles. This step is key to getting that airy, soft bread texture. Meanwhile, combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mixing and Kneading

Pour the yeast mixture along with olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead by hand or with a stand mixer for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This kneading develops gluten, which gives the bread its delightful chew.

Step 3: Letting the Dough Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The dough should double in size, soft and springy, ready to become your flatbread canvas.

Step 4: Preparing the Cheese Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, combine your cheese blend with one beaten egg and freshly chopped herbs in a bowl. The egg binds the cheese into a gooey filling, while herbs brighten the dish and add that unforgettable fresh aroma.

Step 5: Shaping the Flatbread

Once risen, punch down the dough gently and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a rough oval shape, about ½ inch thick. Spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling down the center, leaving a border of dough around the edges to seal the filling inside.

Step 6: Creating the Cheese Boats

Carefully fold the edges of the dough inward, pinching and shaping the ends to create a boat-like shape, neatly enclosing the cheese. The center should remain open to hold the finishing egg later. This stage shapes the iconic Kyachapuri look and ensures every bite comes with a perfect cheese pull.

Step 7: Baking and Adding the Egg

Transfer your cheese boats onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust turns golden and crisp. Then, take the flatbreads out and carefully crack one fresh egg into the center of each boat. Put them back in the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until the egg whites are just set but the yolks still run wonderfully silky. This final step is the crowning glory of the Kyachapuri.

How to Serve Kyachapuri: Georgian Cheese Flatbread with Egg and Fresh Herbs Recipe

The image shows three slices of yellow pound cake with a light golden crust and moist texture, each slice topped with a thin layer of white icing that slightly drips on the sides. The slices are arranged vertically on white crumpled parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. To the right of the cake slices, there is a knife with a white handle resting on the marble. The colors are soft and natural, highlighting the cake's fluffy interior and smooth icing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley, cilantro, or dill sprinkled generously on top add a lovely freshness, while a drizzle of melted butter over the hot bread creates an extra layer of indulgence. Sometimes, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes wakes up the palate beautifully.

Side Dishes

Kyachapuri is hearty and satisfying alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad featuring tart vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables balances richness with refreshing crunch. Traditional Georgian pickles also make a fabulous companion, cutting through the creamy cheese with their tangy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Kyachapuri right from the oven on a wooden board, letting guests tear into the cheesy goodness with their hands. For a brunch twist, offer it alongside fresh tomatoes and olives, or even serve mini versions as an impressive appetizer that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Kyachapuri tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days while maintaining most of its wonderful texture and taste.

Freezing

If you want to save Kyachapuri for longer, freeze the unbaked shaped dough portions or the fully baked flatbreads separately. When freezing dough, wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn; baked flatbreads freeze best after cooling completely. Both can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Kyachapuri gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes to preserve the crisp crust and melty cheese center. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy, dulling that delightful texture you love.

FAQs

What type of cheese is best for Kyachapuri?

The traditional cheese is sulguni, a Georgian brined cheese that melts beautifully and is slightly tangy. If you can’t find it, mixing mozzarella with feta creates a great balance of creaminess and tang.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the day before and store it covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Is Kyachapuri typically eaten for breakfast or dinner?

In Georgia, it’s a popular meal any time of day — breakfast, lunch, or dinner — thanks to its comforting and satisfying qualities.

How do I know when the egg in the center is perfectly cooked?

The whites should be set and opaque, while the yolk remains runny enough to dip bread into. This usually takes only a few minutes in a hot oven.

Can I add other toppings or variations?

Definitely! Some like to add spinach, herbs, or even a bit of cooked sausage to the filling, but the traditional Kyachapuri shines brightest with just cheese, egg, and fresh herbs.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about bringing Kyachapuri: Georgian Cheese Flatbread with Egg and Fresh Herbs Recipe to your table. It’s not just a meal, it’s a warm, joyous experience that connects you with Georgian culture and flavors. Once you try it, I promise it will become a beloved recipe you want to share again and again with family and friends. So, go ahead and bake this cheesy, herby masterpiece – you’re in for a treat!