Georgian Cheese Bread

Yet another bread recipe! this one from bake for happy kids is filled with a center of melting cheese, does it get any better than that!  The traditional cheese for this Georgian bread is sulguni but I used a combination of havarti and mozzarella, which apparently will replicate the flavour and texture of the traditional cheese.

 

1 packet of yeast

7 tbsp warm water

1 2/3 cups all purpose flour

3/4 tsp salt

1 large egg

125 grams havarti cheese

125 grams mozzarella cheese

1 tsp butter, melted

Sprinkle yeast over warm water and add 1 tbsp of the flour.  Set aside for 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, stir together remaining flour and salt, mix in the egg and add the yeast mixture.

Place the dough on a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.  Form dough into a ball, place into a large bowl, cover and leave to rise in a warm place for 2 hours, punching down the dough after each hour.

Place dough onto a floured surface and roll into a 7 inch circle. Mix the cheeses together and press to form a ball.  Place in the center of the dough and bring the dough up around the cheese ball, forming a knot of dough over the cheese.  Press on the knot of dough to spread the cheese and continue flattening the dough until it is about an 11 inch circle.

Cut a 6 inch X through the center of the dough and bake at 500 for 10-12 minutes, brush with the melted butter and return to the oven for another 3-5 minutes.