Khachapuri is Georgia's most iconic cheese bread - a boat-shaped vessel of warm, gooey goodness that has captured hearts worldwide. This beloved dish features a tender yeast dough cradling a generous filling of melted cheese, often topped with a raw egg and butter in its most famous variation, the Adjaruli khachapuri.

The word "khachapuri" itself tells its story - "khacho" meaning cheese and "puri" meaning bread in Georgian. While its exact origins are unclear, this dish has been a cornerstone of Georgian cuisine for centuries, with each region developing its own unique style. The boat-shaped Adjaruli version from the coastal region of Adjara is perhaps the most internationally recognized, but you'll find oval, circular, and even square variations throughout the country.

Making khachapuri is a labor of love that begins with a soft, enriched dough made from flour, yeast, milk, and eggs. After the dough rises, it's shaped and filled with a mixture of Georgian cheeses - traditionally sulguni and imeruli, though mozzarella and feta make good substitutes outside Georgia. The Adjaruli version is formed into a boat shape, filled with cheese, and baked until golden. Just before serving, a raw egg is cracked into the center, and a generous pat of butter is added.

In Georgia, khachapuri is eaten at any time of day - it's equally welcome at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The traditional way to eat Adjaruli khachapuri is to first mix the hot cheese with the raw egg and butter, creating a rich, creamy mixture. Then, tear off pieces of the bread crust and dip them into the cheese mixture. Some locals even add a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.

While undeniably delicious, khachapuri is quite rich in calories and fat. A single Adjaruli khachapuri can contain upwards of 1000 calories and should probably be shared between two people. The dish is also quite high in cholesterol due to the combination of cheese, egg, and butter. Those with lactose intolerance or watching their cholesterol intake should be mindful of portion sizes. However, when enjoyed in moderation, khachapuri provides calcium, protein, and the pure joy that only fresh-baked cheese bread can bring.