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Puff Pastry Khachapuri (Penovani Khachapuri)
Penovani khachapuri is one of more than 50 regional variations of kachapuri, the Georgian cheese-stuffed savory bread or pastry. Winery owner Ani Lomidze taught us this easy version during a visit to Georgia’s Alazani Valley. Store-bought puff pastry makes the preparation a breeze. We prefer the rich flavor of all-butter Dufour brand, but Pepperidge Farm works, too. To approximate the local imeruli cheese, we combine mild Mexican queso fresco (farmer’s cheese is good, too), briny feta and milky, melty mozzarella. Serve warm or at room temperature. Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes.
6 - 8
Servings
Tip
Don’t use fresh mozzarella, which has a high moisture content. Be sure to purchase low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella, the type that is easy to shred and is used on American-style pizza.
30 minutes
Ingredients
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1
large egg yolk
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4
ounces queso fresco or farmer’s cheese, patted dry, then coarsely crumbled (1 cup)
Directions
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01Heat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the middle position. Line a rimmed baking sheet with kitchen parchment. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon water until well combined. In a medium bowl, combine all cheeses, the thyme, lemon zest and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. If you are using DuFour puff pastry, unfold the dough onto a cutting board, then cut it in half crosswise. On a lightly floured counter, roll each piece into a 9-by-12-inch rectangle. If you are using Pepperidge Farm puff pastry, on a lightly floured counter, roll each sheet into a 9-by-12-inch rectangle.
Reviews
November 14, 2025
Worth the splurge!
I saw this made on Milk Street TV and knew I had to try it. I used Trader Joe's puff pastry, which is exactly the size specified in this recipe. [America's Test Kitchen rated TJs the same as Dufour, which is twice the price. ] The directions were easy to follow and, while picking thyme is one of my least favorite activities, it was worth it for this recipe. I made it in my toaster oven, and it took about 11 minutes. I was pleased that my first time using puff pastry was such a success!
November 11, 2025
Easy and delicious
Wonderful recipe. I have celiac and used gluten free puff pastry. Cheese with thyme and lemon has the perfect texture and taste. Thanks.
February 17, 2025
Easy and delicious
The hardest part is rolling out the puff pastry evenly other than that a snap to put together and was a big hit at a dinner party. I might add roasted peppers next time or try dill instead of thyme.
January 30, 2025
Healthy? No. Houseable? Oh, Yes.
Fancy junk food, basically, but sign me up again!
December 31, 2025
Good, but. . . . .
It was too salty, it does not need kosher salt.
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