Cheese and Potato Stuffed Flatbread Recipe
Potatoes are a favorite of many, and cheese is a close contender, which makes the combination of the two irresistible. This recipe brings together cheesy potatoes inside a crispy, buttery, pan-fried flatbread. It's inspired by an Ossetian bread called khabizgina and although it may seem intimidating, the process is surprisingly simple. The dough is easy to prepare, and working with it is a pleasure. With just a little care in wrapping the cheesy filling, youll have a dish thats as delicious as it is comforting.
Interestingly, honey isnt a typical companion for savory potato dishes, but it works wonderfully here. The sweet and savory pairing of cheese and honey has been enjoyed for centuries, and adding potatoes only enhances the experience, especially when chili flakes are added to the mix. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves potatoes and cheese, and I hope you give it a try!
Ingredients
- 2 russet potatoes
- Flatbread Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Filling:
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions (optional)
- 2 tablespoons minced hot green chilies (optional)
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into very small cubes
- 1 ounce shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- To Cook and Serve:
- 3 tablespoons melted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon hot chili pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced green onions (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Place the potatoes in a baking dish, and pierce their skins a few times with a knife. Bake in the oven for about 1 hour, or until very tender when tested with a knife. Remove the potatoes, cover with a towel, and let them cool to room temperature, around 30 minutes. Turn off the oven.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, and create a small well in the center using a fork. Pour the milk, water, and salt into the well, and stir with a fork to form a shaggy dough.
- Pour in 1 tablespoon of melted butter and mix until the dough begins to come together. Lightly flour your hand and knead the dough in the bowl until it forms a ball and the sides of the bowl are clean.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 2 to 4 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and slightly elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and set it aside to rest for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are cool, measure out 8 ounces (about 1 cup) and mash them in a bowl with a fork until theyre as smooth or chunky as you prefer. Add the green onions, hot chilies, mozzarella, Cheddar, and feta. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Form the filling into a compact 5-inch disc in the bottom of the bowl, then turn it out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape the filling and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 10 to 11-inch circle. Place the chilled filling in the center of the dough.
- Fold the dough around the filling, pleating it as needed and using a moistened finger to seal the dough. Flour the top of the dough and carefully flip it over so the seam side is down.
- Flour the top again and roll the filled dough gently into a 3/4 to 1-inch thick circle.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the flatbread in the skillet and cook, covered, for about 5 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the bread carefully, and cook, covered, for another 5 minutes on the other side.
- Flip the bread again and brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. If the flatbread starts to puff up, poke a small hole with a knife to release the steam.
- Transfer the flatbread to a cutting board and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. While it cools, mix the honey and chili flakes in a small bowl.
- Once the flatbread has cooled slightly, sprinkle it with green onions, cut into wedges, and serve with the spicy honey.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 440
- Fat: 17g (22% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 11g (53% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 53mg (18% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 505mg (22% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 58g (21% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 5g (16% Daily Value)
- Protein: 14g (29% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 15mg (17% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 247mg (19% Daily Value)
- Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 1017mg (22% Daily Value)
Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your individual calorie needs.
This Cheese and Potato Stuffed Flatbread, also known as "khabizgina," is an Eastern European dish with deep cultural roots. Inspired by the traditional Ossetian bread, this stuffed flatbread combines creamy cheese and hearty potatoes, creating a perfect fusion of flavors and textures. Whether served as a side dish or a meal on its own, this flatbread is sure to become a family favorite.
History and Origin
The origins of this dish can be traced back to the Caucasus region, where it is commonly known as "khabizgina." Ossetians, an ethnic group from the Caucasus mountains, are renowned for their bread-making skills, and this dish showcases their ability to transform simple ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and dough into something extraordinary. Over time, variations of the recipe spread throughout the region, with different communities adding their own local twists to the dish. While the ingredients may vary slightly, the essence of the dish remains unchangeda soft, flavorful bread filled with the comforting tastes of potatoes and cheese.
Regional Variations
Although "khabizgina" is the most well-known version, this flatbread has many regional variations. In Georgia, for instance, a similar dish is called "khachapuri," and while it primarily features cheese, it is not typically stuffed with potatoes. The addition of potatoes makes this flatbread richer and heartier, making it a perfect comfort food for colder climates. The use of three types of cheesemozzarella, feta, and sharp Cheddaradds layers of flavor and texture, which is a distinctive feature of this dish compared to other stuffed breads from the region.
Distinguishing Features
What sets this Cheese and Potato Stuffed Flatbread apart from similar dishes is its unique combination of ingredients and cooking method. Unlike most stuffed breads, which are either baked or steamed, this flatbread is pan-fried to create a crisp, golden crust. The fillingcomprised of mashed potatoes and cheesesis wrapped in a simple unleavened dough, which provides the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The addition of honey and chili flakes as a topping brings an unexpected sweet and spicy contrast to the savory filling, making it stand out among other regional stuffed breads.
Where It's Typically Served
This stuffed flatbread is a popular dish in the Caucasus region, often served during family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. In Georgia and Ossetia, it can be found in many traditional homes as part of a festive meal. Its typically eaten as a side dish with soups, stews, or grilled meats, but it also works wonderfully as a stand-alone meal, especially when paired with a fresh salad. In recent years, this flatbread has gained popularity in international cuisine, with many Eastern European restaurants offering it as a specialty dish for patrons looking to explore authentic flavors from the Caucasus region.
Interesting Facts
- Honey is not a typical condiment for savory potato dishes, but when paired with cheese and potatoes, it creates an incredible contrast of flavors that enhances the overall taste of the flatbread.
- Cheese and honey have been paired together for centuries in various cultures. The addition of spicy chili flakes adds a modern twist, creating a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
- Potatoes, a staple ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, were introduced to the Caucasus region in the 18th century and quickly became a vital part of local culinary traditions.
- This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. Many variations can be made by adding other ingredients like sausage, herbs, or even mushrooms to the filling, offering endless possibilities for customization.
Whether you're seeking a new way to enjoy potatoes or simply looking for an authentic Eastern European recipe to try, this Cheese and Potato Stuffed Flatbread is sure to impress. It's a delightful combination of comforting flavors and textures that will transport you to the heart of the Caucasus with every bite.
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FAQ about Cheese and Potato Stuffed Flatbread Recipe
Comments
Jessica Martinez
09/04/2024 04:13:25 AM
Incredible! I decided to use up some leftovers by adding ham, garlic, Italian sausage, and parsley to the potato mix, and it turned out absolutely amazing.
Sandra Roberts
03/28/2024 12:07:09 AM
This dish is absolutely delicious! I made a few minor adjustments by adding some spices and protein. I diced up bacon and ham to enhance the dish with extra protein and texture. When I use bacon, I prefer to cook the onions in the delicious bacon grease for added flavor.
Deborah White
11/16/2022 09:46:50 AM
Delicious! The recipe is relatively quick and very easy to follow. The dough has a nice texture to work with. I like to add some yeast for that extra flavor of yeasted bread.
Nancy Hall
08/01/2022 05:10:59 AM
Substituted the potatoes with jalapenos and onions, and the result was phenomenal. The taste and texture were exquisite, and it was just as delicious as John's Khachapuri recipe that I make every week.
Gary King
02/28/2025 06:13:20 AM
Our family had a great time! I decided to use diced canned pepperoncini, which added a delicious kick.
Linda Lopez
01/08/2024 04:32:43 AM
Delicious! I substituted olive oil for butter when cooking the dough, resulting in a crispy top. Next time, I might reduce the amount of cheese and increase the potato as it was a bit too cheesy for my liking, although my partner enjoyed it. I am keen to make it again and experiment with different fillings. The instructional video on YouTube was particularly useful, especially for understanding the sizes of the discs.
Dennis Clark
03/14/2024 04:57:23 AM
Very simple to make and incredibly tasty! 😊 I experimented with my own ingredients and my wife and kids absolutely adored it! 😄 The russet potatoes were delicious, especially with the addition of some thinly sliced pork. It got a tad burnt, but still turned out great! 👌
Lisa Scott
01/03/2024 12:58:30 PM
The dish turned out fantastic! I initially paired it with the flavorful spicy honey, which was delicious. The next day, I reheated the leftovers in the air fryer and enjoyed them with a side of tomato soup. This combination felt even more perfect!
Jonathan Anderson
05/20/2024 05:47:51 PM
Here is the rewritten review: "This dish is absolutely delicious. I followed the recipe exactly, except I omitted the hot chilis. I was a bit worried when my filling seemed dry and crumbled when I put it in the dough, but it turned out beautifully. I paired it with my mom's chicken chili recipe, and it was perfect for dipping. My husband loved it and even went back for seconds and ate the leftovers. Next time, I would cook it in a larger pan for a bit longer, but I was afraid it might burn. Reheating it in the air fryer the next day worked really well. I will definitely make this again and try different cheeses and fillings. This dish is a great match for the cozy fall soup weather. Thank you, Chef John!"