Cheese Boat Cheese Bread Recipe
This easy Cheese Boat recipe is a fun, cheesy appetizer inspired by Georgian khachapuri, a warm bread boat filled with melted cheese and baked until golden and bubbling. Made with pizza dough, mozzarella, feta, and an optional egg, it's perfect for game day, pizza night, weekends, or anytime you need a savory, shareable treat.
Soft bread, melted cheese, golden edges, and fresh herbs - it's the kind of recipe that disappears quickly from the table.
For more game day favorites, you might also like Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread, Easy Game Day Appetizers, and 30+ World Cup Game Day Recipes.
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What is a Cheese Boat?
A cheese boat is inspired by khachapuri, a beloved Georgian cheese-filled bread often shaped like a boat and baked until golden, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
There are many styles of khachapuri, but this easy version uses pizza dough and a simple cheese filling, making it approachable for home kitchens and perfect for casual entertaining.
Some versions are finished by stirring an egg into the hot cheese filling. I've included that option below, but you can absolutely make these without the egg. They are delicious either way.
Why You'll Love This Cheese Boat Recipe
- It's made with simple ingredients.
- Store-bought pizza dough makes it quick and easy.
- It's warm, cheesy, and perfect for sharing.
- It works as an appetizer, snack, or casual dinner.
- The optional egg topping makes it feel more traditional, but it's not required.
Ingredients
You'll find the ingredient amounts in the recipe card below, but here's what you'll need to make this easy cheese boat recipe.
- Pizza dough: Use homemade pizza dough or a good-quality store-bought dough. Dough from the deli or freezer section works best, but canned pizza dough can work in a pinch.
- Mozzarella cheese: Low-moisture shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the filling that gooey texture.
- Feta cheese: Adds salty, tangy flavor that balances the mozzarella.
- Eggs: One egg is used for brushing the dough so it bakes golden. You can also add an egg to the center of each cheese boat near the end of baking if desired.
- Fresh herbs: Oregano, parsley, dill, or chives are all delicious for finishing.
Note on dough: Homemade pizza dough gives the best flavor and texture, but store-bought dough makes this recipe easy enough for game day or a Friday night.
If using canned pizza dough, it may take a little extra shaping because it is usually rectangular. It will still work, but a ball of pizza dough is easier to shape into the traditional boat form.
Note on Eggs: Traditional khachapuri is often finished with an egg that is stirred into the hot cheese filling. Since not everyone loves a soft or lightly cooked egg, this recipe gives you options.
You can skip the egg entirely, or add it near the end of baking and continue baking until it reaches your preferred doneness.
How to Make Cheese Boats
Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the dough: Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into about a 9-inch oval or round. Roll the long edges slightly toward the center, then pinch the ends together to form a boat shape.
- Add the cheese: Transfer the shaped dough to the prepared baking sheet. Fill each boat with the mozzarella and feta mixture, leaving the edges exposed.
- Brush and bake: Brush the dough edges with egg wash. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Add the optional egg: If using an egg, make a small well in the cheese filling, crack an egg into the center, and return to the oven for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the egg is cooked to your liking.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Serving Ideas
Cheese boats are best served warm from the oven while the cheese is melted and bubbly. Slice them into pieces for appetizers, or serve one per person with a simple salad for a casual meal.
They're especially good for game day, World Cup watch parties, Super Bowl snacks, pizza night, movie night, or a cozy weekend gathering.
Tips for the Best Cheese Boats
- Use parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Do not overfill the dough, or the cheese may spill over as it melts.
- Pinch the ends firmly so the boats hold their shape while baking.
- Serve immediately for the best gooey cheese texture.
Cheese Boat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough store-bought or our Pizza Dough recipe
- 3 cups shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese 12 oz.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 8 oz.
Egg Wash
- 1 egg plus one teaspoon water, whisked
Optional
- 4 eggs to bake into the cheese boats
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the round of pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. Then spread the pieces of dough into about 9-inch rounds. Roll the two opposite sides toward the center and pinch the ends to form a boat shape. Transfer the shaped dough to the prepared baking sheet. Stuff each boat with the cheese mixture and brush an egg wash (1 egg + 1 teaspoon water) over the rolled edges of the dough.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, depending on their size.
- If you want to add an egg, make a well in the cheese filling, crack an egg into each well and return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs (I love oregano) and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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Cheesy bread has new meaning with this utterly simple recipe. I love to serve these on pasta night or during game watching days. It's always a favorite and super simple to make!