Subtitle – Soft Turkish Cheese Rolls
Introduction
Few things are more comforting than the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. These Turkish Cheese Poğaça are incredibly soft, fluffy, and filled with a savory cheese mixture, making them perfect for easy dinner recipes, quick weeknight meals, family dinner ideas, or a delicious breakfast and snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly soft and fluffy texture.
- Filled with a flavorful cheese and parsley mixture.
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes.
- Easy to freeze and reheat.
- Made with simple everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (reserve 1 yolk for the topping)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (or ½ package fresh yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6–6½ cups all-purpose flour, added gradually
For the Filling
- 250 g (9 oz) crumbled white cheese or feta cheese
- ½ bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Egg Wash
- 1 reserved egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon milk
For the Topping
- Sesame seeds
- Nigella seeds (black cumin seeds)
Cooking for the whole family tonight? Grab Robert’s Sweet in 30 — 40 quick desserts to complete any meal. No ads, no scrolling. Just recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the dough. Add the vegetable oil, egg whites, and salt, then mix well. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is elastic and no longer sticky. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the rolls light and fluffy.
- First rise. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling. While the dough rises, combine the crumbled white cheese and chopped parsley in a bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
- Shape the rolls. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into mandarin-sized portions. Flatten each piece into a small circle with your hands, place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center, then fold and pinch the edges tightly to seal. Shape into smooth rounds or ovals.
- Second rise. Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Cover loosely and let them rise for another 20 minutes. These freshly baked rolls are perfect for holiday entertaining and also make a budget-friendly weeknight dinner side.
- Apply the topping. Whisk together the reserved egg yolk and milk, then brush the tops of each roll generously. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and nigella seeds.
- Bake. Bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the poğaça are beautifully golden brown. The internal temperature should reach approximately 190°F (88°C) for fully baked bread.
- Rest before serving. Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately cover them with a clean kitchen towel for 10 minutes. This helps trap steam, creating an extra-soft crust. They are also great for meal prep since they stay soft for several days.
Tired of searching for recipes through a wall of ads?
You came here to cook—not to close pop-ups.
Sweet in 30 puts 40 of Robert’s best dessert recipes in one clean PDF on your phone. No ads. No scrolling. No autoplay videos. Just the recipe, the ingredients, and a Chef’s Note on every single page.
Easy dessert recipes for weeknight family dinners. Impressive holiday baking in 30 minutes or less. Quick treats your guests will ask you to make again and again.
One download. Yours forever. No ads. Ever.
Get all 40 recipes for $9.99 →
Pro Tips & Variations
For the softest poğaça, measure the flour carefully and add it gradually, stopping as soon as the dough becomes smooth and slightly tacky. Too much flour is the most common reason bread rolls become dense. If you’re looking for healthy substitutions, replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter filling. These rolls are naturally budget-friendly since they use inexpensive pantry staples and can be filled with whatever cheese you already have on hand. They are excellent for meal prep because they freeze beautifully for up to three months. Simply thaw and warm them in the oven before serving. If you’re cooking for beginners, be patient during both rising stages, as proper proofing is the secret to fluffy, bakery-style results. For quick dinner ideas, serve warm poğaça alongside soup, salad, or grilled chicken for a complete meal. You can also customize the filling with mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, spinach, or fresh herbs for delicious variations that suit every taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the poğaça and refrigerate them overnight before the second rise. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking.
What can I substitute for white cheese?
Feta, ricotta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses all work well depending on your preferred flavor and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the cooled poğaça in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely. These rolls freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Can beginners make this recipe?
Yes. This recipe uses simple bread-making techniques and is an excellent introduction to working with yeast dough.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm Turkish Cheese Poğaça with hot tea, Turkish coffee, or fresh juice for breakfast or brunch. They also pair wonderfully with tomato soup, fresh salads, olives, and sliced vegetables. They’re an excellent addition to a holiday dinner bread basket, a family gathering buffet, or even a casual date night dinner.
Conclusion
These soft and fluffy Turkish Cheese Poğaça are a timeless homemade favorite that’s easy to prepare and always satisfying. Filled with savory cheese and fresh herbs, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or serving alongside your favorite meals. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a regular in your baking rotation.
Looking for the perfect dessert to go with this?