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Loosen your aprons and prep your taste buds. I’m excited to share a personal rendition of a recipe that not only pleases the palate but also encapsulates the essence of Turkish hospitality. Whether you’re a bread lover or a cheese enthusiast, this Turkish Cheese Bread recipe will redefine your snack time and leave your friends and family reaching for that last piece.
Table of Contents
What Is Turkish Cheese Bread?
Turkish cheese bread, often called “peynirli pide,” is a delicious flatbread topped with cheeses, herbs, and sometimes additional ingredients like spinach or minced meat. The dough is typically soft, slightly chewy, and shaped into an oval or boat-like form before being baked until golden.
Ingredients:
For The Bread Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For The Filling:
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Black sesame seeds or nigella seeds (for garnishing)
Instructions:
Preparing The Dough:
- Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl.
- Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Add the olive oil and knead the dough for about 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough back in the bowl (slightly oiled), covering it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preparing The Cheese Filling: Mix the crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, dried mint, and red pepper flakes in a separate bowl until well combined.
Assembling The Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into two equal parts.
- Roll out each part into a circle about 1/4-inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over one of the rolled-out dough circles, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully place the second dough circle on top and gently press the edges to seal.
- Using a sharp knife, make light scores on the top (optional) for aesthetics.
Final Touches:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer your cheese-filled dough onto a lined baking tray.
- Beat the egg and brush the top of the bread with it. Sprinkle with black sesame or nigella seeds for a beautiful finish.
- Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is a lovely golden brown.
- Serving: Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the ultimate cheese-pull effect and a mouthwatering experience.
Tips:
- Yeast Temperature: Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it. Aim for about 110°F.
- Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses according to your preference, though traditionally, feta and mozzarella are used.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a more aromatic flavor. Adjust quantities to taste.
- Serving Suggestion: Turkish Cheese Bread pairs wonderfully with a side of olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a true Mediterranean experience.
What To Serve With
For Breakfast Or Brunch:
- Menemen (Turkish Scrambled Eggs): A delicious combination of scrambled eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and spices. The soft, juicy texture of Menemen pairs wonderfully with the crunchy exterior and soft, cheesy interior of the bread.
- Turkish Tea or Coffee: A must-have for a truly Turkish experience. Turkish tea, served in tulip-shaped glasses or a strong cup of Turkish coffee, can splendidly complement the rich flavors of the cheese bread.
For A Light Lunch:
- Ayran: This traditional Turkish yogurt drink, made by mixing yogurt with chilled water and a pinch of salt, is the perfect beverage to wash down the rich flavors of the Turkish cheese bread.
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A simple, refreshing salad with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and a sprinkle of sumac or paprika can add a fresh, zesty flavor to your meal.
- Olives and Pickles: A selection of green and black olives and some pickled vegetables can add a savory, salty contrast to the richness of the Turkish cheese bread.
For Dinner:
- Grilled Meats or Kebabs: Grilled lamb, chicken, or beef kebabs are staple Turkish dishes that would complement the flavors of the cheese bread. Combining grilled, spiced meats with soft, cheesy bread creates a satisfying meal.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers (Dolma): These are bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, currants, herbs, and spices, offering a delicious vegetarian option that harmonizes well with the bread.
- Tzatziki Sauce: A cool, creamy cucumber yogurt sauce can act as a refreshing dip or spread for the bread, balancing its rich, cheesy flavor.
As Part Of A Mezze Platter
- Hummus and Baba Ghanoush: Creamy chickpea hummus and smoky eggplant baba ghanoush provide rich and savory spreads that perfectly complement the bread.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves (Sarma): These little rolls filled with rice and herbs are delightful bite-sized treats that contrast nicely with the soft and cheesy texture of the bread.
- Tabbouleh: A refreshing parsley and bulgur salad with tomatoes, onions, mint, olive oil, and lemon juice offers a fresh, herby side that cleanses the palate.
Health Benefits
- Bone Health: The calcium and phosphorus in cheese contribute to developing and maintaining strong bones, which is essential for osteoporosis prevention.
- Muscle Function: The protein in cheese supports muscle function and helps repair and grow muscle tissue, which is particularly valuable after physical exercise.
- Metabolism Boost: Proteins also boost metabolism because they require more energy than fats or carbohydrates to be digested.
- Satiety and Weight Management: High protein and moderate fat content from cheese can lead to increased satiety, which may help with weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
- Gut Health: If the bread is made using whole grains, it can improve gut health due to its higher fiber content. Fiber aids in digestion and prevents constipation.
Final Thoughts
With its irresistible blend of warm, gooey cheese nestled on a crisp, flavorful bread base, Turkish Cheese Bread does more than satisfy a craving—it offers a modest array of health benefits that can be welcomed into any balanced diet. Whether you’re seeking to enhance your intake of protein and calcium or aiming to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that keeps you full for longer, this delightful dish can be a savory highlight of your eating plan.
More Recipes:
- Broil Turkey Burger Recipe
- Tortillas Rojas Recipe
- Broccoli Rice Soup Recipe
- Bucatini Puttanesca Recipe
- Korean Fried Chicken Burger
Ingredients
For The Bread Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For The Filling:
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Black sesame seeds or nigella seeds (for garnishing)
Instructions
Preparing The Dough:
- Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl.
- Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Add the olive oil and knead the dough for about 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough back in the bowl (slightly oiled), covering it with a damp cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Preparing The Cheese Filling: Mix the crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, dried mint, and red pepper flakes in a separate bowl until well combined.
Assembling The Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into two equal parts.
- Roll out each part into a circle about 1/4-inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over one of the rolled-out dough circles, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully place the second dough circle on top and gently press the edges to seal.
- Using a sharp knife, make light scores on the top (optional) for aesthetics.
Final Touches:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer your cheese-filled dough onto a lined baking tray.
- Beat the egg and brush the top of the bread with it. Sprinkle with black sesame or nigella seeds for a beautiful finish.
- Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is a lovely golden brown.
-
Serving: Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm for the ultimate cheese-pull effect and a mouthwatering experience.
