Few things compare to the joy of tearing into warm, homemade bread fresh from the oven, and this traditional Turkish bread delivers exactly that. Soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy, it’s a versatile bread that pairs beautifully with almost any meal. Whether you’re serving it with dips, grilled meats, or enjoying it warm with butter and tea, this bread brings the taste of Turkey straight to your table. Best of all, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 400 ml warm water

• 5 g dry yeast

• 1 ½ tablespoons (30 g) sugar

• 600 g flour, sifted

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for folding)

Flour Mixture for Topping:

• 1 tablespoon flour

• ½ cup hot water

• ½ cup warm water

Cooking Directions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Mix well and let rest a few minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix with salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the flour gradually, kneading first with a spatula, then with your hands. Keep dipping your hands in water as you knead to make the dough smooth and elastic. Gather into a ball, cover with cling film, and let rest in a warm place for 10 minutes.

3. First Fold: After 10 minutes, fold the dough gently, dip your hand in water if needed, cover again, and let rise for 20 minutes.

4. Second Fold with Oil: Grease your hands with olive oil and fold the dough once more. Cover and leave in a warm place for 1 hour until well risen.

5. Shape the Dough: Once risen, press the dough lightly with your fingers to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface, shape into a ball, then divide into 4 equal parts. Shape each part into a ball, place them on a floured surface, cover with a kitchen towel, and rest for 10 minutes.

6. Prepare the Flour Mixture: Mix flour with hot water until smooth, then stir in warm water to make a thin paste.

7. Shape & Score: Preheat the oven with a baking tray inside to 250°C (482°F). Prepare 4 sheets of baking paper. Wet your fingers with the flour mixture and make indentations in each dough ball. Place each dough on baking paper and brush the tops with more flour mixture.

8. Bake: Carefully transfer the bread upside down onto the hot baking tray. Bake at 250°C for 7–10 minutes in convection mode until golden and puffed.

9. Serve: Remove from the oven and enjoy warm!

Nutrients (Approx. per serving, 8 servings)

• Calories: ~220

• Protein: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 44g

• Fat: 2g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 300mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread is light, fluffy, and ready in under two hours. It’s incredibly versatile—you can enjoy it fresh from the oven, use it for sandwiches, or serve it as a side dish with soups and stews. The simple ingredients mean it’s budget-friendly, yet the result feels indulgent and special.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Turkish bread, or “ekmek,” has been a staple in Turkey for centuries. Every region has its own style, from flatbreads to fluffy loaves, but all share one thing in common: they’re designed to be shared at the table. This recipe is inspired by the traditional Turkish pide and bazlama breads, known for their soft interiors and chewy crusts, making them perfect for everyday meals.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Flour: Bread flour works best, but all-purpose flour also delivers great results.

• Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the bread rise quickly while keeping it light.

• Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.

• Olive Oil: Keeps the dough pliable and enhances the flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Turkish bread is best eaten fresh but can be stored wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled bread in airtight bags for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a 180°C oven for 5–7 minutes until soft again. Avoid microwaving as it makes the bread chewy.

Common Variations to Try

• Sesame Seeds or Nigella Seeds: Sprinkle on top before baking for a nutty flavor.

• Garlic Butter Brush: Brush with garlic butter right after baking for a savory twist.

• Herb-Infused Bread: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the dough.

• Stuffed Version: Fill with feta cheese or spiced ground beef before baking.

Pairing Recommendations

Turkish bread pairs wonderfully with hummus, baba ghanoush, or tzatziki. It’s also perfect for scooping up hearty stews or serving alongside grilled meats and kebabs. For breakfast, enjoy it warm with honey, jam, or cheese. And don’t forget a cup of strong Turkish tea!

Health Benefits

While bread is often considered indulgent, this recipe is relatively light, with modest sugar and fat. It provides energy through healthy carbs and some protein. Using olive oil instead of butter makes it heart-friendlier, and adding whole wheat flour can increase fiber content.

Conclusion

Homemade Turkish bread is one of those recipes that never fails to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and some simple folding techniques, you’ll have bakery-style bread that’s soft, chewy, and golden. Perfect for sharing with family or friends, it’s a recipe that brings a touch of Turkish tradition to your home kitchen.