Homemade Turkish Pogaca Recipe: Fluffy Savory Delights

Soft, buttery turkish pogaca brings a delightful twist to your morning routine.

Bakers in istanbul have perfected this delectable pastry over generations.

Flaky layers melt in your mouth with every bite.

Salt and herbs create a complex flavor profile that surprises the palate.

Small pockets of cheese nestled inside add a creamy richness.

Mediterranean coastal regions inspire this traditional bread’s unique texture and taste.

Warm from the oven, these savory treats will make you feel connected to turkish culinary traditions.

Dive into this recipe and experience a slice of istanbul’s breakfast magic.

Why You’ll Love Turkish Pogaca Every Time

• Craft Comfort Food: These savory Turkish pastries deliver warm, cheesy goodness that hugs your taste buds with every delightful bite.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: Novice cooks can confidently create these delectable treats with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, requiring minimal baking expertise.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and brunch events, these pogacas serve as crowd-pleasing appetizers that spark conversation and satisfy hunger.
• Quick Meal Solution: Packed with protein-rich feta and fresh parsley, these pastries work brilliantly as a quick breakfast, satisfying lunch, or light dinner option that comes together without complex techniques.

What Goes In Turkish Pogaca

• Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and base for the Turkish pogaca.
• Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a soft, airy texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to the tender crumb of the bread.
• Egg: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Feta Cheese: A tangy and creamy cheese that adds a traditional flavor to the pogaca.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright, herbal note to the filling.

• Sugar, Salt: Enhance the overall flavor of the dough.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps create a soft and smooth dough texture.
• Egg Yolk: Used for brushing to achieve a golden brown and shiny exterior.

How To Bake Turkish Pogaca Right

Step 1: Create Soft Dough Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 2: Develop Dough Consistency

Pour warm milk into the dry mixture, add vegetable oil, and egg white. Stir and blend until a smooth, cohesive dough emerges.

The texture should feel soft and slightly tacky.

Step 3: Knead and Rise Dough

Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead vigorously for 8-10 minutes.

Work the dough until it becomes elastic and silky. Place the dough in a covered bowl and allow it to rise in a warm spot for approximately one hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Prepare Delicious Fillings

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley

Gently mix these ingredients together in a separate small bowl.

Step 5: Shape Pogaca Pastries

Divide the risen dough into eight equal portions.

Flatten each piece into a circular shape, place a spoonful of feta-parsley mixture in the center, and carefully fold and seal the edges to create a pocket.

Step 6: Bake Golden Pogaca

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Arrange the filled dough pockets on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg yolk for a beautiful golden finish.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pogacas turn a rich, warm brown color.

Smart Tips For Turkish Pogaca

• Choose room temperature ingredients for smoother dough consistency and easier mixing.
• Ensure yeast is fresh and active by checking expiration date before starting the recipe.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating softer and more tender pogaca texture.
• Seal edges carefully when filling to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking for extra crunch and traditional Turkish flavor.

Flavor Spins On Turkish Pogaca

• Potato Pogaca: Replace feta cheese with mashed potatoes seasoned with dill and black pepper for a hearty filling.
• Spinach and Cheese Pogaca: Substitute feta with a mixture of spinach, ricotta, and nutmeg for a nutritious green version.
• Olive and Herb Pogaca: Fill with chopped kalamata olives, oregano, and crumbled feta for a Mediterranean-inspired pastry.
• Meat Pogaca: Use ground lamb or beef mixed with onions and cumin as a savory alternative filling.

What Goes Well With Turkish Pogaca

• Savor Turkish Delights: Perfect Pairings
• Brew Rich Turkish Tea: Complement the savory pogaca with traditional black tea, cutting through the cheese's richness and enhancing the pastry's delicate flavor.
• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a light cucumber and tomato salad with olive oil and lemon, balancing the pogaca's hearty texture and adding refreshing crispness.
• Serve with Creamy Yogurt Dip: Whip cool yogurt with chopped herbs like dill and mint, providing a tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy bread and cooling the palate.
• Enjoy Mediterranean Mezze: Surround pogaca with small plates of olives, hummus, and roasted red pepper spread for a complete and satisfying Mediterranean experience.

How To Store Turkish Pogaca Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Turkish pogaca in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Place cooled pogacas in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat Oven: Warm refrigerated or thawed pogacas at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to keep moisture and prevent burning.
• Microwave Quick: Reheat for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Place a damp paper towel over the pogaca to prevent toughness and retain softness.

FAQs For Turkish Pogaca Explained

• What is the origin of Pogaca?

Pogaca is a traditional pastry that originated in Turkey, commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or snack item across Turkish households and bakeries.

• Can I use different fillings in Pogaca?

Yes, while feta cheese and parsley are classic, you can experiment with other fillings like ground meat, potato, or olives to suit your taste preferences.

• Is Pogaca similar to other pastries?

Pogaca is similar to other Mediterranean and Middle Eastern stuffed bread varieties, but has a unique soft texture and distinct Turkish preparation method.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginners?

This recipe is relatively easy for home bakers with basic bread-making skills, requiring simple ingredients and straightforward kneading and filling techniques.

Turkish Pogaca Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Savory Turkish Pogaca pastries offer a delightful journey through traditional bakery magic, blending delicate herbs with rich, buttery dough. Crisp exterior and tender crumb invite you to savor each delectable bite of this beloved Turkish comfort classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg (divided, with yolk for brushing)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a dry ingredient foundation.
2. Pour warm milk, vegetable oil, and egg white into the dry mixture, gently stirring until a cohesive, soft dough emerges.
3. Thoroughly knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, developing a smooth and elastic texture. Cover and allow to rest and rise in a warm environment for approximately 60 minutes.
4. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for baking.
5. Partition the risen dough into 8 uniform segments, ensuring equal sizing.
6. Gently flatten each dough portion into a circular shape, creating a delicate surface for filling.
7. Sprinkle feta cheese and finely chopped parsley at the center of each flattened dough piece.
8. Carefully fold and seal the edges, encasing the cheese and parsley filling completely.
9. Arrange the filled pogaca on a prepared baking tray, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
10. Delicately brush the surface of each pogaca with egg yolk, enhancing color and shine.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior.

Notes

• Ensure milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast without killing it, which helps create soft, fluffy pogaca.
• Use fresh feta cheese and finely chopped parsley for maximum flavor and authentic Turkish taste.
• Knead dough thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a stretchy texture that helps seal fillings securely.
• For gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with almond or rice flour, and add xanthan gum for better binding.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Turkish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg