Fluffy Turkish Bread is a soft, pillowy, and slightly chewy bread that’s perfect for dipping into olive oil, serving alongside stews, or making sandwiches. With its signature golden-brown crust and airy interior, this bread is both simple to make and a delight to eat. The use of yogurt in the dough creates a wonderfully tender crumb, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top adds an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Turkish bread is a staple in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. Its soft, fluffy texture makes it perfect for a variety of meals, from soups and stews to grilled meats or as a base for wraps. The easy dough process doesn’t require any special equipment, and the result is a golden, aromatic loaf that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. It’s the ideal bread to complement your meal or simply enjoy with some butter or olive oil.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for sprinkling on top)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour along with the yogurt and olive oil. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
- Let the dough rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a round or oval shape, about 1/2 inch thick. Place the dough rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Final rise: Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you want a golden, slightly crispy crust, place a shallow pan of water in the oven to create steam during baking.
- Bake the bread: Brush the tops of the dough rounds with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let the bread cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It’s perfect warm, with olive oil for dipping, or as an accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8 slices (2 loaves)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
Variations
- Herbed Turkish bread: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor. Simply chop the herbs and add them to the flour mixture before adding the wet ingredients.
- Garlic Turkish bread: Brush the dough with a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic before baking for a garlic-flavored twist.
- Whole wheat option: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to make a heartier, more fiber-rich version of this bread.
- Cheese topping: Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top of the dough before baking for a savory, Mediterranean-inspired touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. The bread is best eaten fresh but can be kept for a little longer if properly stored.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the bread in a warm oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5-10 minutes until soft and warm again.
FAQs
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough in advance by refrigerating it after the first rise. Just shape the dough into rounds, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Let it come to room temperature before the second rise and baking.
Can I freeze this Turkish bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread after baking. Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. However, you’ll need to activate it in warm water before using it in the dough. Follow the instructions on the yeast packet for proper activation.
How do I get the best crust?
For a crustier bread, you can use a pizza stone or place a shallow pan of water in the oven during baking. The steam helps create a crisp crust.
Can I add more toppings to this bread?
Yes! You can experiment with toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even za’atar seasoning for a flavorful twist.
Conclusion
Fluffy Turkish Bread is a simple yet delicious addition to any meal. With its light and soft texture, it’s perfect for dipping, making sandwiches, or just enjoying with a bit of butter or olive oil. This easy recipe yields perfect, fresh bread that’s sure to impress your family and guests every time you bake it. Whether you serve it as an accompaniment to a Mediterranean meal or enjoy it on its own, this Turkish bread is a real crowd-pleaser.
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Fluffy Turkish Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 large or 4 small flatbreads
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Fluffy Turkish Bread recipe produces a soft, light, and perfectly airy flatbread that’s perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving alongside soups, or enjoying with any Mediterranean meal. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll make a bakery-style bread at home that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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2 teaspoons active dry yeast
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
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3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
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1 teaspoon yogurt (optional, for extra softness)
For the Topping (Optional):
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
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1 teaspoon nigella seeds (optional)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures the yeast is active. -
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, olive oil, and yogurt (if using). Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a touch more water. -
Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and soft. Add flour as needed to prevent sticking. You should be able to stretch the dough without it tearing. -
First Rise:
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. -
Shape the Bread:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions (for larger flatbreads) or 4 portions (for smaller flatbreads). Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten each ball into a disc, about 1/2 inch thick. -
Second Rise:
Place the flattened discs onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. -
Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven. Brush the top of each flattened dough with olive oil, and sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds if desired. -
Bake the Bread:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is golden and puffed up. The bread should be soft and slightly crispy on the outside. You can also place the bread under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end to get a more golden top, if you like. -
Serve:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with olive oil for dipping, or as a side to your favorite Mediterranean dishes like hummus, stews, or grilled meats.
Notes
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Yogurt Option: Adding yogurt to the dough helps keep the bread extra soft, but it’s optional. You can omit it if you prefer.
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Variation: For a more traditional Turkish flavor, try brushing the dough with a little garlic-infused olive oil before baking.
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Storage: The bread is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in the oven for 5-10 minutes.
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Freezing: You can freeze the baked bread for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply bake it from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
