Pogaça from Turkey

This soft and savory pastry is a beloved snack in Turkish kitchens, perfect for breakfast or tea time. With its fluffy texture and flavorful filling, it’s sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion.

Start cooking ↓

TIME1 hr

SERVINGS4

RATING4.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Dough: 3 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 ½ teaspoons white sugar 2 tablespoons warm milk 1 cup all-purpose flour, or more as needed 1 cup whole wheat flour ½ cup warm water, or more as needed ¼ cup vegetable oil ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salted butter, or as needed Filling: 1 cup crumbled feta cheese ½ bunch fresh parsley, chopped ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ teaspoon chili powder Coating: 2 tablespoons milk, or as needed 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, or to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Activate Yeast and Mix Dough

Start by mixing the yeast and sugar into warm milk in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets foamy and creamy on top. In a large bowl or your stand mixer, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, the whole wheat flour, water, vegetable oil, salt, and the yeast mixture. Knead everything together with the dough hook until the dough feels soft and stretchy but not too sticky. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a splash of warm water. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for around 45 to 50 minutes, so it can rise nicely.

02

Preheat Oven and Mix Filling

While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking tray with some butter. Next, mix the feta, parsley, salt, pepper, and chili powder in a bowl until everything is well combined.

03

Shape and Fill Dough

Once the dough has risen, give it a quick knead for a couple of minutes. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a small circle, about 2 to 3 inches wide. Spoon some of the cheese filling into the center, then gather up the edges to enclose the filling, pinching them together to seal. Place each little bundle on the baking tray with the folded side down. Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle poppy seeds over them.

04

Bake Until Golden

Pop the tray in the oven on the top rack and bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until the pogaças turn a lovely golden color. Let them cool a bit before digging in!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise properly.
- Let the dough rest long enough to become soft and easy to shape.
- Brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden color.

Why you’ll love it

This pastry is soft, fluffy, and buttery with a slightly crispy crust. It has a comforting homemade feel and pairs well with many fillings. Its simple ingredients make it easy to enjoy any time of day.

Serving ideas

Serve warm with a side of fresh cheese, olives, or a cup of strong tea. They also make a great snack for picnics or breakfast on the go.

Storage & leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze after baking and reheat in the oven to keep them fresh and soft.