Soft, fluffy, and beautifully golden, this Turkish bread is a bakery-style homemade loaf with a tender interior and a lightly crisp crust. Made with flour, warm water, and yogurt, it has a rich texture and a satisfying chew that makes it perfect for serving alongside soups, dips, grilled dishes, or simply enjoying warm from the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Turkish bread is easy to make in large batches and gives you soft, flavorful bread with a wonderfully airy texture. The yogurt helps create a tender crumb, while the simple dough comes together with pantry-friendly ingredients. It is a great choice for family meals, special gatherings, or meal prep because it stays delicious and versatile. You can serve it plain, brush it with butter, or use it for sandwiches and dipping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (1.1 kg)
1 2/3 cups warm water (400 ml)
1 2/3 cups plain yogurt (400 ml)
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet, about 7 g)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon black seeds or nigella seeds
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yogurt, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes so the yeast can activate.
Add the olive oil, salt, and flour gradually. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Continue kneading for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and slightly elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 or 3 equal portions, depending on how large you want the breads. Shape each portion into a round or oval flat loaf and place them on lined baking trays.
Cover the shaped dough and let it rest again for 20 to 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk. Brush the tops of the loaves gently. Use your fingers or the back of a knife to create the classic crisscross pattern on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and black seeds.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bread is puffed and deeply golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool slightly before serving. It is especially delicious while still warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 2 large loaves or 3 medium loaves, which is enough for 10 to 12 servings.
Prep time: 25 minutes
First rise: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
Second rise: 20 to 30 minutes
Bake time: 15 to 20 minutes
Total time: about 2 hours to 2 hours 45 minutes
Variations
For a softer finish, brush the bread with a little melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
For extra flavor, mix a teaspoon of garlic powder or dried herbs into the dough.
For a more traditional topping, use a combination of sesame seeds and black seeds.
For smaller portions, divide the dough into individual flatbreads instead of large loaves.
For a richer dough, add 2 tablespoons of extra olive oil or a little more yogurt.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bread in an airtight container or a well-wrapped bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days, though the texture is best when fresh.
To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
To reheat, place the bread in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through. You can also warm slices in a dry skillet over low heat for a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I make Turkish bread without yogurt?
Yes, but the texture will change. Yogurt gives the bread a softer and richer crumb. You can replace it with the same amount of milk for a different but still tasty result.
What type of flour works best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works very well for soft Turkish bread. Bread flour can also be used if you want a slightly chewier texture.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes. Use the same amount, but let it fully dissolve and foam in the warm water with the sugar before adding the other ingredients.
Why is my dough too sticky?
This can happen because yogurt thickness and flour absorption can vary. Add a little extra flour while kneading until the dough is soft and manageable but not dry.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be golden brown on top and sound slightly hollow when tapped on the bottom. The crust should look set and lightly crisp.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come closer to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I bake this bread without the egg wash?
Yes. The egg wash helps create a shiny golden top, but the bread will still bake well without it. You can brush the surface with milk instead.
What can I serve with Turkish bread?
It pairs well with soups, grilled meats, cheese, olives, salads, and dips like hummus or yogurt-based spreads.
Can I make this bread into smaller flatbreads?
Yes. Divide the dough into smaller pieces and reduce the baking time slightly. Watch them closely so they do not overbake.
How do I keep the bread soft after baking?
Let it cool slightly, then cover it loosely with a clean kitchen towel. This helps keep the crust from becoming too hard while the bread stays soft inside.
Conclusion
This Turkish bread is a wonderful homemade recipe that delivers soft texture, rich flavor, and beautiful golden color with simple ingredients. Whether you serve it with a full meal or enjoy it fresh with a spread, it is a reliable bread recipe that feels comforting and impressive at the same time. Once you try it, it may easily become one of your favorite homemade breads.
