Turkish Pastries with Dill & Feta

Baked fresh this Sunday morning, my kitchen is filled with the comforting aroma of Dereotlu Peynirli Poğaça, a beloved Turkish pastry that transports me straight to the streets of Turkey. If you grew up in Turkey, lived there, or even just visited, you’ll know the unmistakable scent of warm poğaça—those soft, buttery pastries filled with cheese and herbs. Just close your eyes, and you’re back on your way to school or work, stopping by a local bakery for a fresh, warm treat.

These poğaças are the perfect blend of light, fluffy dough and a filling of creamy feta cheese and fragrant dill. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, tea time, or as a snack, they’re a little bite of nostalgia that will bring a smile to your face.

Baked Turkish pastries (poğaça) filled with feta cheese and dill, fresh out of the oven

Ingredients

• 2¼ cups flour (sifted)

• ⅔ cup plain yogurt

• ½ cup sunflower oil

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 egg (white for dough, yolk for brushing)

• 1 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ bunch fresh dill, chopped

• 120g crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, oil, melted butter, egg white, and vinegar.

2. Add the chopped dill to the mixture.

3. Gradually mix in the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Knead until you form a soft, non-sticky dough.

4. Divide the dough into small portions and flatten them slightly.

5. Place a teaspoon of crumbled feta cheese in the center of each portion.

6. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and seal them to form small round or oval shapes.

7. Arrange the poğaças on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and brush them with egg yolk for a golden finish.

8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until the poğaças are golden brown and cooked through.

9. Let them cool slightly, and enjoy them warm.

These delicious pastries are best enjoyed straight from the oven, with a cup of Turkish tea or your favorite hot beverage. Whether you’re starting your day with a comforting breakfast or indulging in an afternoon snack, Dereotlu Peynirli Poğaça will bring a touch of Turkish warmth to your home.