Description
Turkish Cheese Pide is a warm and cheesy flatbread featuring a flavorful blend of Turkish kasar, feta, and mozzarella cheeses mixed with fresh herbs. This traditional dish boasts a crispy crust and gooey interior, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Easy to prepare from scratch, it offers an authentic taste of Turkey with versatile options to customize toppings and dough.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup Turkish kasar cheese, crumbled (or substitute with mild semi-hard cheese)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Black pepper, to taste (optional)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing crust)
- Chopped green peppers or red chili flakes (for spicy twist)
- Minced lamb or sucuk sausage (for meat lover’s variation)
- Additional herbs like dill, mint, or oregano
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Gradually add flour, salt, and olive oil while kneading until you form a smooth, elastic dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling: While the dough rises, crumble the kasar, feta, and mozzarella cheeses into a bowl. Finely chop fresh parsley and mix it into the cheese blend. Season with black pepper if desired.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Divide into 2 or 3 equal portions depending on the size you prefer. Roll each portion into an oval or boat shape on a lightly floured surface to create a base for the filling.
- Add the Filling: Spread the cheese and parsley mixture evenly in the center of each dough piece, leaving about one inch clear around the edges. Fold the edges inward, pinching the ends to form a boat shape that holds the filling securely.
- Bake the Pide: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If available, preheat a baking stone or steel for crispier crust. Place the filled pide onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the edges with beaten egg for a golden finish if using. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help yeast activate faster and ensure even dough rising.
- Do not overfill the pide to avoid soggy dough or filling spilling during baking.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness for the best texture with a crisp crust and soft interior.
- Experiment with different cheese blends to create your preferred flavor profile.
- Make sure to preheat the oven thoroughly to achieve a signature crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pide (approximately)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg