This Egg and Cheese Stuffed Bazlama Bread is the ultimate comfort food, blending the heartiness of freshly baked Turkish bread with the creamy richness of cheese and eggs. With its warm and flavorful filling, this dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner. Garnished with fresh dill and a hint of red pepper, it delivers a balance of savory and spicy notes in every bite.
Ideal for sharing, this recipe brings a cozy, homemade touch to your table. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your preferences—whether you prefer extra cheese, a dash of herbs, or a bit more heat. Serve it hot and watch it disappear fast!
Full Recipe:
For the Dough (Makes 8–10 mini bazlama breads):
- 3 ½–4 cups flour
- 1 ½ cups warm milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet instant dry yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
For Stuffing (Per 1 Bazlama Bread):
- 2 organic eggs
- 1 ½ tbsp yogurt
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sweet red pepper sauce
- 1 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
- Cherry tomatoes or red pepper slices (for garnish)
- Fresh dill, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, add the flour and dry yeast. Mix with your fingers until combined.
- Add warm milk, olive oil, salt, and sugar. Mix gently.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 3 minutes until soft and smooth.
- Place the dough in a clean, non-floured bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, knead the dough again and divide it into 8–10 pieces. Shape each piece into a round and flatten slightly.
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Add the dough rounds, reduce heat to low, and cook while flipping to ensure even browning. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Select one of the mini breads and cut it open to create a “bread bowl.”
- Mix yogurt, feta cheese, sweet red pepper sauce, and olive oil. Spread this mixture inside the bread bowl.
- Crack two eggs inside and top with cherry tomatoes or red pepper slices.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh dill and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 2 hours (includes dough rising time) / Cooking Time: 25 minutes / Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 280 kcal per serving / Servings: 8–10
Egg and Cheese Stuffed Bazlama Bread: A Delicious Turkish Delight
Egg and Cheese Stuffed Bazlama Bread is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the warmth of traditional Turkish flatbread and the rich, creamy flavors of eggs and cheese. This recipe is a perfect choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. The combination of fluffy, homemade bazlama bread with a savory filling creates a satisfying and hearty meal that is both easy to make and deeply comforting.
Bazlama, a popular Turkish flatbread, is soft, slightly chewy, and has a unique texture that makes it ideal for stuffing. When filled with a delicious mixture of eggs, feta cheese, yogurt, and Mediterranean spices, it becomes an irresistible dish that is sure to impress family and friends. Whether served fresh out of the oven or enjoyed later as a snack, this dish embodies the simplicity and flavor of traditional Turkish cuisine.
What is Bazlama?
Bazlama is a type of traditional Turkish flatbread that is often cooked on a griddle or a nonstick pan. It is similar to pita bread but has a slightly thicker and fluffier texture. The dough is typically made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, warm milk, olive oil, and a touch of sugar and salt. After being left to rise, it is divided into small rounds and cooked until golden brown.
What makes bazlama unique is its slightly chewy texture and ability to stay soft for longer periods compared to other flatbreads. It can be eaten on its own, served as a side with dips or kebabs, or stuffed with various fillings for a more substantial meal.
Why This Recipe is Special
This Egg and Cheese Stuffed Bazlama Bread recipe takes the humble flatbread to the next level by turning it into a rich and flavorful stuffed dish. The creamy mixture of feta cheese, eggs, and yogurt adds a tangy yet savory taste, while the red pepper sauce provides a subtle kick. The dish is baked to perfection, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy edges of the bread and the gooey, cheesy filling inside.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. It can be customized with different ingredients, such as adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, using different types of cheese, or incorporating fresh herbs for additional flavor. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy version, this dish is easily adaptable to suit personal preferences.
The Origins of Bazlama and Turkish Cuisine
Turkish cuisine is rich in flavors, drawing influence from the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean. Flatbreads like bazlama have been a staple of Turkish households for centuries, often enjoyed with simple toppings like butter, cheese, or honey.
Bazlama is believed to have originated from Anatolia, where it was traditionally cooked on large metal griddles over an open flame. The bread’s soft and airy texture makes it an excellent choice for stuffing, which is why many regional Turkish recipes incorporate various fillings, from minced meats to cheeses and vegetables.
The combination of eggs and cheese in this dish reflects the common Turkish breakfast tradition, where dairy, fresh bread, and eggs play an essential role. This recipe is a modern take on a classic concept, incorporating fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a balanced and flavorful meal.
Tips for the Best Egg and Cheese Stuffed Bazlama Bread
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients makes a big difference. Opt for fresh eggs, high-quality feta cheese, and homemade or freshly baked bazlama for the best results.
- Let the Dough Rise Properly: Allowing the dough to rise for at least two hours ensures a light and fluffy texture, making the bread easier to work with and improving its overall taste.
- Customize Your Filling: While the traditional version features eggs, feta cheese, and yogurt, you can get creative by adding ingredients like sautéed onions, peppers, or even cured meats.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Cooking the stuffed bazlama at the right temperature ensures that the eggs are fully set while keeping the bread soft and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Serve It Hot: This dish tastes best when served straight out of the oven while the cheese is still warm and melty. Garnish with fresh dill and red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Egg and Cheese Stuffed Bazlama Bread pairs well with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal:
- Fresh Salad: A simple Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a lemon-olive oil dressing balances the richness of the dish.
- Turkish Tea or Coffee: Enjoying this dish with a cup of Turkish tea (çay) or strong Turkish coffee enhances the overall experience.
- Yogurt Dip: A side of creamy yogurt with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sumac or dried mint complements the flavors beautifully.
- Pickled Vegetables: The tangy crunch of pickled vegetables, such as pickled red cabbage or cucumbers, adds a refreshing contrast.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. If you want to experiment with different flavors, here are some variations and substitutions:
- Different Cheeses: Instead of feta cheese, try using mozzarella, ricotta, or a mild cheddar for a different texture and taste.
- Add More Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the filling for extra nutrition.
- Make It Spicier: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add chili flakes or use spicy Turkish sucuk (sausage) as part of the filling.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier version, substitute part of the white flour with whole wheat flour in the dough.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, you can store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture:
- Refrigeration: Keep the stuffed bazlama in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each portion in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Conclusion
Egg and Cheese Stuffed Bazlama Bread is a fantastic dish that combines the best elements of Turkish cuisine—soft, pillowy bread, rich and creamy cheese, and perfectly baked eggs. Whether you’re looking for a new breakfast idea, a brunch centerpiece, or a comforting meal, this dish is sure to impress.