Turkish Bread Recipe with Yogurt: Soft, Fluffy, and Easy

Turkish Bread Recipe with Yogurt: Soft, Fluffy, and EasyTurkish Bread Recipe with Yogurt: Soft, Fluffy, and EasyMy Turkish Bread with Yogurt Discovery Story
If you’d told me a year ago that Turkish Bread with Yogurt would become one of my favorite homemade breads, I would’ve been skeptical. Bread without kneading for hours? Bread that’s ready in under an hour? It sounded too good to be true. But let me tell you — something magical happened the first time I tried it. The yogurt added tang and softness, the bread puffed beautifully, and the smell that filled my kitchen reminded me of bakeries I’ve visited on my travels.
The first time I made it was on a chilly evening when I wanted something fresh to go with soup. I had yogurt in the fridge and flour in the pantry, so I decided to give this bread a try. When I pulled it out of the oven, golden and pillowy, my family tore into it before it even cooled. We slathered it with butter, dipped it into soup, and finished the loaf in minutes. From that night on, this bread became a regular part of my kitchen routine.
It reminded me of my grandmother. She didn’t make Turkish bread, but she did bake simple yogurt flatbreads in her cast-iron skillet. I can still see myself sitting on her little wooden stool, watching her mix flour and yogurt with her hands. She never measured — she just knew. She’d say, “Yogurt makes dough soft as clouds.” Every time I bake this bread, I think of her wisdom.
Welcome to DianaRecipes.com, where I share recipes that make your kitchen smell like love. This Turkish Bread with Yogurt is proof that homemade bread can be simple, quick, and absolutely delicious.
What Makes This Turkish Bread with Yogurt So Special
Here’s what you’ll need for this soft, pillowy bread:
The Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works best)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water

The Topping:
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp milk
- Sesame seeds or nigella seeds
Substitutions I’ve Actually Tested:
- Instead of flour: bread flour gives chewier texture.
- Instead of yogurt: sour cream works, but adds tang.
- For vegan: use coconut yogurt + plant milk.
Time Investment That’s Actually Worth It
Here’s the breakdown for Turkish Bread with Yogurt:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
That’s homemade bread in less time than a grocery run.
My Time-Saving Trick: Let the dough rise in a warm oven (turned off) — it cuts proofing time.
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir in yogurt, olive oil, and warm water. Mix until dough comes together.
Diana’s Tip: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you want zero effort.
What to Watch For: Dough should be soft but not sticky. Add flour if too wet.
Step 2: Let It Rise
Cover bowl with a towel and let dough rise for 30 minutes, until doubled.
Diana’s Tip: Place bowl in a slightly warm oven for faster rising.
What to Watch For: Dough should be airy, not dense.
Step 3: Shape the Bread
Punch down dough. On a floured surface, shape into a round or oval. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Diana’s Tip: Use your fingers to gently flatten dough — don’t over-handle.
What to Watch For: Bread should be ½–1 inch thick before baking.
Step 4: Add the Golden Touch
Whisk egg yolk and milk. Brush on top of dough. Sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds.
Diana’s Tip: Score the dough in a diamond pattern for classic Turkish look.
What to Watch For: Don’t over-brush — a light coating is enough.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, until golden and puffed.
Diana’s Tip: Tap bottom of bread — it should sound hollow.
What to Watch For: Don’t overbake or bread will dry.
Why I Feel Good About Serving This
Here’s the nutrition breakdown per slice of Turkish Bread with Yogurt (approx.):
- Calories: ~180
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
It’s light, fluffy, and made with wholesome ingredients.
For health-conscious friends: Use whole wheat flour for more fiber.
Making This Even Better for You
I’ve tested variations:
For Extra Softness: Use Greek yogurt.
For Whole Grain: Mix half all-purpose, half whole wheat flour.
For Dairy-Free: Use plant-based yogurt and almond milk.
How I Love to Serve This
Here’s how I enjoy Turkish Bread with Yogurt:
For Breakfast: Warm with butter and jam.
For Lunch: Stuff with grilled chicken and veggies.
For Dinner: Serve with soups, stews, or curries.
Seasonal Twist: In summer, dip into hummus. In winter, serve with hearty lentil soup.
Learn from My Kitchen Disasters
Here are my bread-baking lessons:
Mistake #1: Dense bread.
- Why it happens: Dough didn’t rise enough.
- My fix: Make sure yeast is fresh.
Mistake #2: Dry bread.
- The lesson: Overbaked.
- Prevention tip: Bake until just golden.
Mistake #3: Sticky dough.
- The lesson: Too much water.
- Prevention tip: Add flour a tablespoon at a time.
Meal Prep Magic with This Bread
Here’s how I handle Turkish Bread with Yogurt:
Short-Term Storage: Keep at room temp in a bread bag for 2 days.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze slices in bags. Reheat in toaster or oven.
My Sunday Prep Routine: Bake 2 loaves — one for week, one for freezer.
Reheating Like a Pro: Wrap in foil, warm in oven at 300°F.
Why This Recipe Earned a Permanent Spot in My Kitchen
Here’s why Turkish Bread with Yogurt is a keeper:
- Quick and easy
- Soft and fluffy
- Family-approved
- Versatile for meals
Every time I bake this bread, I think of my grandmother’s skillet flatbreads and how she believed yogurt made everything better. This bread carries her lesson forward.
I’m telling you, once you try Turkish Bread with Yogurt, you’ll bake it again and again.
Ready to try it? Share your photos on Facebook (Cooking with Diana) or tag me on Pinterest (@DianaRecipes). And if you love this, don’t miss my Banana Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting — another cozy favorite!
Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I make Turkish bread without yogurt?
A: Yes, but yogurt makes it soft and fluffy.
Q: Can I cook it in a skillet instead of oven?
A: Yes, cook on medium heat until golden.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, but texture will be denser.
Q: How do I store it?
A: Wrap tightly, keep 2 days at room temp or freeze.
Q: Can I make mini versions?
A: Yes, divide dough into smaller rounds.
Q: What toppings work best?
A: Sesame, nigella, or even everything bagel seasoning.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely, this bread freezes beautifully.
Table of Contents

Turkish Bread Recipe with Yogurt
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add yogurt, olive oil, and warm water. Mix until dough forms.
- Knead 5–6 minutes until soft and smooth (or use stand mixer).
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until doubled.
- Punch down dough and shape into a round or oval loaf. Place on parchment-lined tray.
- Whisk egg yolk and milk, brush on top of dough. Sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds.
- Score dough lightly in diamond pattern for traditional Turkish look.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until golden and puffed.
- Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm.
