Baked Cheese Pie (Turkish Pide with Cheese)
Introduction
This Turkish Cheese Pide (Baked Cheese Pie) is a beloved comfort food — soft, fluffy bread filled with gooey melted cheese, brushed with egg yolk for a golden shine, and sprinkled with sesame seeds for nutty crunch. It’s perfect fresh out of the oven, whether served as a snack, appetizer, or alongside tea.
Ingredients
500 g all‑purpose flour
300 ml warm milk
10 g dry yeast
18 g sugar
10 g salt
40 ml oil
250–300 g grated kashar cheese or mozzarella
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp oil (for brushing)
Sesame seeds
Instructions
Activate Yeast
Mix warm milk, sugar, yeast, and 1 tbsp flour in a bowl. Let rest 10 minutes until foamy.
Make Dough
Gradually add remaining flour and knead. Add salt and oil, kneading until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
Cover and let dough rise until tripled in size.
Shape Pies
Divide dough into 4 pieces. Flatten each, place cheese in the center, seal tightly, and turn seam side down. Press gently into 15–18 cm rounds.
Second Rise
Let shaped pies rise 20–30 minutes.
Prepare Topping
Mix egg yolk with 1 tbsp oil. Brush over tops. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
Bake
Bake at 200°C (fan) on the middle rack for 18–22 minutes, until deep golden.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: ~1½–2 hours
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: ~2½ hours
Yield: 4 cheese pies
Tips & Tricks
Cheese choice: Kashar gives authentic flavor, but mozzarella works well.
Extra shine: Brush again with egg yolk halfway through baking.
Crispy base: Bake on a preheated pizza stone or heavy tray.
Storage: Best eaten fresh, but can be reheated in the oven.
Variations
Mixed Cheese: Combine feta, mozzarella, and kashar for depth.
Herb Twist: Add parsley or dill to the filling.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle chili flakes over the cheese before sealing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with Turkish tea.
Pair with olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a light meal.
Slice into wedges for party platters.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes, refrigerate overnight and let come to room temperature before shaping.
Q: Can I freeze baked pies?
A: Yes, freeze after baking. Reheat in oven until warm and crisp.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: You can, but mix with white flour for a lighter texture.
Conclusion
This Baked Cheese Pie (Turkish Pide) is golden, cheesy, and irresistibly fluffy. A traditional favorite that’s simple to make yet feels special every time it comes out of the oven.