Turkish bread is soft on the inside, lightly crisp around the edges, and perfect for serving with soups, stews, grilled meat, cheese, olives, dips, or a simple drizzle of olive oil.
This easy homemade version uses basic pantry ingredients and does not require any special equipment. With a little patience during the rising time, you can prepare a warm, golden loaf with a tender texture and a lightly chewy crust.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sesame seeds, optional
Important Note About the Water
The water should be warm, not hot. Water that is too hot can damage the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
A comfortable temperature is approximately 100°F to 110°F, or 38°C to 43°C. It should feel warm to the touch without feeling painfully hot.
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast.
Stir the ingredients together so the yeast and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 2: Add the Water and Olive Oil
Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula.
Add the olive oil and continue mixing until a rough, slightly sticky dough begins to form.
If the dough feels extremely dry, add warm water one tablespoon at a time. If it is excessively wet and impossible to handle, add a small amount of flour.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Lightly flour a clean work surface and transfer the dough onto it.
Knead for approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Push the dough away with the heel of your hand, fold it back toward you, rotate it, and repeat.
The dough is ready when it becomes smoother, more elastic, and slightly tacky without sticking heavily to your hands.
Can the Dough Be Kneaded in a Stand Mixer?
Yes. Place the ingredients in the mixer bowl and knead with the dough hook on low to medium-low speed for approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl and check the dough’s texture.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil.
Place the dough in the bowl and turn it once so the surface is lightly coated with oil.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or food-safe wrap and leave it in a warm, draft-free place for approximately 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
The exact rising time depends on the room temperature and the strength of the yeast.
The dough’s first rise creates the light texture inside the bread, but the shaping and second rest determine whether the loaf bakes up soft, airy, and evenly golden.
