Cheese Pogaca (Turkish Cheese Bun) Recipe - Ingredients & How To
Soft cheese pogaca recipe: step-by-step dough preparation, proofing, shaping and baking. Clear instructions and ingredients for easy homemade pogaca.
Ingredients
1. Dough ingredients
2. Filling and topping
Step-by-Step Method
Prepare wet mixture
In a mixing bowl add the reserved egg whites, warm milk, oil, warm water, instant yeast and sugar, then stir to combine.
Add flour and salt
Gradually add flour while mixing; add salt and stir until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the dough
When the dough firms, transfer to the counter and knead by hand until smooth and elastic.
First proof
Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with cling film and a clean cloth, and let it rise about 1.5 hours until doubled.
Deflate and portion
Punch down the risen dough, transfer to a floured surface and divide into 20 equal pieces; shape each into a ball.
Fill and seal
Flatten a ball slightly, place grated cheese in the center, close edges and roll gently to seal.
Tray proofing
Arrange buns on a parchment-lined tray and let them proof in a warm oven at 50°C for 15–20 minutes or at room temperature for about 45 minutes.
Prepare topping
Mix reserved egg yolks with 2–3 tablespoons of oil and brush over the proofed buns; sprinkle nigella seeds or sesame.
Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 185°C (top and bottom heat) for about 18–22 minutes until golden.
Serve
Remove from oven, let cool slightly and serve warm. Buns soften as they rest.