Similar to brunch, kahvalti, as it’s known, features a wide assortment of breakfast items. It’s not uncommon for it to take up the entire table to feed the whole family.
1.Turkish Coffee
For many of us, coffee is just part of the morning routine. But in Turkey, it’s so much more–it’s a cherished ritual.
Turkish coffee is all about savoring the experience, made by boiling rich coffee grounds and a touch of sugar right on the stovetop. No Turkish coffee pot? No problem! A small saucepan works perfectly.
This traditional method brings out the deep, velvety flavors and aroma of the coffee, making every sip feel like a special treat.
2.Turkish Melted Cheese and Cornmeal (Mıhlama)
Imagine a dish that’s like cheesy grits, but with a Turkish twist. This cornmeal delight starts with a pat of butter, then water, and finally a generous helping of Turkish cheese.
The sharper and more aged the cheese, the better it tastes. Rich, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, this meal is something you’ll want to cozy up with.
3.Pide (Turkish Flatbread Pizza)
Step up your breakfast game with pide, the ultimate stuffed bread that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.
For meat lovers, the filling is packed with ground beef, bell peppers, and tomatoes for a hearty twist.
If veggies are more your vibe, eggs, parsley, and cheese come together for a fresh and flavorful option.
While it might take a bit more time to prepare, this show-stopping dish is sure to be the star of your weekend brunch.
4.Turkish Flatbread Bazlama
Bazlama is a must-try for anyone who loves bread. This Turkish flatbread is light and airy, with a soft texture that’s just irresistible. The best part? It’s simpler to make than you might think!
Fresh out of the oven, it’s perfect with a pat of butter. Or, go all out and serve it with cheese and cold cuts for a satisfying meal.
However you enjoy it, bazlama is sure to become a favorite.
5.Sucuklu Yumurta
Sucuklu Yumurta is a must-try for any Turkish breakfast spread. It’s quick, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes. Start by frying slices of beef sausage until they’re nice and crispy.
Then, add eggs to the pan and cook them to your liking–whether you prefer them sunny-side up or scrambled.
This hearty dish is the perfect way to kick off your day with a burst of flavor.
6.Homemade Turkish Simit
Simit is the crown jewel of Turkish breakfasts. Step aside, bagels–this sesame-crusted beauty is here to steal the spotlight!
With its golden hue and irresistible crunch, simit is a street food sensation that’s both aromatic and divine.
Tear into a piece and enjoy it with a drizzle of jam or a slice of cheese for the ultimate treat. If you’re trying just one Turkish breakfast item, let it be simit.
Trust us, you won’t regret it!
7.Turkish Boyoz
If you’re crazy about buttery pastries, you’re in luck! Turkish boyoz is here, and it’s a game-changer. This pastry is all about that rich, flaky goodness that just melts in your mouth.
Sure, it takes a little extra effort, but trust us–every bite is totally worth it.
8.Çilbir (Turkish Poached Eggs with Garlic Yogurt)
Cilbir is a game-changer for breakfast lovers. Imagine tender poached eggs resting on a creamy bed of Greek yogurt, all topped with a rich drizzle of Aleppo butter for that perfect tangy, slightly spicy kick.
Serve it with warm flatbread on the side, and you’re ready to scoop up every delicious bite. It’s a simple yet flavorful twist on breakfast that will keep you coming back for more.
9.Turkish Suçuk with Eggs
A sausage and egg lover? Meet your new favorite breakfast: sucuk with eggs. Sucuk, a flavorful dried beef sausage, is packed with spices like cumin and paprika, giving it a bold twist.
Pair it with eggs for a dish called sucuklu yumurta. Simply fry it up and sprinkle some fresh herbs like dill or parsley on top for a bright, fresh touch.
It’s a simple yet flavorful way to start your day!
10.Cold Cuts (Sucuk)
If you’re in the mood for a variety platter that offers a bit of everything, why not create a selection of cheese, bread, and cold cuts?
Sucuk, a popular breakfast meat, is made from dried beef and packed with spices, making it super flavorful. You can enjoy it cold or fry it with eggs–either way, it’s delicious!
11.Turkish Borek
Borek might just be your new favorite pastry! This Turkish treat, often found in pastry shops, is a delightful mix of flavors wrapped in flaky phyllo sheets.
Inside, you’ll find a savory blend of spinach, two types of cheese, onions, and fresh herbs. To give it that extra oomph, it’s topped with nigella seeds for a pungent touch.
And here’s a tip: the phyllo gets brushed with a yogurt egg wash for a little extra richness without feeling heavy.
It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more!
12.Turkish Tahini & Molasses Spread (Tahini Pekmez)
Meet Nevzine, a sweet and sticky spread that’s about to become your new favorite thing. Made with just two simple ingredients–tahini and grape molasses–this viscous molasses is as easy to use as it is delicious.
Spread it on toast for a tasty start to your day, or pair it with a variety of cheeses for a quick snack.
You can even drizzle it over yogurt or add a spoonful to your morning oats for a boost of flavor. It’s the perfect way to add a little sweetness to any meal!
13.Turkish Pogaca
Meet pogaca, the ultimate treat for bread and cheese lovers. Inside this golden, egg-washed pastry, you’ll find a delightful mix of fresh parsley and crumbly feta cheese. The outside?
It’s topped with a crunchy layer of poppy seeds for added texture. Sorry (not sorry) if you’re trying to cut carbs–this one’s just too irresistible to skip!
14.Honey
Honey is a must-have at any Turkish breakfast table, just like in America. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness to your morning.
Drizzle it over creamy yogurt or spread it on fresh, homemade bread for a delicious start. Trust us, no proper Turkish breakfast spread is complete without a jar of golden honey on the table!
15.Katmer
Here’s another delicious treat you can whip up with phyllo dough. This sweet pastry comes together in just 15 minutes!
Layer the phyllo sheets, brush them with butter, and sprinkle clotted cream and ground pistachios between them. Add as much sugar as you like for that perfect sweetness. The hardest part?
Deciding whether to enjoy it with tea or coffee.
16.Menemen (Turkish Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes)
Menemen is the ultimate Turkish breakfast dish, and it’s a game-changer for vegetarians. Imagine a savory scramble packed with juicy tomatoes, tender bell peppers, and onions–all in one skillet.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of Aleppo pepper or chili flakes to kick it up a notch. This hearty, wholesome dish is a fantastic way to start your day.
Plus, it’s a breeze to make and perfect for a meat-free meal that’s full of flavor.
17.Turkish Tea In Tea Pot
No Turkish breakfast is complete without a steaming pot of tea. Simply fill your teapot with hot water, add black tea leaves, and let it steep to perfection.
Serve it up with a little sugar or a squeeze of lemon for the ultimate Turkish breakfast experience. It’s the perfect way to start your day, refreshing and warming all at once.
18.Acma
Imagine a soft, sesame-topped treat that’s a little different from your usual bagel.
Acma, a Turkish delight, is more like a breakfast roll in texture–gentle and fluffy, with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.
Perfect for a crowd, it’s a star at brunches or during the holidays. Whether you’re gathering with friends or family, acma is sure to please everyone!
19.Pastirma (Dried Cured Beef)
Pastirma is a must-have for any charcuterie board or snack spread. This salt-cured, thinly sliced dried beef is perfect for layering on bread or enjoying alongside cheese and olives.
While you can find versions made with goat or lamb, beef is the most popular choice for pastirma. With its rich, savory flavor, it’s an easy way to elevate any gathering or quick snack.
20.Nevzine
Meet Nevzine, a unique Turkish breakfast treat that’s equal parts cookie and cake. This sweet delight is packed with tahini for a nutty flavor and drenched in pekmez, a rich grape syrup.
Ground walnuts add a satisfying crunch to the dough, making it a must-try for a delicious breakfast.
21.Pomegranate Juice
Start your day with a refreshing boost of antioxidants from a glass of fresh pomegranate juice. Pomegranates are a staple in Turkish cuisine, offering a delicious way to kickstart your morning with an immune-boosting punch.
Simply toss the pomegranate arils into a blender, blend, and strain out the pulp for a smooth, vibrant drink.
Deseeding pomegranates can be tricky, but cutting the fruit into four segments makes the process a breeze. Enjoy the fruity goodness and the health benefits that come with it!
22.Spinach & Eggs (Ispanaklı Yumurta)
Spinach and eggs make for a deliciously simple vegetarian breakfast. This quick, one-skillet wonder is packed with nutrients and super easy to prepare.
Tomato paste adds a rich, savory depth, while sweet paprika gives it a nice kick. The best part? It’s loaded with as much spinach as you can toss in.
Sauté the onions until they’re translucent, then add your spinach. Once it wilts, make wells for the eggs and cook them to your liking. A hearty, flavorful breakfast that’s ready in no time!
23.Kaymak
Here’s another treat you’ll absolutely love: kaymak. This super creamy, rich delight is like an extravagant unripe cheese, packed with milk fat for an indulgent touch.
The process is simple–just cook milk and heavy whipping cream low and slow, then let it chill in the fridge for about a day.
Add a pinch of salt and give it a bit more time to set. The result is pure magic.
Smear it on crusty bread for a luxurious snack, or pair it with some pekmez, a delicious Turkish molasses, for a sweet and savory combination that’s hard to resist.
24.Gozleme (Turkish Stuffed Flatbread)
Lazy weekend mornings just got a whole lot tastier with this simple, cheesy spinach and potato gozleme. Imagine a soft, three-ingredient flatbread stuffed with a savory mix of spinach, cheese, and potatoes. The best part?
It’s yeast-free, so you can skip the fuss and get straight to the fun part.
Just roll out the dough, layer in your filling, and cook it up like a quesadilla until it’s golden and crispy. It’s the perfect, satisfying treat to share with your crew.
25.Cheese (Beyaz Peynir)
Cheese may sound more like an appetizer or snack, but serve it kahvalti style and it’s a meal. While you can take your pick from a wonderful assortment, beyaz peynir is a top choice.
It’s a semi-soft brine cheese very popular in Turkey. I love it with flatbread, but it’s also good with crusty sourdough.
25 Turkish Breakfast Ideas (+ Traditional Recipes)
Course: BreakfastCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalSimilar to brunch, kahvalti, as it’s known, features a wide assortment of breakfast items. It’s not uncommon for it to take up the entire table to feed the whole family.
Ingredients
Turkish Coffee
Turkish Melted Cheese and Cornmeal (Mıhlama)
Pide (Turkish Flatbread Pizza)
Turkish Flatbread Bazlama
Sucuklu Yumurta
Homemade Turkish Simit
Turkish Boyoz
Çilbir (Turkish Poached Eggs with Garlic Yogurt)
Turkish Suçuk with Eggs
Cold Cuts (Sucuk)
Turkish Borek
Turkish Tahini & Molasses Spread (Tahini Pekmez)
Turkish Pogaca
Honey
Katmer
Menemen (Turkish Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes)
Turkish Tea In Tea Pot
Acma
Pastirma (Dried Cured Beef)
Nevzine
Pomegranate Juice
Spinach & Eggs (Ispanaklı Yumurta)
Kaymak
Gozleme (Turkish Stuffed Flatbread)
Cheese (Beyaz Peynir)
Directions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!