Karakoy Pogaca Recipe (Turkish Yeasted Cheese Buns)

In a mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, eggs, warm water, salt, and sugar. Add the flour and instant yeast, then knead until smooth.

You’re aiming for a soft dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour and knead again.

Without resting the dough, divide it into 20 equal pieces.

Flatten each piece in your palm, add some crumbled cheese, then seal and roll into a neat ball.

Place the buns on a baking tray with space between them. Press each one very lightly to settle the shape.

Brush the tops with egg yolk using a pastry brush.

Gently make a few lines on top with a fork; it adds a classic look and helps them expand evenly.

Cover the tray and let the buns proof for 1 hour, until noticeably puffy.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (no fan, top and bottom heat). Bake, watching closely, until golden. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.