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Boat-shaped baked dough filled with melted cheese.
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Cheese Pide Recipe (Turkish Cheese Boat Bread)

Cheese pide is a soft Turkish flatbread shaped like a boat and filled with melted cheese. This homemade dough makes six pide. Half can be coated in a molasses and sesame mixture for a simit-style crust with extra flavor and crunch.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Rising Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Turkish
Servings: 6
Calories: 618kcal
Author: Jacqueline Piper

Ingredients

Dough

Filling

  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese about ½ cup per pide

Simit coating (for 3 pide)

  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Make the dough

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
  • Add the warm water and mix until a dough forms.
  • Knead for 8–10 minutes if you're mixing by hand, until smooth and soft. If you are using a stand mixer, this'll take about 4-5 minutes.
  • Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  • Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces.
  • Let the pieces rest for 10 minutes before shaping.

Shape the Pide

  • Roll one piece of dough into an oval about 8–10 inches long.
  • Sprinkle about ½ cup of cheese down the center.
  • Fold the long edges inward.
  • Pinch the ends together to form a boat shape.
  • Repeat with two more portions of dough.
  • Place on a baking sheet.

For Simit Pide

  • In a small bowl, mix the molasses, water, and flour until smooth.
  • Roll one piece of dough into an oval about 8–10 inches long.
  • Sprinkle about ½ cup of cheese down the center.
  • Pull the edges of the dough up and pinch to seal completely.
  • Dip into the molasses mixture and coat completely.
  • Dip into the toasted sesame seeds and coat completely.
  • Place on a baking sheet.
  • Place seam-side down and slice the other side open, spreading the dough open a little into a similar boat shape.

Bake

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
  • Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use warm water, not hot, so the yeast works properly.
Let the dough rest if it springs back while rolling.
Toast the sesame seeds for the best flavor.
Mozzarella melts best, but other cheeses can be used.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 618kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 463mg | Iron: 7mg