Turkish Patatesli Poğaça – Fluffy Potato-Stuffed Buns from My Kitchen to Yours

If you’ve ever wandered through a Turkish bakery in the morning, you’ve probably caught the irresistible scent of poğaça — soft, savory pastries that are a staple of Turkish breakfasts and afternoon teas. Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite versions: Patatesli Poğaça, pillowy buns filled with a spiced mashed potato mixture. Comforting, simple, and perfect with a glass of strong Turkish tea.

This is the kind of recipe that brings people together. I grew up watching these being made in big batches, usually for guests, holidays, or just a regular Sunday morning when the family gathered around the table. And now, it’s one I turn to when I want to recreate that feeling of home, wherever I am.

What is Poğaça?

Poğaça (pronounced poh-AH-cha) is a soft, savory pastry made with a baking powder dough, often filled with cheese, olives, mincemeat or potatoes. It’s somewhere between a bun and a stuffed roll — fluffy inside, golden outside. Think of it as the Turkish cousin to a brioche bun, but with a savory twist.

Why You'll Love Patatesli Poğaça

• The filling is flavorful and satisfying: mashed potatoes with sautéed onions, pepper, and spices.

• The dough is ultra soft, thanks to yogurt and oil.

• They’re great fresh, but also freeze beautifully.

Patatesli Poğaça Recipe

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 1 egg

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• About 3.5–4 cups all-purpose flour (add gradually)

For the filling:

• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat

For topping:

• Egg yolk

• Sesame seeds or nigella seeds

Instructions

1. Make the filling: Heat the olive oil in a pan, sauté the onion until soft and slightly golden. Add the mashed potatoes, paprika, salt, pepper, and mix well. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk the egg, yogurt, oil, and salt. Stir in the baking powder. Gradually add flour until you get a soft, non-sticky dough that you can easily shape.

3. Shape the buns: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Take a piece of dough (about the size of a golf ball), flatten it in your hand, place a spoonful of potato filling inside, and seal the edges. Shape into a bun and place on a lined baking tray.

4. Bake: Brush the tops with egg yolk, sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds, and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

   
   

   Tips & Variations

   You can substitute the filling with feta cheese and parsley, olives, or even spinach.

   Freeze extras after baking — just reheat them in the oven or air fryer.

   
   

   Afiyet Olsun! (Bon Appétit!)

   These poğaça are more than just bread — they’re little bites of nostalgia. Whether you’re serving them warm for breakfast or packing them in a lunchbox, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles.

   Have you tried making Turkish poğaça before? Let me know in the comments or tag me in your photos — I’d love to see your creations!