Turkish Eggs
If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s packed with flavor and a bit of a twist on the usual, Turkish Eggs are a must-try! Imagine silky, creamy yogurt paired with perfectly poached eggs, all topped off with a spiced butter sauce that’s a little tangy, a little buttery, and oh-so-delicious. It’s a dish that’s warm, comforting, and makes you feel like you’re getting a taste of Turkey with every bite. Whether you’re cooking up a leisurely weekend brunch or just want something unique to spice up your morning, this one’s a game-changer. You won’t believe how quickly it becomes your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love Turkish Eggs
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a cozy morning or impressing friends with a brunch spread, Turkish Eggs are simple yet bold, satisfying without being heavy, and incredibly flavorful. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can serve it any time of day, whether for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. It works as a main dish or a side to complement other Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together quickly and won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: You can have this dish on the table in less than 20 minutes. The perfect quick yet impressive meal when you’re short on time but still want something extraordinary.
Customizable: You can tweak the spices in the butter sauce or top the eggs with extras like fresh herbs or crumbled feta cheese for a different spin every time.
Crowd-Pleasing: A blend of rich yogurt, delicate eggs, and fragrant spices — this dish is sure to wow anyone you serve it to. Plus, it’s always fun to dip your toast into that gorgeous sauce!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Turkish Eggs
This dish might sound fancy, but it’s made with just a few simple ingredients that bring everything together in the most delicious way. Let’s break it down:
Eggs: The star of the show. Perfectly poached eggs with runny yolks create the ideal contrast to the rich yogurt and buttery sauce.
Greek Yogurt: Creamy, thick Greek yogurt serves as a cool base for the eggs, adding a tangy and velvety contrast to the richness of the sauce.
Butter: A key ingredient for the spiced butter sauce that brings everything together. It adds a rich, indulgent flavor that’s irresistible.
Paprika: This spice adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the butter sauce and a vibrant pop of color.
Chili Flakes: A little heat to balance the richness and add a kick to the sauce. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
Garlic: A bit of minced garlic infuses the butter with a warm, savory aroma that’s perfect alongside the eggs and yogurt.
Olive Oil: For cooking the butter sauce, olive oil helps create a smooth, silky texture and a Mediterranean flavor profile.
Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish the dish.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Eggs: Begin by poaching your eggs. Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Carefully crack the eggs into the water and cook for 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Remove and set aside.
Make the Spiced Butter Sauce: In a small pan, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the paprika and chili flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to let the spices bloom.
Prepare the Yogurt Base: While the butter sauce is cooking, spoon a generous amount of Greek yogurt into a serving bowl. Spread it out to create a smooth, creamy base for the eggs.
Assemble the Dish: Gently place the poached eggs on top of the yogurt. Drizzle the spiced butter sauce over the eggs, making sure to get some of the garlic and chili flakes on top. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a final burst of flavor and color.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with warm pita or crusty bread to dip into the yogurt and buttery sauce. Enjoy this rich, satisfying dish!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 350
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Turkish Eggs
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with warm pita bread for dipping.
- Add a side of sautéed spinach or tomatoes to complement the creamy eggs.
- For a heartier meal, pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad.
- A few slices of avocado on the side would also bring in some creaminess and freshness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For perfect poached eggs, use the freshest eggs you can find.
- You can adjust the level of spice in the butter sauce by adding more or less chili flakes to suit your taste.
- If you want to make this dish a bit lighter, you can use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, but Greek yogurt offers a creamier texture.
- You can also add a squeeze of lemon over the top for a citrusy kick.
- Leftover spiced butter sauce can be stored in the fridge and used on other dishes like grilled vegetables or even meats.
- Try adding a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for an extra layer of richness and saltiness.
FAQ’s
- Can I make this dish with scrambled eggs instead of poached?
Yes! If poaching is not your thing, scrambled eggs will work great too. - Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt provides a thicker and creamier texture, but regular yogurt can be used for a lighter version. - How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat. - Can I make the butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spiced butter sauce in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. - Can I add other toppings to Turkish Eggs?
Absolutely! You can add crumbled feta cheese, olives, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. - Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can use olive oil for a lighter version, but the butter gives the sauce its rich, indulgent flavor. - What’s the best bread to serve with this dish?
Pita bread, sourdough, or any crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the yogurt and butter sauce. - How do I make the eggs runnier?
Poach the eggs for a slightly shorter time to achieve a runnier yolk. - Can I serve this dish cold?
It’s best served warm to enjoy the full richness of the yogurt and spiced butter sauce. - What else can I serve with Turkish Eggs?
Try pairing with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
Turkish Eggs are a must-try for anyone looking to mix up their breakfast routine. The combination of creamy yogurt, perfectly poached eggs, and the rich, spiced butter sauce is both indulgent and comforting. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, which makes it perfect for busy mornings or special weekend brunches. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Turkish Eggs
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1–2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Turkish Eggs, also known as Çılbır, is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish featuring poached eggs served over garlicky yogurt and drizzled with a spicy, buttery paprika or Aleppo pepper sauce. It’s simple, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika or Aleppo pepper
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (for poaching)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Set aside at room temperature.
- Fill a saucepan with water, add vinegar, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Crack one egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into the water. Repeat with the second egg.
- Poach eggs for 3–4 minutes, or until the whites are set but yolks remain runny. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a small pan over low heat, then add paprika or Aleppo pepper and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Spread the garlicky yogurt on a serving plate, place poached eggs on top, and drizzle with the spiced butter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with warm crusty bread.
Notes
- Use Aleppo pepper for a more authentic and mildly spicy flavor.
- Let the yogurt come to room temperature for the best taste and texture.
- Serve immediately after assembling for the best experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 370mg
Keywords: Turkish eggs, çılbır, poached eggs, yogurt breakfast, spicy butter, Turkish cuisine