Turkish Stuffed Rolls
If you love a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious, these Turkish Stuffed Rolls are the answer. Imagine soft, fluffy dough wrapped around a savory filling, with the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a snack with friends. These rolls are stuffed with a delicious combination of meat, herbs, and spices, making them irresistible. Trust me, once you try them, you won’t be able to stop at just one.
Why You’ll Love Turkish Stuffed Rolls
This dish isn’t just about the flavors—it’s about the experience of eating something homemade and full of love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a meal for your family, these stuffed rolls are sure to be a hit. Here’s why they’re so special:
Versatile: You can enjoy them as a main dish, snack, or appetizer. They’re perfect for any time of day!
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients that are easy to find and affordable, yet they feel luxurious.
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can have these tasty rolls on the table in no time.
Customizable: The filling is flexible—add your favorite vegetables, cheese, or even spices to make them your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving them to kids, adults, or guests, these rolls are always a crowd favorite. They’re hearty, flavorful, and a guaranteed success.
Ingredients in Turkish Stuffed Rolls
These rolls are packed with flavor and texture thanks to a simple yet tasty filling. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:
Flour: The base for the dough. It’s the foundation that creates a soft, pillowy texture once baked.
Yeast: Helps the dough rise and become light and fluffy.
Water & Milk: These liquids create a soft dough that’s easy to work with and gives the rolls a delicious, tender crumb.
Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps it bake to a golden perfection.
Ground Beef or Lamb: The main protein in the filling. You can use ground lamb for a more traditional flavor or ground beef for a milder taste.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
Garlic: A must for adding extra flavor and a little kick.
Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes enhance the filling with some moisture and brightness.
Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Black Pepper, Salt): The spices are what give these rolls their signature Turkish flavor. Cumin adds earthiness, while paprika brings a mild warmth and color.
Fresh Parsley: For a burst of freshness and color in the filling.
Egg Yolk: For brushing on top of the rolls to give them a glossy, golden finish.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these mouthwatering stuffed rolls:
Prepare the Dough: Start by mixing the flour, yeast, warm water, milk, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, then cover it and let it rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Cook the Filling: While the dough is rising, heat some olive oil in a pan and sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. Add the ground meat and cook until it’s browned. Stir in the tomatoes, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Let everything cook for a few minutes until the mixture is nicely combined and fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle or oval shape. Spoon the filling onto the center of each piece of dough, then fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal.
Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg yolk for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed warm, and they make the perfect addition to any meal.
Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: 350
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
How to Serve Turkish Stuffed Rolls
These Turkish Stuffed Rolls are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit any occasion:
– Serve them with a side of yogurt or a tangy cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.
– Enjoy them as a hearty snack or appetizer before a main course.
– Pair them with grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded Mediterranean-inspired meal.
– For a more casual meal, serve them with a bowl of tomato soup or a light salad.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– If you prefer a spicier filling, you can add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili to the mixture.
– Feel free to use different ground meat options like chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
– You can also add cheese to the filling for an extra creamy texture—feta or mozzarella works great.
– If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can let it rise in the fridge overnight for even more flavor.
FAQ’s
1 Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought dough for a quicker version, but homemade dough will give you the best texture and flavor.
2 Can I make these rolls vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian filling.
3 Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, brush with egg yolk and bake from frozen.
4 How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to get that fresh, crispy crust back.
5 Can I add more spices to the filling?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other spices like cinnamon, allspice, or even ground coriander to add more depth to the flavor.
6 Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork would work great in place of beef or lamb.
7 How can I make the rolls crispier?
For an extra-crisp finish, try brushing the rolls with a little olive oil before baking.
8 Can I serve these with a dipping sauce?
Yes, these rolls pair wonderfully with a yogurt-based dipping sauce or a tangy tahini sauce.
9 Can I bake these rolls in advance?
Yes! Bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
10 How do I make the dough fluffier?
For extra fluffiness, let the dough rise longer, and ensure your yeast is fresh and activated before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Conclusion
These Turkish Stuffed Rolls are the perfect combination of tender dough and flavorful filling. They’re a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, comforting food with a Mediterranean twist. With a few simple ingredients and a little love, you’ll be enjoying these delicious rolls in no time. Perfect for any meal, they’ll quickly become a family favorite! Enjoy every bite!
Print
Turkish Stuffed Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 rolls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Turkish Stuffed Rolls, known as ‘Börek,’ are delicious flaky pastries filled with a savory mixture of cheese, herbs, and sometimes spinach or minced meat. They’re perfect as a snack or a light meal.
Ingredients
- 10 sheets of phyllo dough (or yufka if available)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together feta cheese, ricotta, parsley, dill, onion, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place a second sheet on top and repeat the process for all sheets.
- Spoon the cheese mixture along one edge of the phyllo dough and roll it tightly to form a log. Seal the edges with a little melted butter.
- Cut the rolled dough into 3-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Beat the egg and brush the rolls with the egg wash to give them a golden color while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Feel free to add spinach or minced meat to the filling for a more hearty version.
- These rolls can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer. Bake from frozen for an easy snack later.
- For a vegan option, substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: turkish stuffed rolls, börek, cheese rolls, savory pastries, flaky rolls