Fluffy, savory, and irresistibly soft, Mini Turkish Pizza Buns—known as Pide Poğaça—are a delightful fusion of Turkish bread rolls and Mediterranean-style pizza. With a chewy, sesame-crusted exterior and a flavorful filling of tomato, vegetables, cheese, and optional protein, these mini buns make a perfect snack, lunchbox addition, or appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini Turkish Pizza Buns offer all the satisfaction of pizza in a portable, bite-sized form. They are easy to customize with your favorite toppings, can be prepared ahead of time, and are ideal for gatherings or packed meals. The rich blend of Mediterranean spices, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese encased in a tender homemade dough makes these buns both comforting and flavorful.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup warm milk (or half milk, half water)

For the filling:

1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup canned tuna or cooked shredded chicken (optional)
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Dried oregano or thyme

For topping:

1 egg yolk, beaten
2 tablespoons sesame seeds or dried parsley

directions

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
Add warm milk and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
Flatten each ball into a thick disk and arrange on the prepared tray.
Press down in the center of each disk to create a shallow well.
Fill the center with a spoonful of tomato sauce, then layer with cheese, peppers, onions, optional tuna or chicken, and a few olive slices.
Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano or thyme.
Brush the outer dough edges with beaten egg yolk and sprinkle with sesame seeds or dried parsley.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and fully cooked.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 10 mini pizza buns.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the tuna or chicken and increase the amount of vegetables or add mushrooms.
Spicy Option: Add chopped chili peppers or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the filling.
Cheese Lovers: Mix different cheeses such as feta, cheddar, or kasseri for more depth of flavor.
Mini Calzone Style: Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal, creating small sealed pockets.
Herb Dough: Add dried oregano or basil directly into the dough for extra herby flavor.

storage/reheating

Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or microwave briefly until heated through.

For longer storage, freeze baked buns in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until hot and crisp.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping.

What can I use instead of tuna or chicken?

You can use sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or even leave the protein out entirely for a vegetarian option.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough can work in a pinch, though homemade dough provides better flavor and texture.

How do I keep the buns soft after baking?

Let them cool slightly, then cover with a clean kitchen towel to maintain moisture and softness.

Are these suitable for freezing?

Yes, these buns freeze well. Wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The texture may be slightly denser.

What other toppings work well?

Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted eggplant, artichokes, or caramelized onions are all excellent additions.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Do not overfill the buns, and make sure the center well is deep enough to hold the ingredients.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast baking, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Are they good served cold?

Yes, they taste great at room temperature, making them ideal for lunchboxes or picnics.

Conclusion

Mini Turkish Pizza Buns (Pide Poğaça) are a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal or snack table. With their soft, pillowy dough and savory toppings, they bring together the comfort of homemade bread and the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for entertaining, quick lunches, or satisfying a savory craving, these buns are sure to become a household favorite.