Cheese Garlic Potato Pide – A Flavorful, Cheesy Turkish Flatbread

Cheese Garlic Potato Pide is a rich and satisfying Turkish-inspired flatbread, combining a soft, airy crust with a flavorful, garlicky mashed potato filling and melty mozzarella cheese. The golden, crispy edges paired with the gooey, cheesy center make this dish irresistible.

This savory bread is an excellent alternative to pizza, offering a unique shape, texture, and taste. Its boat-like structure holds the creamy, garlicky filling perfectly, while the crispy crust provides the perfect contrast. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, Cheese Garlic Potato Pide is bound to impress.

What Makes This Pide So Special?

1. The Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of garlic-infused potatoes, rich melted mozzarella, and a light, crispy crust creates a balance of flavors that’s both comforting and indulgent. The subtle warmth of garlic enhances the creamy potatoes, while mozzarella adds just the right amount of stretch and richness.

2. A Crispy Yet Soft Dough

Unlike traditional pizza dough, pide dough is slightly softer and more pliable, making it easier to shape into the signature boat-like form. The golden crust, brushed with egg yolk before baking, gives it a beautiful shine and crisp texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

3. A Dish Inspired by Turkish Cuisine

Pide is a staple of Turkish cuisine, often filled with meats, vegetables, or cheeses. This version focuses on simple yet bold flavors, taking inspiration from classic cheese pide but adding a unique twist with garlic and potatoes.

4. Easy to Customize

This recipe serves as a fantastic base for customization. You can experiment with different cheeses, spices, or even add proteins like spiced ground beef, crumbled feta, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

For the Filling:

For Topping:

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

• In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
• In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and garlic powder. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a soft dough forms.
• Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling

• In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add fresh parsley if using.

3. Shape the Pide

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Roll out the dough into an oval shape. Spread the potato-cheese filling in the center, leaving a border.
• Fold and pinch the edges to create a boat-like shape.

4. Bake to Perfection

• Brush the edges with egg yolk and sprinkle sesame/nigella seeds if desired.
• Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the ultimate cheese pull!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate, 1 Slice)

The Secret to the Best Cheese Garlic Potato Pide

1. Use Quality Ingredients

Since this dish relies on simple ingredients, using high-quality flour, fresh garlic, and a good brand of mozzarella will elevate the overall taste. Opt for Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the filling, as they have a naturally creamy texture when mashed.

2. Allow the Dough to Rise Properly

A well-risen dough ensures a soft and airy texture. Give it enough time to double in size before shaping, and avoid over-kneading, as this can result in a denser crust.

3. Don’t Overload the Filling

While it’s tempting to add extra cheese or potatoes, too much filling can make the pide difficult to bake evenly. A balanced amount of filling ensures that the dough crisps up beautifully while holding its shape.

4. Bake at the Right Temperature

A high oven temperature helps achieve that perfect golden crust without drying out the filling. For the best results, preheat the oven properly before baking and use a pizza stone or a preheated baking tray for an extra crispy base.

Serving Suggestions for Cheese Garlic Potato Pide

1. As a Main Course

This pide is filling enough to be served as a main dish, especially when paired with a simple side salad or a bowl of soup.

2. As an Appetizer

Cut into smaller slices, this cheesy garlic pide makes a great appetizer for dinner parties, game nights, or casual get-togethers.

3. With a Side of Dips

Pide pairs wonderfully with dips such as:

• Garlic yogurt sauce – A mix of Greek yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice.
• Hummus – A creamy and slightly tangy chickpea dip.
• Spicy tomato sauce – A Turkish-style dip made with tomatoes, chili, and olive oil.

4. Alongside Grilled Meats

For a heartier meal, serve pide with grilled lamb, chicken skewers, or even a Mediterranean-style mixed grill.

Variations and Additions to Try

1. Add More Cheese

While mozzarella is the classic choice, mixing in other cheeses can enhance the flavor. Try:

• Feta cheese for a tangy contrast.
• Cheddar cheese for a sharper taste.
• Gruyère for a nutty depth of flavor.

2. Make It Spicy

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili peppers to the mashed potato mixture. You can also sprinkle Aleppo pepper or smoked paprika on top before baking.

3. Introduce Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions add a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with garlic and potatoes. Simply sauté onions until golden brown and mix them into the filling.

4. Try a Whole Wheat Dough

For a more rustic version, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This gives the pide a slightly nuttier taste and an extra boost of fiber.

5. Add Protein for a Hearty Meal

To turn this dish into a complete meal, consider adding:

• Cooked ground beef or lamb with Middle Eastern spices.
• Sliced sausage or pepperoni for a more pizza-like version.
• Crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein option.

FAQs About Cheese Garlic Potato Pide

1. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

2. How Do I Store Leftover Pide?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its crispness.

3. Can I Freeze Pide?

Yes, you can freeze the baked pide. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.

4. Is There a Gluten-Free Option?

You can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for elasticity.

5. Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the cheese with dairy-free mozzarella and use a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute for the dough. You can also use olive oil instead of butter.

6. What’s the Difference Between Pide and Pizza?

While both are baked dough-based dishes, pide has a softer, airier crust and is traditionally shaped like a boat. It also tends to have fewer toppings compared to pizza, focusing more on simple, high-quality ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Cheese Garlic Potato Pide is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves cheesy, garlicky bread with a crispy crust and a soft, flavorful filling. Inspired by Turkish cuisine, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or main meal, this pide delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture that will make it a favorite in your kitchen. With its easy preparation, simple ingredients, and endless variations, there’s no reason not to give it a try.

So, roll up your sleeves, bake this cheesy, garlicky delight, and enjoy every bite!

Cheese Garlic Potato Pide – A Flavorful, Cheesy Turkish Flatbread

Print Recipe

A crispy, golden pide filled with creamy garlic-infused potatoes and gooey mozzarella cheese. This Turkish-style flatbread is the perfect combination of soft, airy dough and a rich, savory filling. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, it’s an irresistible treat that’s surprisingly easy to make!

• Author: Amal
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• 1 hour:
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 large pide 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

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• 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ cup (125ml) warm water
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose or bread flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Filling:

• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For Topping:

• 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon sesame or nigella seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and garlic powder. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a soft dough forms.
• Cover and let the dough rest for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Filling

• In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
• Stir well to combine, ensuring the potatoes are creamy and well-seasoned.

3. Shape the Pide

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Roll out the dough into an oval shape on a floured surface.
• Spread the potato-cheese filling in the center, leaving about 1 inch of space along the edges.
• Fold the edges inward, pinching the ends to create a boat-like shape.

4. Bake to Perfection

• Brush the edges of the pide with egg yolk and sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds if using.
• Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the ultimate cheese pull!

Notes

• Dough Consistency: If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until smooth. If too sticky, sprinkle with a little extra flour while kneading.
• Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika to the potato mixture for a subtle heat.
• Alternative Cheeses: Try feta, cheddar, or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for extra depth of flavor.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing Option: You can freeze baked pide. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warm.