Spinach and Feta Gözleme (Turkish Stuffed Flatbread)
Spinach and feta gözleme is a classic Turkish stuffed flatbread that’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor. Traditionally cooked on a griddle and folded thin around a savory filling, this street-food favorite combines tender greens, salty feta, and crisp, golden flatbread in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or to share with friends, gözleme is one of those recipes that feels special yet comes together easily at home with just a few basic ingredients.
Gözleme began as a simple rural flatbread in Turkey and is now one of the country’s most popular street foods, cooked fresh on large griddles and filled to order. Vendors stretch the dough paper-thin, fold it around savory fillings, and cook it until golden and crisp. The spinach and feta version is especially popular, offering a naturally balanced combination of leafy greens and protein-rich cheese, making this street-food favorite both satisfying and nourishing.
What Should I Serve With Gözleme?
Spinach and feta gözleme is surprisingly easy to make, yet it looks and tastes impressive enough for guests. The dough comes together with simple pantry ingredients, and the filling is quick to mix, making it ideal for both casual meals and entertaining. Serve gözleme hot and crisp, sliced into wedges with lemon on the side, alongside a fresh tomato and cucumber salad, yogurt or tzatziki, and a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water for a spread that feels effortless but special.
What Ingredients Do I Need?
You only need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients to make spinach and feta gözleme at home:
- All-purpose flour – the base of the soft, stretchy dough
- Water – brings the dough together
- Salt – seasons both the dough and filling
- Fresh spinach – finely chopped for a tender, flavorful filling
- Feta cheese – salty and creamy, the classic pairing with spinach
- Olive oil or butter – for cooking the flatbread until golden and crisp
These everyday ingredients come together to create a flatbread that’s crisp on the outside, soft inside, and packed with savory flavor.
Spinach and Feta Gözleme (Turkish Stuffed Flatbread)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- in a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Form into a ball, lightly oil the surface, cover with a bowl or plastic wrap, and let rest for 20 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes rolling easier.
- Place the chopped spinach in a large bowl. Add the feta, olive oil, black pepper, and any optional seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.Tip: If your spinach is very moist, lightly squeeze out excess liquid to prevent soggy gözleme.
- Divide the rested dough into 4 equal balls. Keep covered while working.
- Roll one ball on a lightly floured surface into a very thin circle or oval (about 10–12 inches wide). The dough should be nearly translucent.
- Spread a quarter of the spinach-feta mixture over half of the dough, leaving a small border. Fold the other half over the filling to create a half-moon or rectangle. Press gently to seal.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly brush with butter or olive oil.Cook each gözleme for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown with crisp spots and the filling is heated through. Brush lightly with butter while cooking for extra flavor.
- Remove from the pan, cut into wedges
- Serve hot and enjoy!
