Turkish Cheese Filled Simit - Crispy Sesame Bagel with Melted Cheese

Name: Turkish Cheese Filled Simit - Crispy Sesame Bagel with Melted Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 4 piece fresh simit; 200 g white cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp milk; 1 pinch black pepper; 1 tsp dried mint

Peynirli Simit

This warm, crispy Turkish simit is stuffed with melted white cheese that oozes out with each bite, creating a perfect balance of nutty sesame flavor and creamy richness. The golden-brown exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft, stretchy cheese interior. It's an irresistible comfort food that transforms the classic street snack into a satisfying meal.

Recipe Details

Prep 15 min

Cook 15 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Easy

Nutrition per Serving

285 Calories

14g Protein

12g Fat

32g Carbs

2g Fiber

Peynirli simit represents the evolution of Turkey's beloved street food, where the traditional sesame-crusted ring meets the comfort of melted cheese. This popular variation emerged in modern Turkish bakeries as a heartier alternative to plain simit, quickly becoming a favorite breakfast and snack option across the country. The magic lies in the contrast of textures - the crispy, sesame-studded exterior gives way to pillowy soft bread that's been hollowed out and filled with creamy white cheese. As it bakes, the cheese melts into every crevice, creating pockets of molten richness that complement the nutty sesame flavor perfectly. The aroma of toasted sesame seeds mingles with the savory scent of melting cheese, creating an irresistible combination. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by the smooth, creamy cheese that stretches as you pull the simit apart. The slight saltiness from both the cheese and sesame seeds creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that's neither too rich nor too light. This is comfort food at its finest - warm, filling, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for breakfast with Turkish tea, as an afternoon snack, or even a light dinner, peynirli simit brings the authentic taste of Turkish street food to your kitchen with remarkable ease and spectacular results.

Ingredients

4 piece fresh simit
200 g white cheese
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp milk
1 pinch black pepper
1 tsp dried mint

Instructions

Prepare the cheese

Crumble the white cheese into small, even pieces about 1cm in size. Mix with milk and black pepper in a bowl until well combined but still chunky. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly. The mixture should be creamy but not completely smooth. Do not overmix or it will become too liquid.
Hollow the simit

Cut each simit horizontally in half using a sharp knife. Carefully scoop out most of the soft interior bread from both halves, leaving about 1cm thick walls. Work gently to avoid breaking through the crust. Save the removed bread crumbs for another use. Do not make the walls too thin or they will collapse during baking.
Fill with cheese

Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into the bottom half of each hollowed simit, filling them generously but not overflowing. Sprinkle dried mint over the cheese filling. The filling should come just to the rim level. Do not overfill as the cheese will expand and leak out during baking.
Brush and assemble

Melt the butter and brush it over the cut surfaces of both simit halves. Place the top halves back on to form complete rings. Press gently around the edges to seal. The butter will help create a golden crust and prevent the filling from leaking. Do not press too hard or you will squeeze out the filling.
Bake until golden

Preheat oven to 200°C and place simits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the exterior is golden brown and crispy, and you can see the cheese bubbling slightly. The sesame seeds should be deeply toasted and aromatic. Do not overbake or the cheese will become rubbery and the bread too hard.

Tips

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Cooking Tips

For extra crispy results, brush the outside of the simit with a little milk before baking, which helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and enhances the crunch of the sesame seeds.

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Alternatives

If white cheese is unavailable, use crumbled feta cheese mixed with a little cream cheese to reduce saltiness, or try fresh mozzarella for a milder, stretchier filling that melts beautifully.

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Serving & Storage

Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and stretchy, traditionally with Turkish tea and sliced tomatoes. Leftover filled simits can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days and reheated in a 180°C oven for 5-7 minutes.