Boyoz Recipe : Traditional Izmir Bread

Last updated Aug 3, 2025

Boyoz Recipe

Boyoz Recipe is the oldest Turkish bread that has a very long history. This bread is a delicious and fatty dish that is used with boiled eggs in Turkey and has many fans. It is easy to prepare and hassle-free, and you just need to follow the recipe.

You can prepare this dish for several meals and store it in the refrigerator. Boyoz has a buttery taste and aroma that attracts everyone and can be used for breakfast or snacks.

Boyoz Recipe is also known as high-fat bread, which is high in fat due to the use of butter. This bread was imported to Turkey from Spain and has a long history. Its raw materials are flour and butter, which are rich in fiber.

This bread can also be made with yufka dough, but with this easy recipe and method, you can easily make it at home. Boyoz is a multi-layered bread with different flavors such as spinach, cheese, meat and chocolate, and in this article we will teach you how to make simple Boyoz.

Boyoz is part of the cultural identity of Izmir, Turkey, and anyone who travels to this city will definitely experience this delicious bread for breakfast. Dishes like Kazandibi and Burek are Turkish dough dishes that you should try at least once.

Ingredients for Boyoz Recipe: Traditional Izmir Bread

This bread can be made with different flavors, which we will teach you with the butter flavor in this recipe. Of course, you can also use powdered sugar in this recipe to sweeten its taste.

Flour	500 Grams
Water	250 Ml
Butter	200 Grams
Salt	1 Tablespoon
Oil	2 Tablespoons

How to Make Boyoz Recipe: Traditional Izmir Bread

Step 1

First, sift the flour twice so that there are no impurities in it and it is completely soft and uniform. Then add oil to it and mix. Add enough salt to the flour and stir.

Step 2

Add water to the flour step by step and stir until it becomes a good dough. If your dough is too stiff, add some water or if it sticks to your hands, add flour to it. Make sure the dough is not sticky at all.

Step 3

Knead the dough for 5 minutes and form it into a ball and cover it with a cloth for 25 minutes to rest.

Step 4

After the time has passed, divide the dough into four parts and form it into a ball again and cover it with a cloth to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 5

At this stage, spread each ball of dough to the size of a plate and cover the surface of the dough with butter. Spread the next ball of dough in the same size as the previous one and place it on the dough and butter. Press the dough together with your hands all around. Prepare two more balls of dough in the same way and cover them with plastic again to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 6

You need a large, flat surface for this part. Spread the dough very, very thinly on that surface and place it on top of each other and spread it again. At the end of collecting them, roll them up and divide them into two or three parts and attach them together in a spiral and press them with your middle two fingers.

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and put the loaves in it for 20 minutes. After cooling, remove them from the oven tray and eat them with tea and boiled eggs.

Benefits of Boyoz Bread for the Body

Supply of Energy to the Body
Calcium and Protein
Supply of Sugar to the Body
High Calories

Disadvantages of Boyoz Bread for the Body

High Cholesterol
Heart Problems
Digestive Problems
High Sodium and Kidney Problems

What is Boyoz?

Boyoz is a traditional Turkish pastry made from simple ingredients but with a complex preparation process that results in a flaky, layered bread. It is a breakfast staple in Izmir, often enjoyed with boiled eggs and a cup of Turkish tea. The name “boyoz” is believed to have Sephardic Jewish origins, tracing back to the Jewish communities that settled in Izmir centuries ago.

History and Cultural Significance of Boyoz

The history of boyoz bread goes back hundreds of years. It is considered one of the oldest Turkish baked goods, carrying the cultural heritage of Izmir’s Sephardic Jewish population. Today, boyoz is synonymous with Izmir itself, and many bakeries pride themselves on their secret family recipes passed down through generations.

Eating boyoz in Izmir is more than just a meal — it’s a cultural ritual. Locals flock to small bakeries early in the morning to grab freshly baked boyoz and enjoy it with a side of boiled eggs or fresh cheese.

Boyoz Ingredients: What You Need for Authentic Boyoz Bread

Despite its simple appearance, the boyoz bread recipe relies on a few key ingredients to achieve its signature flaky texture and rich flavor. Here’s what you need:

Flour: High-quality all-purpose flour is essential.
Water: Lukewarm water to activate the yeast and form the dough.
Yeast: Fresh or dry yeast to help the dough rise.
Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: Used both in the dough and for layering.
Tahini (optional): Some traditional recipes add tahini for extra richness.
Salt: To enhance flavor.

Unlike many other pastries, boyoz doesn’t contain sugar or eggs, making it slightly savory and perfect for breakfast or a light snack.

The Boyoz Bread Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Making authentic boyoz at home is a rewarding challenge. Here’s a detailed boyoz bread recipe you can try:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix the flour, yeast, salt, and water in a bowl. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process usually takes about 10-15 minutes by hand or 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer.

Step 2: First Rest

Cover the dough and let it rest for about 1 hour in a warm place. This allows the yeast to activate and the dough to rise.

Step 3: Oil and Layering

After the dough has risen, divide it into small balls. Using your hands or a rolling pin, flatten each ball and generously brush with olive oil or vegetable oil. Fold and roll the dough repeatedly to create thin layers — this technique is crucial for the flaky texture.

Step 4: Second Rest

Place the prepared dough balls back under a cloth and let them rest for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Shaping

Flatten the dough balls into oval or round shapes, about 10-15 cm wide.

Step 6: Baking

Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Bake the boyoz on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for about 20-25 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and flaky.

Tips for Perfect Boyoz

Use fresh yeast: It ensures a better rise and texture.
Don’t skimp on oil: The layering of oil is key to achieving the signature flakiness.
Be patient with resting times: Allow the dough to rest fully for better gluten development.
Serve immediately: Boyoz tastes best when fresh out of the oven.

What is Boyoz and where does it originate from?
How do I make traditional Boyoz bread at home?
What ingredients are essential for an authentic Boyoz recipe?
What is the best way to serve Boyoz traditionally?

Conclusion

Boyoz Recipe, the famous Izmir bread, is one of the easiest and most delicious Turkish foods. You can use this food as a snack or breakfast. If you travel to the city of Izmir, you will definitely eat this bread with tea and eggs. Baking this bread at home is easy. You can prepare the recipe at home using this method and share your comments with us.