Gozleme with Spinach and Feta

Gozleme with Spinach and Feta is a traditional Turkish flatbread stuffed with a savory blend of fresh spinach and salty feta cheese, then pan-cooked until golden and crispy. This beloved street food is easy to make at home and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside
• Simple dough, no yeast required
• Vegetarian and packed with flavor
• Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
• Fun to make and easy to customize

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Lukewarm water
• Olive oil

For the Filling

• Fresh spinach, chopped (or thawed frozen spinach, well-drained)
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Onion, finely chopped (optional)
• Olive oil
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Dough
   In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add lukewarm water and a splash of olive oil, mixing to form a soft dough. Knead for 5–8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
   In a skillet, heat a little olive oil. Sauté onions (if using) until soft, then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in crumbled feta and season with pepper and chili flakes if using.
3. Assemble the Gozleme
   Divide the dough into equal portions. Roll each portion out into a thin round or oval. Spoon filling onto one half, fold over, and press the edges to seal.
4. Cook
   Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush with oil and cook each gozleme for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
5. Serve
   Cut into wedges and serve warm, with lemon wedges or a yogurt dip on the side if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint to the filling
• Include mozzarella or halloumi for extra meltiness
• Use whole wheat flour for a more wholesome version
• Add a protein like cooked minced lamb or chicken
• Serve with dips such as garlic yogurt or tzatziki

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet until warm and crispy, or in a toaster oven
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked gozleme with parchment between layers. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before mixing with the feta.

Do I need to let the dough rise?

No, this is a quick flatbread dough with no yeast, so just resting it for 30 minutes is enough.

What’s the best type of feta to use?

A firm, salty feta that crumbles well is ideal. Avoid creamy feta spreads.

Can I bake gozleme instead of pan-cooking?

You can, but pan-frying gives the best crisp and authentic texture. If baking, do so at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.

How do I keep the edges sealed?

Lightly brush the edges with water before folding and press down firmly to seal.

What sides go well with gozleme?

Try a fresh salad, sliced cucumbers, or a lemony yogurt dip.

Is gozleme gluten-free?

Traditional gozleme is made with wheat flour, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes! Use vegan feta or a tofu-based filling with herbs and spinach.

What’s the origin of gozleme?

Gozleme is a traditional Turkish street food, especially popular at markets and festivals, with fillings that vary by region.

Conclusion

Gozleme with Spinach and Feta is a crispy, satisfying flatbread stuffed with a deliciously cheesy and savory filling. This traditional Turkish dish is simple to prepare and makes a fantastic snack or meal any time of day. Whether you’re cooking for a family lunch or prepping for the week, gozleme is a must-try recipe that never fails to impress.

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