Introduction: What is Turkish Milk Bread?
Turkish milk bread, also known as Sütlü Ekmek, is a soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly fluffy bread that’s made with milk instead of water, giving it a rich, tender texture. It’s similar to Japanese milk bread (Shokupan) or Brioche, but it’s cooked in a pan instead of an oven—making it simple and accessible for home bakers!
This buttery, pillowy bread is perfect for:
✔ Breakfast with butter and honey 🍯
✔ Dipping into soups and stews 🍲
✔ Making sandwiches or toast 🥪
✔ Enjoying as a snack with tea or coffee ☕
What makes this bread special is that it requires no oven—just a stovetop pan! Whether you live in a small apartment, want to bake without heating up your kitchen, or simply love trying new bread recipes, this Turkish milk bread in a pan is a must-try!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (not too hot, around 100°F/38°C)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegetable oil
For Cooking & Topping:
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the bread before cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Pour in warm milk and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add melted butter or oil and knead for 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- If using a stand mixer, knead for 5-6 minutes on medium speed.
💡 Pro Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour (1 tablespoon at a time). If it’s too dry, add a little more milk.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a damp towel.
- Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
💡 Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl inside a turned-off oven with the light on to help it rise faster.
Step 3: Shape the Bread
- Punch down the dough to remove excess air.
- Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball or oval shape, depending on how you want your bread to look.
💡 Pro Tip: For extra fluffy bread, let the shaped dough rest for 10 minutes before cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Bread in a Pan
- Heat a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet over low-medium heat and grease it lightly with butter.
- Place the dough balls in the pan, leaving some space between them as they will expand.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5-7 minutes on one side, until golden brown.
- Flip the bread, cover again, and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side.
💡 Pro Tip: Cooking with the lid on traps steam, making the bread extra soft and fluffy.
Step 5: Brush & Serve!
- Brush the warm bread with a little melted butter or milk for a soft, shiny crust.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade Turkish milk bread with butter, jam, cheese, or even dipped in olive oil!
How to Store & Reheat Turkish Milk Bread
🥖 Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
❄️ Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 4-5 days—just warm it up before eating!
🥶 Freezer: Freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in a warm pan for freshly baked taste.
Ways to Enjoy Turkish Milk Bread
🥞 With Breakfast: Spread with butter, honey, or jam for a sweet morning treat.
🍲 As a Side Dish: Perfect for dipping into soups, curries, and stews.
🥪 For Sandwiches: Soft and fluffy, making perfect sandwiches or sliders.
🧀 Cheesy Bread: Melt some cheese on top for a savory twist.
☕ With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy warm with a cup of Turkish tea for a cozy snack!
Pro Tips for the Best Turkish Milk Bread in a Pan
✔ Use warm milk, not hot! – If the milk is too hot, it will kill the yeast. Aim for 100°F (38°C).
✔ Don’t rush the rise! – Letting the dough rise properly ensures the bread will be soft and fluffy.
✔ Cook on low heat! – Too high heat will burn the outside while leaving the inside raw.
✔ Cover the pan while cooking – This traps steam, keeping the bread extra soft.
✔ Brush with butter or milk – Adds flavor and keeps the crust tender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Bread Without Yeast?
Yes! Substitute 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder for the yeast. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be soft and fluffy.
2. What If I Don’t Have a Non-Stick Pan?
You can use a cast-iron skillet or griddle—just grease it lightly with butter or oil before cooking.
3. Can I Make This Dough in Advance?
Yes! Let the dough rise, then store it in the fridge overnight. The next day, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping and cooking.
4. Can I Add Fillings to This Bread?
Absolutely! Try stuffing it with:
🧀 Cheese – Mozzarella, feta, or cheddar.
🌿 Herbs & Garlic – Mix garlic and parsley into the dough.
🍫 Chocolate or Nutella – For a sweet treat!
Final Thoughts: Why You NEED to Try This Bread
This Turkish milk bread in a pan is:
✔ Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet
✔ Super easy to make—no oven needed!
✔ Great for breakfast, snacks, or dipping
✔ Customizable with different flavors and fillings
If you love simple, homemade bread that’s soft and delicious, this pan-cooked Turkish milk bread is a must-try! It’s an easy recipe that anyone can make, and the results are better than store-bought bread.