
Nestled on a bed of creamy garlic yogurt, these Turkish Eggs come topped with a warm splash of olive oil and bright Aleppo pepper. This authentic Turkish breakfast takes basic items and turns them into something unforgettable, adding comfort and warmth to your day. From the runny egg yolks to the thick yogurt underneath, the mix of textures will make you completely rethink what breakfast can be.
I ran into this dish while visiting Izmir, and it totally flipped my idea of breakfast upside down. The first time I made it at home, my kitchen filled with the smell of garlic-infused yogurt and warm spices, and suddenly I felt like I was back in Turkey again.
Key Ingredients for Delicious Çılbır
- Greek Yogurt: Go for the full-fat kind to get that thick, creamy feel and rich flavor. Let it sit at room temp for the smoothest foundation
- Quality Eggs: Grab the freshest eggs you can find - they'll keep their shape better and give you those gorgeous orange yolks
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Pick something with a bit of kick that'll make a luxurious topping when drizzled over
- Aleppo Pepper: These dark red flakes bring mild heat with a hint of sweetness, but regular red pepper works fine too
- Fresh Garlic: Pick firm, unbruised cloves to give your yogurt that amazing flavor boost
Putting Together Your Turkish Eggs
- Get Your Yogurt Ready:
- Mix room temp yogurt with finely chopped garlic so every spoonful has that gentle kick and flavor.
- Master the Egg Poach:
- Make a slow swirl in barely bubbling water, then gently drop each egg right in the middle for that perfect shape.
- Heat Your Oil:
- Cook olive oil till it just starts to shimmer, then stir in Aleppo flakes until they start to release their flavor.
Layering Your Dish
- Layering Your Dish:
- Spread that garlicky yogurt on the plate first, making a little home for your soft poached eggs before adding your seasoned oil on top.

When I was young, I never thought yogurt could work in savory dishes until I tried this. Now that garlicky yogurt base is my favorite part, and I often make extra to eat with other meals throughout the week.
Serving It Beautifully
Make this simple dish look amazing by creating little dips in the yogurt for your eggs. Sprinkle some fresh dill or mint on top, and grab some warm, crusty bread to soak up all the goodness.
Customizing Your Bowl
Try using browned butter instead of olive oil, mix herbs into your yogurt, or add some za'atar for a different flavor twist. Want more heat? Just toss in extra Aleppo pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes.
Enjoy It Right Away
This dish tastes best when eaten immediately while the eggs are still warm and the yogurt is just right. Since poached eggs don't reheat well, only make what you'll eat in one sitting.

After making this dish countless times, I've really come to love how it shows the beauty of keeping things simple. Turkish Eggs remind me that amazing flavors don't need fancy ingredients - just some love and attention to the little details.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why keep yogurt warm?
- Warmer yogurt blends smoother with the garlic and provides a cozier base for the eggs.
- → What can replace Aleppo pepper?
- Try red pepper flakes. While not identical, they add a similar heat and punch.
- → Why strain the egg whites?
- Removing extra liquid ensures neater, firmer poached eggs.
- → Can this be prepared early?
- This dish is best fresh. Warm eggs and cool yogurt create the perfect balance.
- → Which type of bread should I pick?
- Go for crusty, hearty bread. It soaks up all the flavorful yogurt and spiced oil nicely.