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    Home » Turkish Recipes

    Turkish Simit Recipe (Step-by-Step tutorial)

    Published: Feb 15, 2019 · Modified: Jan 12, 2021 by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

    8508 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Turkish simit is a delicious sesame crusted bread that' you can have for breakfast's perfect for any time of the day. Learn how to make traditional simit recipe at home with this step-by-step tutorial. 

    Turkish simit is a delicious sesame crusted bread that you can have for breakfast. Learn how to make traditional simit recipe at home with this step-by-step tutorial. 

    We love all kinds of Turkish recipes and you guys have been raving about them too! We've shown you how to make Turkish eggs (cilbir), Turkish pide bread and of course, lahmacun. Now it's time for one of the most iconic Turkish breads out there: Simit, a beautiful bread shapes like a ring, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.

    Table Of Contents:
    • What Is Simit?
    • How is Turkish simit different from bagels?
    • What Are Simit Ingredients?
    • How to make simit at home
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Turkish Recipes
    • Step-by-Step Recipe

    What Is Simit?

    Simit is a sesame crusted, circular bread from Turkey. Also known as Turkish bagel, Gevrek or Koulouri, this crusty bread is probably the most common bread in Turkey. It's usually served for breakfast and it always has a ring shape.

    Simit is usually sold in carts in Istanbul and the people who sell them are called simitci. They sometimes slice the simit in half and spread cheese to make it into a complete breakfast.

    As you probably know by now, I lived in Istanbul for a few years and it's my second home. Once we moved to the US, one thing that I was missing the most was simit. We could barely find it in some Turkish and Mediterranean shops but they were usually frozen which were nowhere close to the freshly baked ones we used to get. That's why we now make our own Turkish simit at home. 

    Place the leftover simits in a plastic bag and tie a knot to make sure it's not in contact with air. You can also wrap them in a cloth and place them in a bread box.

    How is Turkish simit different from bagels?

    Probably the only similarity between simit and bagels is that they're both circular. Simit is not as thick and it's crustier than bagel. The texture of simit is lighter compared to bagels and traditionally, they're fully coated in sesame seeds. 

    What makes this Turkish bread different than any other bread out there is that it's dipped in a molasses and water mixture before being rolled in a pool of sesame seeds.

    What Are Simit Ingredients?

    To make simit you need flour, yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil and sesame seeds.

    There are so many recipes for this transitional Turkish bread out there and some have ingredients as simple as flour, water and yeast. It took us a few tries to perfect this recipe for simit and get it as close to the ones you would find in a Turkish bakery. 

    Like many other bread recipes out there, a classic simit recipe calls for the following ingredients:

    • Flour: You can use all purpose flour or bread flour. Whole wheat flour would make the simit a bit tough therefore I don't recommend using it.
    • Yeast: If using instant yeast, simply add it to the dry ingredients. However, if using active dry yeast, you need to activate it in warm water (between 105 and 110 degrees F).
    • Salt and sugar: Use kosher salt or table salt and granulated sugar.
    • Vegetable oil: You can use canola oil or olive oil as well.
    • Molasses and sesame seeds: These are used to coat the simit before baking. You can use classic molasses, grape or mulberry molasses that you can find in Mediterranean or middle eastern shops. The molasses and water combination gives this circular bread that unique brown color complimented by a very slight sweetness. 

    How to make simit at home

    • Start by placing the flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Add in warm water and vegetable oil. Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold. The water you use to make bread should be warm to touch. 
    • Mix using the dough hook until the dough comes together and is a little sticky. If the dough is too sticky and sticks to the bowl, start adding the 5th cup of flour one tablespoon at a time. You will probably need only 2 or 3 tablespoons of flour. 
    • Once the dough has come together and is a little sticky, it's time to knead the dough. Knead the simit dough using a dough hook for about 8 minutes until it's not sticky anymore. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. 
    Start by placing 4 cups of flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Add in warm water and vegetable oil.
    • Meanwhile, toast the sesame seeds and in a shallow and wide dish (like a pie dish) whisk together the molasses and water. 
    • After 1.5 hours, check on the simit dough which must have doubled by now. Carefully punch in down and knead it for a few seconds. Divide the dough into 16 pieces.
    • Roll out two of the dough pieces into 25 inch tubes each. Place them parallel to each other and roll in opposite directions to make a twist (check out the step-by-step photos). Meet and pinch the ends on both sides together to form a circle. Repeat with the remaining 14 pieces to make 7 more simits. An alternative method would be to divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll out to have a 40-45 inch tube, then fold it and twist it. 
    Roll out two of the dough pieces into 25 inch tubes each. Place them parallel to each other and roll in opposite directions to make a twist
    • Dip each twisted dough in the molasses and water combination and make sure it's covered on both sides. Then dip them in toasted sesame seeds and ensure they are fully coated. 
    • Let the dough circles rest for another 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake the simits in the oven for 12-15 minutes until they are brown and fully baked. 
    Dip each twisted dough in the molasses and water combination and make sure it's covered on both sides. Then dip them in toasted sesame seeds and ensure they are fully coated. 

    Serving Suggestions

    Simit is traditionally served for breakfast with white (feta) cheese or labneh, cucumbers and tomatoes as well as menemen, shakshuka and cilbir (Turkish eggs in garlic yogurt sauce).

    Sometimes, you can find simit sandwiches made with cheese such as kaşar or mozzarella plus some tomatoes. It's also common to have simit on its own as a snack or with a glass of cold Ayran (Turkish yogurt drink).

    That being said, you can serve this round sesame bread with almost any kind of cheese you like. We also love having it with jam or chocolate spreads, needless to say that tahini and molasses is another favorite spread that compliments this Turkish bread very nicely. 

    We also love having it with jam or chocolate spreads, needless to say that tahini and molasses is another favorite spread that compliments this Turkish bread very nicely. 

    Storage

    Storing bread is very important especially when it comes to homemade bread. Because they don't contain any preservatives, homemade bread can go bad easily if you don't store it properly. You can use a plastic bag to store simits.
    Place the leftover simits in a plastic bag and tie a knot to make sure it's not in contact with air. You can also wrap them in a cloth and place them in a bread box. Simit usually lasts for about 2-3 days, however I prefer to have it fresh. You can also reheat leftover simit in the oven or toaster right before serving.

    You can also freeze simit. To do so, place the simit in a freezer safe bag and seal it tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, defrost in the fridge overnight and the reheat in the oven or toaster.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

    If you own a stand mixer, definitely use it for this recipe. However, if you don't own one, simply use a large bowl and a wooden spoon (and later your hands) to make simit. Both approaches work for this traditional Turkish bread recipe. 

    Can I make this bread without sesame seeds?

    Sesame is the main flavor of this bread so use it generously. You can always store and use the leftover sesame seeds. These days you can also find simits coated with sunflower seeds or oatmeal, but the classic version always has sesame seeds.

    My simit turned out tough and not soft on the inside, what went wrong?

    The main reason could be that you've added more flour than you need. Start with 4 cups of all purpose flour and add more flour (1 cup maximum) one tablespoon at a time. 

    Sesame is the main flavor of this bread so use it generously. You can always store and use the leftover sesame seeds.

    More Turkish Recipes

    • Turkish Borek Recipe (Sigara Borek)
    • Turkish Bulgur Pilaf Recipe
    • Gozleme Recipe (Turkish Stuffed Flatbread)
    • Turkish Pide Bread (Ramazan Pidesi)

    Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    Turkish Simit Recipe

    Shadi HasanzadeNemati
    Turkish simit is a delicious sesame crusted bread that you can have for breakfast. Learn how to make traditional simit recipe at home with this step-by-step tutorial. 
    4.70 from 102 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 45 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Resting time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine Mediterranean, Turkish
    Servings 8
    Calories 464 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 teaspoon instant yeast
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • 4 cups all purpose flour plus 2-3 tablespoon more if needed
    • 1 ½ cup warm water
    • ¼ cup vegetable oil
    • ¼ cup grape molasses
    • ½ cup water
    • 1 ½ cup sesame seeds toasted

    Instructions
     

    • In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix sugar, yeast, 4 cups flour and salt. 
    • Add in warm water and vegetable oil. Mix using the dough hook until the dough comes together and is a bit sticky. If the dough is not coming together, add 2-3 tablespoons all purpose flour. 
    • Knead the dough using the dough hook for about 8 minutes until it's no longer sticky. Cover and let it rise for 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. 
    • Meanwhile, toast the sesame seeds in a pan. And mix the molasses with ½ cup water. 
    • After 1.5 hours, punch the dough down and divide it into 16 pieces. Roll out 2 pieces into 25 inch tubes each and lay them parallel to each other.  
    • Roll the tubes in opposite directions to make a twist. Meet the ends and pinch them together to make a ring. Repeat with the remaining 14 pieces to make 7 more rings. 
    • Dip each ring in molasses and water mixture then in sesame seeds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 
    • Cover loosely and let it rise for another 20 minutes. 
    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 
    • Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the simits are brown and fully cooked. 

    Video

    Notes

    • Storage: Place the leftover simits in a plastic bag and tie a knot to make sure it's not in contact with air. You can also wrap them in a cloth and place them in a bread box. Simit usually lasts for about 2-3 days, however I prefer to have it fresh. You can also reheat leftover simit in the oven right before serving. You can also freeze them for several months. 
    • If molasses is not available, use honey instead. 
    • If you own a stand mixer, definitely use it for this recipe. However, if you don't own one, simply use a large bowl and a wooden spoon (and later your hands) to make simit. Both approaches work for this traditional Turkish bread recipe. 
    • You can use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for this recipe if preferred. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 464kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 13gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 297mgPotassium: 227mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 285mgIron: 7mg
    Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!
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    8508 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laiba

      May 16, 2020 at 10:06 pm

      I cant find molasses in my country is there an alternarive

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        May 17, 2020 at 8:58 am

        Yes, you can just skip it and brush the simit with a combination of egg and milk and top with sesame seeds.

        Reply
    2. Sarah

      May 01, 2020 at 4:44 pm

      Can I make the dough the night before and Store it in the fridge overnight to bake the next day fresh for breakfast?

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        May 02, 2020 at 8:29 am

        Hi Sarah, yes you can. Make sure to let the dough to come to room temp before forming it.

        Reply
        • Sarah

          May 07, 2020 at 4:49 pm

          Thank you Shadi! I am trying this out tonight. I just made the dough and I can already tell it's going to be delicious!

        • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

          May 08, 2020 at 8:08 am

          Yay! Hope you enjoy it, it's baking time!

        • Lidia

          May 21, 2020 at 5:44 pm

          Hi, if I was baking the dough the next morning, would you let it rise for the 1.5hrs before refrigeration? Can’t wait to try this. Thank you

        • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

          May 25, 2020 at 9:13 am

          You should let it rise the day you make the dough. After the rise and before shaping, refrigerate the dough until you're ready to shape and bake.

    3. Jo Ann

      April 25, 2020 at 6:40 pm

      It had never heard of simit bread, mine was delicious but I it wasn’t crunchy. The crust was very soft. Any suggestions.

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        July 29, 2022 at 1:50 pm

        Hi Jo, you can bake them for a bit longer next time.

        Reply
    4. Marinella

      April 24, 2020 at 8:07 am

      5 stars
      Shadi. Such a great post. I spent a short time in Istanbul and it is hands down my most favorite part of the world. Thank you for the memories! I do have a question. Can you make this ahead and freeze the dough. We are but only two and it would be great to prepare Simit and freeze for baking in early mornings?

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        April 24, 2020 at 12:06 pm

        Hi Marinella, thank you for your comment! I haven't tried freezing the dough but I know it works if you refrigerate it. Hope this helps!

        Reply
    5. Alisa

      April 23, 2020 at 6:22 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for this amazing recipe!! My simits turned out sooo good and delicious - even better than the store bought ones we have here in Bulgaria! My whole family loved them!

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        April 23, 2020 at 9:36 am

        Awesome! Glad you like this recipe!

        Reply
    6. James Apaydın-Thain

      April 17, 2020 at 3:17 am

      5 stars
      I have loved simit ever since my first visit to İstanbul. Living in Germany, where there is a very large Turkish Community, getting simit from the bakkal is possible even in my small town. But they are always soft and rubbery - the shopkeepers invariably have them in plastic bags! So I have tried a number of recipes for simit over the years, and yours was definitely the most successful for me. Nice and chewy inside with a perfect authentic crust. I let the dough prove in the fridge overnight, so my Turkish husband and I had perfect simit for breakast! His comment: en sevdiğim mutfağımızda yaptığın simit! Thank you for the recipe

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        July 29, 2022 at 2:09 pm

        Thank you James! Afiyet olsun!

        Reply
    7. Martin

      April 11, 2020 at 7:02 am

      Middle Eastern markets are in almost every bigger city now. You can also use the popular pomegranate syrup or molasses, they'll often have several to choose from. I recommend not diluting it too much, based on my baking last Sunday (which still came out really well.)

      Reply
    8. Eliazer

      April 10, 2020 at 3:03 pm

      My wife loved Simit when we were in Istanbul last year and I planned to make some for her this Easter!!

      I’m not sure if we will find Yeast & Molasses because of the lock down. Any other replacements you’ll can suggest?? Thank you for the recipe!!

      Can’t wait to get this going!!

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        April 11, 2020 at 6:53 am

        Hi Eliazer! Glad you're giving this a try. You can leave out the molasses and use honey instead. As for the yeast, you can use 1.5 tsp baking powder and one teaspoon baking soda. No need to let it rise for 90 minutes and instead let it sit for only 15 minutes. Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    9. Claudia Lamascolo

      April 08, 2020 at 11:06 am

      5 stars
      This bread looks fantastic I am going online to see where I can get grape molasses and I will make this soon and let you know!

      Reply
    10. Jessica Formicola

      April 08, 2020 at 10:54 am

      5 stars
      I've never heard of Turkish simit until I tried this recipe, but I tried it and it's delicious! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    11. Elena

      April 04, 2020 at 3:16 am

      Thank you so much for your recipes!

      May I ask you a question? By a cup do you mean one of 250 ml?

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        April 04, 2020 at 7:54 am

        Hi Elena! Actually, 1 US cup equals almost 237ml. Hope this helps!

        Reply
    12. Martin Voelker

      March 28, 2020 at 12:15 pm

      I found this recipe after my other attempt at Simit this morning with a different recipe didn't exite me. That recipe called for 20 minutes in a preheated 450 F and had no oil or sugar, and the rings once the dough was divided into 12 pieces were thin and small.
      I'll try yours next. I also didn't think I had to toast the sesame since it would go into the hot oven but in hindsight it's a different process and tastes better.
      I spent many weeks in north eastern Greece which once had large Turkish populations and fondly remember the vendors with dozens of Simit on a shouldered broomstick.

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        March 29, 2020 at 11:39 am

        Hi Martin, thank you for your comment. Hope you give it a try and enjoy it.

        Reply
    13. rukiye

      March 24, 2020 at 11:23 am

      What can we use instead of molasses? thank you!

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        March 24, 2020 at 12:16 pm

        You can leave it out and simply use water instead then dip in sesame seeds!

        Reply
    14. Irina

      February 12, 2020 at 11:41 am

      Hi Shadi,

      Lovely recipe and pictures, can’t wait to try out the recipe. I was wondering what I can substitute the molasses with. It’s not sold where I live. Thank you in advance.

      Thanks,
      Irina

      Reply
      • Shadi HasanzadeNemati

        February 21, 2020 at 8:44 am

        Hi Irina, I think you can use honey. It might not have the same color, but it would work.

        Reply
    15. Shadi HasanzadeNemati

      January 23, 2020 at 6:35 pm

      They are baked at 400F for 12-15 minutes.

      Reply
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