By Fatih 
Few Turkish snacks are as beloved and recognizable as Sigara Böreği. These crispy, golden-brown pastry rolls are a staple of Turkish breakfasts, tea-time gatherings, family celebrations, and restaurant meze platters. Made with thin yufka pastry wrapped around a savory cheese filling and fried until perfectly crisp, Sigara Böreği offers a delicious combination of flaky texture and creamy, flavorful filling.
Despite its name, which translates to “cigarette pastry,” the recipe itself is simply a rolled pastry shaped into a long, thin cylinder. Because of the negative association with smoking, many restaurants and cookbooks now refer to them as “Kalem Böreği” (Pencil Pastry), though Sigara Böreği remains the most widely recognized name.
One of the reasons this dish remains so popular throughout Turkey is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create an appetizer or snack that tastes as if it came directly from a traditional Turkish bakery. The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese filling, creating an irresistible texture in every bite.
Traditionally, Turkish white cheese is used in the filling, often combined with fresh parsley. However, there are many delicious variations that include potatoes, minced meat, spinach, herbs, or even spicy fillings. The versatility of Sigara Böreği makes it one of the most adaptable pastries in Turkish cuisine.
Whether you’re preparing a Turkish breakfast spread, hosting guests for afternoon tea, or simply craving a crunchy snack, these Turkish Cheese Rolls are guaranteed to impress.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 24 rolls
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 250 g Turkish white cheese (beyaz peynir), crumbled
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Pastry
- 6 sheets Turkish yufka pastry
- Small bowl of water for sealing
For Frying
- Vegetable oil or sunflower oil
What Is Sigara Böreği?
Sigara Böreği is one of Turkey’s most famous pastries. It is made by cutting yufka into triangular pieces, filling them with cheese, rolling them tightly, and frying them until crispy.
The finished rolls are thin, crunchy, and beautifully golden.
They are commonly served:
- At Turkish breakfast tables
- Alongside Turkish tea
- As part of a meze selection
- During family gatherings
- At holiday celebrations
- In cafés and restaurants throughout Turkey
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredibly Crispy
The thin layers of yufka become wonderfully crisp when fried.
Easy to Make
The ingredient list is short and straightforward.
Perfect for Entertaining
These rolls can be prepared ahead of time and fried just before serving.
Authentic Turkish Flavor
The combination of white cheese and parsley creates the classic filling enjoyed throughout Turkey.
Freezer Friendly
Uncooked rolls freeze beautifully for future meals.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl combine:
- Crumbled Turkish white cheese
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Black pepper
Mix gently until evenly distributed.
The filling should remain slightly chunky rather than completely smooth.
2. Prepare the Yufka
Lay a sheet of yufka on a clean work surface.
Cut each round sheet into four equal triangular wedges.
Repeat with all remaining sheets.
You should end up with approximately 24 triangles.
Cover the yufka with a clean kitchen towel while working to prevent drying.
3. Fill the Pastries
Place one yufka triangle on the work surface with the wide edge facing you.
Add approximately one tablespoon of filling along the wide edge.
Avoid overfilling, which can cause the rolls to burst during frying.
4. Roll the Sigara Böreği
Fold the left and right corners slightly inward over the filling.
Roll tightly toward the pointed end.
Brush the final tip lightly with water.
Press gently to seal.
Continue with the remaining triangles.
5. Heat the Oil
Pour enough oil into a deep frying pan to create a depth of approximately 2–3 cm.
Heat the oil over medium heat.
The ideal frying temperature is around 170–180°C (340–355°F).
If the oil is too cool, the pastries will absorb excess oil.
If too hot, they will brown before the filling warms through.
6. Fry the Rolls
Carefully place several rolls into the hot oil.
Do not overcrowd the pan.
Fry for approximately 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally.
Cook until evenly golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain Excess Oil
Transfer the fried pastries to a plate lined with paper towels.
Allow excess oil to drain.
Repeat with the remaining rolls.
8. Serve Immediately
Serve while still warm and crispy.
Freshly fried Sigara Böreği offers the best texture and flavor.
Things to Consider
Use Fresh Yufka
Fresh yufka is easier to work with and produces a crispier result.
Dry or stale pastry can crack during rolling.
Seal Well
A properly sealed tip prevents the rolls from opening while frying.
A small amount of water works perfectly.
Don’t Overfill
Too much filling makes rolling difficult and may cause leakage.
Maintain Oil Temperature
Consistent frying temperature ensures even cooking and a crisp exterior.
Traditional Filling Variations
Potato Filling
Replace the cheese mixture with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Onion
- Red pepper flakes
- Parsley
This version is extremely popular throughout Turkey.
Spinach and Cheese
Combine:
- Sautéed spinach
- White cheese
- Black pepper
The spinach adds freshness and color.
Minced Meat Filling
Cook ground beef with:
- Onion
- Tomato paste
- Spices
Allow it to cool before filling the pastry.
Herb and Cheese Filling
Mix several fresh herbs such as:
- Parsley
- Dill
- Mint
with crumbled cheese.
Air Fryer Version
For a lighter alternative:
- Brush the rolls lightly with oil.
- Place them in an air fryer basket.
- Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 10–12 minutes.
- Turn halfway through cooking.
The result will be crispy while using significantly less oil.
Baking Option
You can also bake Sigara Böreği.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange rolls on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush lightly with oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes.
Although baked rolls are slightly less crisp than fried ones, they are still delicious.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftover cooked pastries in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
Freezer
Arrange uncooked rolls on a tray and freeze until solid.
Transfer to freezer bags.
Store for up to 3 months.
Fry directly from frozen without thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Sigara Böreği pairs beautifully with:
- Turkish tea
- Ayran
- Turkish breakfast spreads
- Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers
- Olives
- Roasted peppers
- Haydari
- Cacık
- Shepherd’s Salad
It is also a wonderful addition to a meze table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use phyllo dough instead of yufka?
Yes.
Several layers of phyllo can be used, although authentic Sigara Böreği is traditionally made with yufka.
Can I prepare them in advance?
Absolutely.
The rolled pastries can be refrigerated for several hours before frying.
Why did my rolls open while frying?
The tip was likely not sealed properly.
Using a small amount of water usually solves this problem.
Can I freeze them?
Yes.
They freeze exceptionally well before cooking.
Tips for the Best Sigara Böreği
- Use fresh yufka whenever possible.
- Keep pastry covered while working.
- Don’t overfill the rolls.
- Roll tightly.
- Maintain proper oil temperature.
- Fry in small batches.
- Serve immediately after frying.
- Pair with Turkish tea for the authentic experience.
Final Thoughts
Turkish Sigara Böreği is one of the most iconic pastries in Turkish cuisine. With its delicate layers of crispy yufka and rich, savory cheese filling, it offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor that has made it a favorite for generations.
Whether served at breakfast, alongside afternoon tea, or as part of an elaborate meze spread, these crispy Turkish cheese rolls are always a crowd-pleaser. Their simplicity, versatility, and irresistible crunch make them a recipe worth mastering.
Once you make homemade Sigara Böreği, you’ll understand why it remains one of Turkey’s most beloved pastries.
Afiyet olsun!