Turkish Simit Sesame-Crusted Bread Rings)

Turkish Simit is an iconic street food beloved across Turkey and beyond. These sesame-crusted bread rings are crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and deeply flavorful thanks to a molasses glaze and generous coating of toasted sesame seeds. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or served with cheese and olives, simit is a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simit offers the perfect blend of texture and flavor — golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and airy inside. It’s a simple yet elegant bread that doesn’t require special tools or hard-to-find ingredients. The homemade version delivers bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. These bread rings are also great for sharing, storing, and pairing with both savory and sweet accompaniments.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• all-purpose flour
• instant dry yeast
• salt
• warm water
• flour (for coating)
• molasses (grape or pomegranate)
• sesame seeds, toasted

directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp towel and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
3. While the dough is rising, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and aromatic. Set aside to cool.
4. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into an 18-inch rope. Take two ropes, twist them together, and form into a ring. Pinch the ends to seal securely.
5. In a shallow bowl, prepare the dipping glaze by mixing molasses with 1 tablespoon of flour and about 1/4 cup of water.
6. Dip each ring into the molasses mixture, then roll in the toasted sesame seeds until fully coated.
7. Place the rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rest for 20 minutes to rise slightly.
8. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
9. Bake the simit rings for 18–20 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and crisp.
10. Serve warm or at room temperature with tea, cheese, olives, or jam.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Servings: 12 simit rings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 270 kcal

Variations

• Molasses type: Use pomegranate molasses for a tangier flavor or traditional grape molasses for classic depth.
• Seed toppings: Try a mix of sesame and nigella seeds for added flavor.
• Sweet version: Add a touch of sugar to the dough and serve with honey or fruit preserves.
• Stuffed simit: Before forming into rings, flatten slightly and add a thin layer of cheese or olives inside.
• Mini simit: Make smaller rings for bite-sized snacks, adjusting baking time to 12–15 minutes.

storage/reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs

What is simit traditionally served with?

Simit is commonly served with tea, cheese, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers — a typical Turkish breakfast spread.

Can I use regular yeast instead of instant?

Yes, but you’ll need to proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the flour.

Why is molasses used in simit?

Molasses gives simit its signature deep color and subtle sweetness while helping sesame seeds adhere to the surface.

How can I make my simit extra crispy?

Ensure the oven is fully preheated and consider baking with a tray of water in the oven for added steam during the first 5 minutes.

Can I make simit without sesame seeds?

Yes, although sesame is traditional, you can leave it out or substitute with poppy seeds or nigella seeds.

Is simit the same as a bagel?

No, simit is not boiled before baking like a bagel. It’s dipped in a molasses mixture and baked directly, giving it a different texture.

Can I make simit gluten-free?

You can try a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. The texture might be less chewy than traditional simit.

How do I prevent the rings from unrolling?

Pinch the ends firmly and slightly press them together when forming the rings to ensure they hold during baking.

Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?

Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook will work well for kneading the dough.

What kind of molasses should I use?

Grape molasses is traditional, but pomegranate molasses offers a tangier alternative that works just as well.

Conclusion

Turkish Simit is more than just bread — it’s a cultural staple enjoyed by generations for breakfast, tea, or as a nourishing snack. With its golden sesame crust and soft interior, simit is simple to make at home and sure to impress. Whether served alongside savory accompaniments or enjoyed plain, it offers a taste of authentic Turkish baking at its best.

Turkish Simit (Sesame-Crusted Bread Rings)

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Crispy on the outside and soft inside, Turkish Simit is a sesame-crusted bread ring that’s a popular street food and breakfast staple, often enjoyed with tea, cheese, or olives.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 simit rings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Turkish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp instant dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 359 ml warm water (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 tbsp flour (for coating)
• 1/2 cup molasses (grape or pomegranate)
• 300g sesame seeds, toasted

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant, then set aside.
6. Divide risen dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into an 18-inch rope, twist two ropes together, and form into a ring. Pinch ends to seal.
7. In a shallow bowl, mix molasses, 1 tbsp flour, and about 1/4 cup water to make a dipping glaze.
8. Dip each ring into the molasses mixture, then coat thoroughly with toasted sesame seeds.
9. Place rings on a parchment-lined baking tray and let rest for 20 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
11. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until deep golden brown and crisp.
12. Serve warm or at room temperature with tea, cheese, olives, or jam.

Notes

• Ensure sesame seeds are well-toasted for optimal flavor and aroma.
• Molasses glaze helps achieve the iconic color and texture of traditional simit.
• Use grape molasses for a more authentic Turkish taste.
• Simit can be frozen after baking and reheated in the oven before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 simit ring
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg