Can I make this with Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe. It creates a tangier base that works beautifully with the spiced butter. Just make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture, and you may need less water when blending.

I'm struggling with poached eggs. Any foolproof methods?

The mesh strainer method in this recipe is quite reliable, but for an even easier approach, try cracking your egg into a small bowl first, then creating a gentle vortex in the water with a spoon before sliding the egg in. The swirling motion helps the white wrap around the yolk. Also, adding vinegar to the water genuinely helps the whites set faster.

How spicy is this dish with the Aleppo pepper?

Aleppo pepper provides a mild, sweet heat rather than intense spiciness. It's more about flavor than fire. If you're sensitive to heat, start with 1 teaspoon instead of 2, or substitute with sweet paprika for all the flavor without the heat.

Can I prepare any parts of this ahead of time for a brunch party?

Yes! For entertaining, prepare the cheese spread and spiced butter in advance. Keep the cheese spread refrigerated and bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. The butter mixture can be made ahead and gently rewarmed just before serving. Then just poach your eggs fresh as guests arrive.

Turkish Poached Eggs with Cottage Cheese Recipe

Name: Turkish Poached Eggs with Cottage Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 16 ounces cottage cheese, room temperature; ¼ cup feta cheese, room temperature; 2 garlic cloves; 1-2 Tablespoons water, as needed; 4 Tablespoons salted butter; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper; 4-5 cups water; 1 Tablespoon white vinegar (optional); 2-4 large eggs

This Turkish Poached Eggs with Cottage Cheese recipe is a game-changer for breakfast or brunch! Creamy whipped cottage cheese creates a luxurious bed for perfectly poached eggs, all topped with a fragrant spiced butter that brings warmth and depth to every bite. Ready in just minutes, this impressive dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort – perfect for treating yourself on busy mornings or wowing weekend guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Impressive: From start to finish, you’ll have this stunning dish ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect for those mornings when you want something special without the hassle.
Protein-Packed: The combination of cottage cheese, feta, and eggs makes this a protein powerhouse that will keep you satisfied for hours.
Complex Flavors: The creamy, tangy cheese base paired with the rich, spicy butter creates a flavor profile that’s surprisingly sophisticated for such a simple dish.
Versatile: Works beautifully for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner when paired with crusty bread and a simple salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cottage Cheese: Forms the creamy base of this dish. Choose full-fat for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. The higher fat content creates a silkier final texture.
Feta Cheese: Adds a wonderful tangy depth to the cheese mixture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easier blending.
Garlic Cloves: Infuses the cheese spread with a subtle aromatic punch that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Water: Just enough to help achieve the perfect consistency when blending the cheese mixture.
Salted Butter: Creates the rich, golden drizzle that ties everything together. The salt enhances all the other flavors.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Combines with the butter to make a luscious drizzle that won’t solidify as quickly as pure butter would.
Aleppo Pepper: The star spice that brings a mild, sweet heat with subtle fruity notes. It’s what makes this dish distinctively Turkish.
Water and White Vinegar: The vinegar helps the egg whites set quickly when poaching for that perfect shape.
Eggs: The crowning glory of this dish! Fresh eggs work best for poaching as they hold their shape better.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Vegetable-Forward

Add a layer of wilted spinach beneath the cheese spread, or top with roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color.

Herb It Up

Mix fresh dill, parsley, or mint into the cheese mixture for a fragrant twist, or sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the finished dish.

Spice Alternatives

No Aleppo pepper? Try smoked paprika with a pinch of cayenne, or za’atar for a different but equally delicious Middle Eastern flavor profile.

Cheese Options

Swap the cottage cheese base for Greek yogurt, or try ricotta for an Italian-inspired variation.

How to Make Turkish Poached Eggs with Cottage Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Spread

In a food processor, combine cottage cheese, feta cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until completely smooth, adding small amounts of water as needed to achieve a silky, spreadable consistency. The mixture should be thick but easily spreadable.

Step 2: Create the Butter Drizzle

Heat butter, olive oil, and Aleppo pepper in a medium pot over low heat. Cook just until the butter melts completely and the pepper infuses the mixture. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The butter should take on a beautiful reddish hue from the pepper.

Step 3: Make Poached Eggs

Fill a large pot with water and add the white vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer. Crack one egg into a fine mesh sieve over a bowl to drain excess thin whites. Stir the water to create a gentle vortex, then carefully slide the egg into the center. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the whites are set but the yolk remains soft. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining eggs.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Spread a generous layer of the whipped cottage cheese mixture on each serving plate. Place the poached eggs gently on top of the cheese spread. Liberally drizzle the warm spiced butter mixture over everything. Serve immediately while the eggs are warm and the butter is still fragrant.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Cheese: Let your cottage cheese and feta come to room temperature for easier blending and a creamier final texture.
Straining the Eggs: Using a fine mesh sieve before poaching helps eliminate the thin egg whites that create those wispy strands in the water.
Perfect Poaching: The water should be barely simmering, not boiling. Think gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
Make Ahead: The cheese spread and butter sauce can be prepared a day ahead and gently reheated, making morning assembly lightning-fast.
Fresh Eggs: For poaching, the fresher the eggs, the better they’ll hold their shape in the water.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with warm pita bread, toasted sourdough, or crusty baguette for scooping up that creamy cheese and runny yolk. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a lovely side.

Breakfast Spread

Include as part of a larger Turkish breakfast with olives, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and honey.

Garnish Ideas

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley, a few pine nuts, or an extra dusting of Aleppo pepper adds beautiful color and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Components

The cheese spread can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The spiced butter can be stored at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for up to a week.

Freezing

This dish is best made fresh, though the spiced butter can be frozen in small portions for future use.

Reheating

Gently warm the cheese spread in the microwave at 50% power. Reheat the butter mixture on the stovetop over low heat. Always make poached eggs fresh.

FAQs

Can I make this with Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe. It creates a tangier base that works beautifully with the spiced butter. Just make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture, and you may need less water when blending.
I’m struggling with poached eggs. Any foolproof methods?

The mesh strainer method in this recipe is quite reliable, but for an even easier approach, try cracking your egg into a small bowl first, then creating a gentle vortex in the water with a spoon before sliding the egg in. The swirling motion helps the white wrap around the yolk. Also, adding vinegar to the water genuinely helps the whites set faster.
How spicy is this dish with the Aleppo pepper?

Aleppo pepper provides a mild, sweet heat rather than intense spiciness. It’s more about flavor than fire. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with 1 teaspoon instead of 2, or substitute with sweet paprika for all the flavor without the heat.
Can I prepare any parts of this ahead of time for a brunch party?

Yes! For entertaining, prepare the cheese spread and spiced butter in advance. Keep the cheese spread refrigerated and bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving. The butter mixture can be made ahead and gently rewarmed just before serving. Then just poach your eggs fresh as guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

This Turkish Poached Eggs with Cottage Cheese recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The contrast between the silky cheese spread, perfectly runny egg yolks, and aromatic spiced butter creates a memorable dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in minutes. Whether you’re treating yourself to a luxurious weekday breakfast or impressing weekend guests, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Give it a try – your breakfast routine will never be the same!