Dinner

Turkish Eggs (Cilbir) with Poached Eggs, Garlicky Yogurt, and Spicy Butter Recipe

Name: Turkish Eggs (Cilbir) with Poached Eggs, Garlicky Yogurt, and Spicy Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 cup Greek yogurt; 2 garlic cloves (grated); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 4 eggs; 1 tbsp white vinegar (for poaching); 2 slices bacon; 1/4 cup pickled red onion; 1/4 cup white vinegar; 1/4 cup water; 1 tbsp cane sugar; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp butter; 1/2 tsp paprika (regular or smoked); 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped); 2 tbsp chives (chopped)

Byluca Carter January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

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Introduction

Turkish Eggs, or Cilbir, is a deliciously creamy and tangy breakfast dish featuring garlicky yogurt, perfectly poached eggs, and a spicy butter drizzle. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying start to your day.

A white speckled bowl holds two poached eggs with smooth, shiny white surfaces, lying on a creamy white base sauce. Around the eggs, there are small pieces of crispy browned bacon, thin pink pickled onion slices twisting gently across the eggs, and bright green dill sprigs adding freshness. A drizzle of reddish-orange chili oil spreads over the eggs and sauce, giving a warm color contrast. On the right side of the bowl, a large piece of toasted bread with a golden-brown crust and airy, light beige interior leans against the edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface with a striped cloth nearby, creating a clean, fresh look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Greek yogurt
2 garlic cloves (grated)

1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp paprika (regular or smoked)

4 eggs (poached)
2 slices bacon
1/4 cup pickled red onion

2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
2 tbsp chives (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pickled onions by thinly slicing red onion and placing it in a jar or bowl. Add 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon cane sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Let it sit while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the bacon slices in a pan until crispy. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to keep warm. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Step 4: To poach the eggs, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the boiling water. Stir quickly to create a whirlpool, then gently slip one egg at a time into the center. Poach for 3 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in the paprika and then remove from heat.
Step 6: To assemble, divide the garlicky yogurt between two bowls. Top each with two poached eggs and bacon slices. Drizzle with the spicy melted butter. Finish by adding pickled red onions, fresh dill, chives, and extra salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.

If you prefer less tangy yogurt, use a blend of Greek yogurt and sour cream.
Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth, but feel free to use regular paprika for a milder spice.
Prepare pickled onions a day ahead to deepen their flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers separately: keep yogurt mixture in an airtight container and poached eggs in a bowl of slightly warm water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat the yogurt gently; poached eggs are best eaten fresh but can be reheated briefly in hot water.

How to Serve

A speckled white bowl holds a dish with two white poached eggs in the center, resting on a base of thick, creamy white yogurt sauce. Around the eggs, there are small pieces of crispy, reddish-brown bacon and vibrant pink pickled onion slices. Bright green chopped chives and fresh dill sprigs are scattered over the eggs. Drizzled around the dish is a warm orange butter sauce with a slightly oily texture. On the right side of the bowl, there is a toasted slice of bread with a golden-brown crust and a soft, airy crumb. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a striped blue and white cloth visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I poach the eggs in advance?

While it’s possible to poach eggs ahead, they are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture. If you must prepare in advance, keep them in warm water and reheat briefly before serving.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt provides a thick, creamy base, but you can substitute with strained labneh, sour cream, or a mixture of yogurt and cream cheese for similar results.

luca Carter