Turkish Cigars

Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside—Turkish Cigars (also known as Sigara Böreği) are the kind of snack that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a bustling café in Istanbul. Imagine golden, flaky phyllo pastry wrapped around salty halloumi and creamy feta, fried until perfectly crisp and irresistibly crunchy. They’re the ultimate finger food—warm, cheesy, and endlessly satisfying.

Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a party snack, or a light lunch with a fresh salad, these cheese-stuffed pastries are guaranteed to disappear fast. The best part? They look fancy but are deceptively simple to make.

Recipe Origin

Sigara Böreği is a classic Turkish dish, loved across the Middle East and Mediterranean. The name literally means “cigarette börek” because of their long, thin, rolled shape. Traditionally, they’re made with yufka dough, but phyllo works beautifully for a crisp, flaky texture. The filling often includes feta, parsley, and sometimes halloumi or other regional cheeses, making them a versatile, customizable treat.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife (for cutting cheese and pastry)
• Pastry brush
• Mixing bowl
• Large frying pan or deep skillet
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)

Why You’ll Love Turkish Cigars

Crispy & Cheesy

That perfect balance of crunchy pastry and gooey cheese filling is unbeatable.

Simple Ingredients

A few pantry staples and cheese—nothing complicated, but pure magic.

Perfect for Entertaining

These little rolls are bite-sized, easy to eat, and crowd-pleasing.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Assemble them ahead of time and fry just before serving.

Authentic Flavor

A taste of Turkish tradition, right from your own kitchen.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Keep phyllo covered: Phyllo dries out fast. Cover with a damp towel while working.
• Roll tightly: Secure rolls well so the filling doesn’t leak during frying.
• Use the right oil: Sunflower or mild vegetable oil works best for clean, crisp frying.
• Work in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry a few at a time.
• Drain properly: Place on paper towels after frying to keep them crisp, not greasy.

Ingredients in Turkish Cigars

(Note: Full measurements are listed in the recipe card below.)

Phyllo Pastry or Yufka

Thin, delicate sheets that fry up perfectly golden and crisp.

Parsley

Adds freshness and a herbal pop that balances the richness of the cheese.

Sunflower or Vegetable Oil

A neutral oil that allows the flavor of the filling to shine.

Halloumi

Salty, firm cheese that holds its shape and adds a chewy bite.

Feta

Tangy and creamy, feta melts slightly, blending beautifully with halloumi.

Instructions

Prepare the Pastry

Cut phyllo sheets in half (or use yufka if available). Keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel.

Prepare the Filling

Cut halloumi into strips and crumble the feta. Pick parsley sprigs or chop them, depending on your preference.

Assemble the Cigars

Lay out one sheet of pastry, place a piece of halloumi, a sprinkle of feta, and some parsley at one end. Roll tightly into a cigar shape, tucking in the sides to seal. Brush the edge with water or a little oil to keep it closed. Repeat until all cigars are rolled.

Heat the Oil

Pour sunflower oil into a frying pan, about 1 inch deep. Heat over medium-high until shimmering.

Fry the Cigars

Carefully fry the cigars in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove with tongs and drain on paper towels.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if you like, and pair with a cool yogurt dip or fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 20 cigars
Calories per serving: ~95
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Turkish Cigars

• As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties or family gatherings.
• With Mezze Platters: Serve alongside hummus, olives, and pita.
• With Salads: Pair with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
• As a Snack: Great with tea or a cold drink.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: Assemble cigars and store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked cigars on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Fry straight from frozen.
• Storage: Cooked cigars are best fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or Aleppo pepper to the cheese mix.
• Different Herbs: Try mint or dill for a fresh twist.
• Other Cheeses: Swap in mozzarella or kasseri for a gooier filling.
• Baked Version: Brush with oil and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Additional Tips

• Seal edges well: This prevents oil from seeping inside.
• Test oil temperature: Drop in a small piece of pastry—it should sizzle immediately.
• Don’t walk away: They fry quickly and can burn if left unattended.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A1: Yes! Brush with olive oil and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until crisp.

Q2: Can I use only feta?
A2: Absolutely, but the mix of halloumi and feta gives the best texture and flavor.

Q3: What dip pairs best?
A3: A cool garlic yogurt sauce, tzatziki, or even sweet chili sauce works great.

Q4: Can I make these vegetarian?
A4: They already are! Just make sure your cheeses are made with vegetarian rennet.

Q5: Can I prep these for a crowd?
A5: Yes—roll them ahead of time, keep them chilled or frozen, then fry before serving.

Q6: Do they stay crisp?
A6: Best enjoyed fresh, but reheating in the oven helps restore crispness.

Q7: Can I use spring roll wrappers instead of phyllo?
A7: Yes, though the texture will be different—more chewy than flaky.

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Conclusion

These Turkish Cigars are proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most irresistible bites. Crispy, golden pastry wrapped around gooey, salty cheese—what’s not to love? Whether you’re serving them as a snack, an appetizer, or part of a mezze spread, they’re guaranteed to be devoured.

So grab some phyllo, heat up your oil, and roll your way into one of Turkey’s most beloved bites. Once you’ve made them, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Watch how to make these crispy cheese-filled pastries