Turkish Egg Pots, also known as Menemen-style baked eggs, are the perfect way to start your day with a burst of flavor. This one-pan dish combines silky eggs with a rich tomato-pepper base, seasoned with paprika and cumin, and finished with creamy yogurt and fresh herbs.
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Unlike traditional menemen which is scrambled, these egg pots are baked in individual ramekins, giving you a beautiful presentation and perfectly runny yolks every time. It's a versatile recipe that works for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
Use extra-virgin for best flavor; can substitute with butter for a richer taste.
1 medium onion, finely chopped
About 1 cup; use a sweet onion like Vidalia for a milder flavor.
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
Substitute with red or yellow for a sweeter note.
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best; use 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
4 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced (or 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes)
Canned tomatoes are a great time-saver; use fire-roasted for extra depth.
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
Smoked paprika adds a smoky twist; use regular if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Toasting the cumin in oil first enhances its flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Adjust based on the saltiness of your tomatoes.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly ground is best.
6 large eggs
Use room-temperature eggs for even cooking.
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Full-fat yogurt gives a creamier texture; use plant-based yogurt for dairy-free.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Fresh mint or dill also work well.
Tips & Tricks
Don't overcook the eggs
The yolks should be slightly jiggly when you remove them from the oven, as they'll continue to set.
- If you don't have ramekins, you can bake the eggs directly in the skillet: make wells in the tomato mixture and crack the eggs in, then bake.
- To peel tomatoes easily, score an X on the bottom, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease six 6-ounce ramekins with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Spices
Stir in the tomatoes, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape.
4. Fill Ramekins
Divide the tomato mixture evenly among the ramekins. Use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of each.
5. Crack the Eggs
Carefully crack one egg into each well. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Bake the Eggs
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. The edges will be bubbly and the whites will be opaque.
7. Add Yogurt and Garnish
Remove from oven and top each pot with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Delicious Variations
- Add crumbled feta cheese over the top before baking for a salty, creamy twist.
- Mix in 1/2 cup of cooked sausage or ground lamb for a heartier version.
- For a spicier kick, stir in a teaspoon of harissa paste with the tomatoes.
How to Store Turkish Egg Pots
Refrigerator
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended as the eggs will become rubbery.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Turkish egg pot?
Turkish egg pots are a baked egg dish made with a spiced tomato and pepper base, often served in individual ramekins. They are similar to menemen but baked instead of scrambled.
Q: Can I make Turkish egg pots ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture, then bake with the eggs as directed.
Q: How do I know when the eggs are done?
The eggs are done when the whites are set but the yolks are still slightly jiggly. The edges will be bubbly and the whites will be opaque.
Q: Can I use a different type of pepper?
Absolutely! Use any bell pepper color, or add a spicy chili like jalapeño for heat.
If you love this Turkish Egg Pots recipe, be sure to try my Shakshuka or Baked Eggs in Avocado for more one-pan breakfast ideas. Share your creations in the comments below!
Turkish Egg Pots
Turkish Egg Pots are a creamy, spiced skillet dish with eggs, tomatoes, and peppers, ready in 25 minutes for a hearty breakfast.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and diced (or 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat and Prep — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease six 6-ounce ramekins with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet.
- 2Sauté Aromatics — In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3Add Tomatoes and Spices — Stir in the tomatoes, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape.
- 4Fill Ramekins — Divide the tomato mixture evenly among the ramekins. Use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of each.
- 5Crack the Eggs — Carefully crack one egg into each well. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 6Bake the Eggs — Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. The edges will be bubbly and the whites will be opaque.
- 7Add Yogurt and Garnish — Remove from oven and top each pot with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve immediately.



