More Amazing Phyllo Dough Recipes

Phyllo dough is a thin, flaky pastry that can be used in many tasty dishes. From sweet desserts to savory snacks, this versatile ingredient adds a delightful crunch to recipes. You can find phyllo dough in most grocery stores, making it easy to try new recipes at home.

Phyllo dough recipes range from simple appetizers to fancy main courses and decadent desserts. You’ll discover options for every meal and occasion. Whether you want to make classic Greek spanakopita or try something new like phyllo-wrapped chicken, there are plenty of ideas to explore. With a little practice, you can create impressive dishes that look and taste great.

1. Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a classic Greek dish that uses phyllo dough. It’s a savory pie filled with spinach and feta cheese.

To make spanakopita, you’ll need phyllo sheets, spinach, feta, onions, and herbs. Cook the spinach mixture first, then layer phyllo sheets in a baking pan.

Brush each phyllo sheet with olive oil or melted butter. Add the filling, then top with more phyllo layers. Cut the pie into squares before baking.

Bake your spanakopita until the crust turns golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish makes a great appetizer or main course.

2. Baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup. To make it, you’ll need phyllo sheets, chopped nuts, and spices like cinnamon.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan. Mix chopped nuts with cinnamon in a bowl.

Layer sheets of phyllo in the pan, brushing each with melted butter. Add nut mixture between layers. Cut into diamond shapes before baking.

Bake for about 50 minutes until golden brown. While it bakes, make a syrup with sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Pour the hot syrup over the baked baklava and let it cool.

3. Apple Turnovers

Apple turnovers made with phyllo dough are a delicious treat. To make them, you’ll need phyllo sheets, apples, sugar, cinnamon, and butter.

Start by cooking diced apples with sugar and cinnamon until tender. Let the mixture cool before using.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay out a sheet of phyllo and brush it with melted butter. Add more layers, brushing each with butter.

Cut the layered phyllo into squares. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners to create a triangle shape.

Bake the turnovers for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before enjoying your crispy, sweet apple treats.

4. Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie gets a crispy upgrade with phyllo dough. You can make this comforting dish in about an hour. Start by cooking chicken, veggies, and seasonings in broth.

Next, thicken the mixture with flour and milk. Pour it into a baking dish. Top with crumbled or strips of phyllo dough. Spray or brush the phyllo with oil or butter for extra crispiness.

Bake until the phyllo turns golden brown, usually 6-10 minutes. The result is a flaky, lighter version of the classic chicken pot pie. You’ll love the contrast between the crisp top and creamy filling.

5. Cheese Straws

Cheese straws are a tasty snack made with phyllo dough and cheese. You can make them easily at home. Start by layering sheets of phyllo dough and brushing each layer with melted butter.

Sprinkle grated cheese over the top layer. Parmesan or cheddar work well. Cut the dough into strips and twist them gently.

Place the twisted strips on a baking sheet. Bake them in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. They’re done when golden brown and crispy.

Serve your cheese straws warm as an appetizer or snack. You can make them ahead and freeze for up to 3 months.

6. Nutella Pastry Bites

Nutella pastry bites are a tasty treat you can make with phyllo dough. Start by brushing sheets of phyllo with melted butter. Cut the dough into small squares.

Place a small dollop of Nutella in the center of each square. Fold the corners up to create little packets. Brush the tops with more butter.

Bake the bites until they’re golden and crispy. Let them cool slightly before eating. These sweet morsels are perfect for parties or snacking.

You can add sliced bananas or other fruits to the Nutella for extra flavor. Try sprinkling powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish.

7. Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tartlets

These tasty tartlets combine earthy mushrooms with creamy goat cheese in a crispy phyllo shell. To make them, start by sautéing mushrooms with garlic and butter until browned.

While the mushrooms cook, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place phyllo cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Fill each cup with a small amount of goat cheese, then top with the cooked mushroom mixture. For extra flavor, add some fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Bake the tartlets for about 10 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy. Let them cool slightly before serving. These make a great appetizer for parties or a light lunch.

8. Phyllo-Wrapped Asparagus

Phyllo-wrapped asparagus is a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You’ll need fresh asparagus, phyllo dough, and melted butter.

Start by trimming the tough ends off the asparagus spears. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Cut the phyllo dough into strips. Brush each strip with melted butter. Wrap a strip around each asparagus spear.

Place the wrapped spears on a baking sheet. Cook them for about 15 minutes until the phyllo is golden and crispy.

For extra flavor, try adding cheese or wrapping the asparagus in prosciutto before wrapping in phyllo. This dish is sure to impress your guests.

9. Spinach and Feta Triangles

Spinach and feta triangles are a tasty Greek appetizer made with crispy phyllo dough. You’ll love these savory bites filled with a mix of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs.

To make them, start by cooking onions and garlic in butter or olive oil. Add chopped spinach and let it wilt. Mix in crumbled feta, ricotta, eggs, and Greek yogurt for a creamy filling.

Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter. Add another layer on top. Cut the dough into strips and place a spoonful of filling at one end. Fold the strip into triangles, sealing the edges.

Brush the triangles with more butter and bake until golden brown. Serve these flaky treats warm as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.

10. Cherry Hand Pies

Cherry hand pies are a tasty treat you can easily make at home. You’ll need pie crust and cherry filling to get started.

Roll out your pie crust and cut it into small circles or rectangles. Place a spoonful of cherry filling in the center of each piece.

Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork. This creates individual pocket-sized pies.

Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Cut small slits to let steam escape while baking.

Bake the pies until they’re golden brown. Let them cool before enjoying your homemade cherry hand pies.

11. Phyllo-Wrapped Brie

Phyllo-wrapped brie is a tasty appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. You’ll love how the crispy phyllo dough contrasts with the gooey, melted cheese inside.

To make this dish, wrap a wheel of brie in layers of buttered phyllo sheets. Bake it until golden brown and crispy. The result is a warm, rich treat perfect for parties.

Try adding extras like almonds or honey for more flavor. You can also spread some jam on the brie before wrapping it. Serve your phyllo-wrapped brie with crackers or fruit slices for a delicious snack.

12. Chocolate Phyllo Cups

Chocolate phyllo cups are a delightful treat that combines crispy pastry with rich chocolate. You can make these easily at home using store-bought phyllo sheets.

Start by layering several sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with melted butter. Cut the layered sheets into small squares and press them into a mini muffin tin.

Bake the cups until golden brown and crisp. Once cooled, fill them with chocolate mousse or ganache. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for extra indulgence.

These bite-sized desserts are perfect for parties or as an after-dinner sweet. You can prepare the cups ahead of time and fill them just before serving.

13. Eggplant Parmesan Phyllo Rolls

Eggplant Parmesan Phyllo Rolls offer a crispy twist on the classic Italian dish. You’ll start by roasting sliced eggplant until tender.

Next, mix the cooled eggplant with marinara sauce, fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture onto sheets of phyllo dough.

Roll up the phyllo sheets tightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces. Brush the rolls with olive oil or melted butter for a golden finish.

Bake the rolls until crisp and golden brown. Serve hot as an appetizer or side dish. These rolls give you all the flavors of eggplant Parmesan in a fun, handheld package.

14. Mini Quiches

Mini quiches made with phyllo dough are a delightful appetizer or brunch option. You can create these bite-sized treats by using pre-made phyllo shells or cutting phyllo sheets to fit muffin tins.

Fill the shells with a mixture of eggs, cream, cheese, and your favorite additions. Popular choices include spinach, ham, sausage, or vegetables.

Bake the mini quiches at 325°F to 385°F for about 15 minutes. The phyllo crust will turn golden brown and crispy, while the egg filling becomes puffy and set.

These versatile quiches can be customized to suit your taste. Try different cheese combinations or add herbs for extra flavor. Serve them warm for a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering.

15. Lemon Cream Phyllo Cups

Lemon Cream Phyllo Cups offer a delightful blend of tangy and sweet flavors in a crispy shell. You’ll love how easy they are to make.

Start by baking store-bought phyllo cups until golden brown. While they cool, whip up a creamy lemon filling using cream cheese, lemon juice, and powdered sugar.

Fold in some whipped cream to make the filling extra light and airy. Spoon the mixture into the cooled phyllo cups.

For a pretty finish, top each cup with a fresh strawberry slice. Keep these treats refrigerated until you’re ready to serve them to your guests.

These bite-sized desserts are perfect for parties or as a quick sweet treat. The crisp phyllo and zesty lemon create a tasty contrast your taste buds will enjoy.

16. Beef Wellington Bites

Beef Wellington Bites are a tasty twist on the classic dish. You can make these appetizers using phyllo dough for a crispy exterior.

Cut beef into small cubes and season with salt and pepper. Quickly sear the beef pieces in a hot pan for about 1-2 minutes per side.

Wrap the cooled beef in buttered phyllo sheets. Add mushrooms for extra flavor if desired. Roll the phyllo tightly around the beef.

Bake the bites at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. These mini Beef Wellingtons are perfect for parties or as a fancy snack.

17. Crispy Phyllo Fish

Crispy phyllo fish is a delicious way to enjoy seafood. You wrap fish fillets in layers of buttered phyllo dough. This creates a light, flaky crust around the fish.

Cod or halibut work well for this dish. Season the fish with salt, pepper, and herbs before wrapping. Brush each phyllo sheet with melted butter as you layer them.

Bake the wrapped fish in a hot oven until golden brown. The phyllo becomes crispy while the fish stays moist inside. Serve with lemon wedges and a side salad for a tasty meal.

18. Blueberry Phyllo Purses

Blueberry phyllo purses are a delightful treat you can make at home. To create these, start with sheets of phyllo dough.

Mix blueberries, sugar, and a bit of cornstarch for the filling. Place a spoonful in the center of a phyllo square.

Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to form a pouch. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.

Bake the purses until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with a sweet, juicy blueberry center.

Serve these purses warm for a tasty dessert or brunch item. They’re perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a special treat.

19. Raspberry Cream Cheese Phyllo Triangles

Raspberry Cream Cheese Phyllo Triangles are tasty treats you can make at home. You’ll need phyllo dough, raspberries, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract.

Start by mixing mashed raspberries with cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter. Cut it into strips.

Place a small amount of the raspberry mixture at one end of each strip. Fold the strips into triangles, sealing the filling inside. Brush the outside with more butter.

Bake the triangles until they’re golden brown and crispy. Let them cool slightly before eating. These make great snacks or desserts for parties.

20. Samosa Phyllo Triangles

Samosa phyllo triangles offer a crispy twist on the classic Indian snack. These flaky treats are filled with spiced potatoes and peas.

To make them, cook diced potatoes until soft. Sauté onions with spices like curry powder and cumin. Mix the spiced onions with the potatoes and peas.

Place a spoonful of filling on a strip of phyllo dough. Fold the dough into triangles, sealing the edges. Brush with oil or melted butter.

Bake the triangles in a preheated oven until golden brown. Serve these crunchy bites warm as an appetizer or party snack. They pair well with chutney or yogurt dip.

21. Phyllo Pizza

Phyllo pizza offers a light, crispy alternative to traditional dough. You can create this unique dish by layering sheets of phyllo in a baking pan, brushing each layer with melted butter.

Top the phyllo base with your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. Popular choices include tomatoes, onions, and herbs.

Bake your phyllo pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. The result is a deliciously crunchy pizza with a flaky crust.

Cut the pizza into squares for easy serving. This versatile recipe works well for appetizers or a light main course. You can experiment with different toppings to suit your taste preferences.

22. Pumpkin Phyllo Triangles

Pumpkin phyllo triangles are a tasty fall treat that combine crispy layers of phyllo dough with a sweet pumpkin filling. You’ll love these flaky pastries as an appetizer or dessert.

To make them, mix pumpkin puree with honey, cinnamon, and other warm spices. Spread this mixture onto strips of phyllo dough and fold them into triangles.

Bake the triangles until golden brown and crispy. The result is a perfect blend of textures – crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

These treats are great for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. Try drizzling them with extra honey or dusting with powdered sugar for added sweetness.

23. Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry brie bites are a tasty party appetizer you can make with phyllo cups. They’re easy to prepare and look great on a platter.

To make them, you’ll need phyllo shells, brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and nuts like pistachios or pecans. Cut the brie into small pieces that fit in the shells.

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the phyllo shells on a baking sheet and add a piece of brie to each one. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts.

Bake for about 6 minutes until the cheese melts and gets bubbly. Serve these bites right away while they’re warm and gooey.

24. Phyllo-Wrapped Shrimp

Phyllo-wrapped shrimp is a tasty appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests. You’ll need phyllo dough, shrimp, butter, and seasonings.

Start by thawing the phyllo dough. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Brush each sheet of phyllo with melted butter.

Cut the phyllo into strips and wrap each shrimp, leaving the tail exposed. Place the wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet.

Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

These crispy treats are perfect for parties or as a fun weekend snack. You can add herbs or spices to the butter for extra flavor.

25. Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Cups

Buffalo chicken phyllo cups are a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You’ll need phyllo shells, shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, and green onions.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix the chicken, cheeses, buffalo sauce, and green onions in a bowl. Spoon this mixture into the phyllo cups on a baking sheet.

Bake the filled cups for about 10 minutes until they’re hot and the cheese is melty. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or game day snacks.

You can adjust the spiciness by changing the amount of buffalo sauce. For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of blue cheese on top before serving.

Understanding Phyllo Dough

Phyllo dough is a versatile ingredient used in many sweet and savory dishes. It’s known for its delicate, flaky texture and ability to create crispy layers in pastries and other baked goods.

What Is Phyllo Dough?

Phyllo dough is a very thin, unleavened pastry dough. It’s made from flour, water, and a small amount of oil or vinegar. The dough is rolled out into extremely thin sheets, often as thin as tissue paper.

When baked, phyllo becomes crispy and golden brown. It’s commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

You can buy phyllo dough frozen in most grocery stores. It needs to be thawed before use and handled carefully to prevent tearing.

History and Origins

Phyllo dough has ancient roots in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. It likely originated in the kitchens of the Ottoman Empire.

The word “phyllo” comes from Greek, meaning “leaf,” which refers to the paper-thin layers of the dough.

Traditionally, making phyllo was a labor-intensive process. Bakers would stretch the dough by hand until it was thin enough to read through.

Today, most phyllo is made by machine. This has made it more widely available and easier to use in home cooking.

Nutritional Information

Phyllo dough is relatively low in calories compared to other pastry doughs. A typical sheet contains about 20-25 calories.

It’s low in fat, with most of the fat coming from the butter or oil brushed between layers during cooking.

Phyllo is mostly carbohydrates from flour. It contains small amounts of protein but is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.

Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown for one sheet of phyllo dough:

  • Calories: 20-25
  • Carbohydrates: 4-5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Fat: 0-1g

Remember, these values can change based on how you prepare the phyllo and what fillings you use.

Tips for Working with Phyllo Dough

Phyllo dough can be tricky, but with the right approach, you’ll master it in no time. These tips will help you handle this delicate pastry like a pro and avoid common pitfalls.

Handling and Preparation

Keep phyllo dough covered while working. Use a damp kitchen towel over the sheets to prevent drying out. The towel should be slightly damp, not wet.

Thaw frozen phyllo in the fridge overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before use.

Work quickly but carefully. Have all your ingredients ready before starting.

Brush each layer with melted butter or oil. This helps create flaky, golden layers. Use about 1 tablespoon per sheet.

If sheets tear, don’t panic. Small tears won’t ruin your dish. You can often patch them or hide them between layers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let phyllo dry out. Exposed sheets become brittle and unusable quickly.

Avoid using too much moisture. A very wet towel can make the dough soggy and sticky.

Don’t rush the thawing process. Trying to use partially frozen phyllo will lead to tearing.

Be gentle when handling. Rough treatment can cause sheets to stick together or break.

Don’t skimp on the fat between layers. This is key for achieving the right texture and flavor.

Avoid overworking the dough. The less you handle it, the better your final product will be.

Storing and Freezing Phyllo Dough

Proper storage is key to keeping phyllo dough fresh and usable. Here are some tips to help you store and freeze it correctly.

Best Practices for Storage

Keep unopened phyllo dough in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Once opened, wrap it tightly in plastic and use within a few days.

Protect the dough from drying out. Cover it with a damp towel while working.

Store opened dough in an airtight container or resealable bag. Squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Place a sheet of wax paper between layers to stop them from sticking together.

How to Freeze and Thaw

Freeze unopened phyllo for 2-3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to lock out moisture.

To thaw, move frozen dough to the fridge overnight. Never thaw at room temperature.

Don’t separate sheets until fully thawed. Cold dough tears easily.

Once thawed, use the dough within 1-2 days for best results.

Refreeze phyllo only if it hasn’t been left out for more than 2 hours. Repeated freezing can make it brittle.