5 Flakiest Phyllo Dough Recipes to Try

Phyllo dough, with its delicate, paper-thin layers, is a pastry wonder. When baked, it transforms into a golden, crisp, and irresistibly flaky treat. Whether used in savory or sweet dishes, phyllo dough adds an elegant touch to any meal. If you’re looking to explore the versatility of phyllo dough, here are five recipes that will let you experience its flakiness at its finest.

1. Classic Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)

Spanakopita, a traditional Greek dish, features phyllo dough wrapped around a savory filling of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. The flaky layers contrast beautifully with the creamy, herby filling, making this a delicious and impressive dish for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh spinach, chopped
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 packet phyllo dough
• 50g butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Stir in the crumbled feta, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Layer several sheets of phyllo dough in a baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
4. Spread the spinach mixture over the phyllo layers.
5. Top with more phyllo sheets, again brushing each layer with butter.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.

2. Baklava

Baklava is a timeless dessert made by layering phyllo dough with chopped nuts and sweet syrup. The result is a rich, sweet treat that’s crisp, crunchy, and utterly delicious. Whether you use pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, baklava is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet phyllo dough
• 200g mixed nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or almonds), chopped
• 100g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 200g butter, melted
• 200g honey
• 50g water
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C. In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts, sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Brush a baking dish with melted butter and layer 10 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter.
3. Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo.
4. Add 5 more layers of phyllo, continuing to butter each sheet, and repeat the nut layering.
5. Once all layers are used, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Meanwhile, combine honey, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Pour the hot syrup over the baklava once it’s done baking. Let it soak and cool before serving.

3. Phyllo-Wrapped Brie with Cranberry Sauce

For a savory yet sweet appetizer, phyllo-wrapped brie with cranberry sauce is a perfect choice. The gooey, melted brie encased in the crispy, flaky phyllo dough is paired beautifully with the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce. This dish will be the star of any holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 wheel of brie cheese
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 packet phyllo dough
• 50g butter, melted
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Brush a baking sheet with melted butter.
2. Lay 4-5 sheets of phyllo dough on the sheet, brushing each layer with butter.
3. Place the wheel of brie in the center and top with cranberry sauce and fresh rosemary.
4. Fold the edges of the phyllo dough over the cheese, tucking in the sides to form a package.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
6. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving with crackers or bread.

4. Phyllo and Mushroom Wellington

Phyllo dough makes a wonderful alternative to puff pastry in this savory twist on the classic Beef Wellington. The earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic are wrapped in the flaky layers of phyllo for a vegetarian-friendly option that’s just as impressive.

Ingredients:

• 500g mixed mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet phyllo dough
• 50g butter, melted
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onions and garlic until soft. Add the mushrooms and cook until the mixture is dry and golden.
2. Remove from heat and stir in fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush a baking sheet with melted butter. Layer 6 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter.
4. Place the mushroom mixture in the center of the phyllo and fold the dough over to enclose the filling.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the phyllo is crisp and golden.

5. Apple and Cinnamon Phyllo Strudels

For a sweet treat, apple and cinnamon phyllo strudels are a must-try. The thin, flaky pastry wraps around a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 3 large apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 50g sugar
• 1 packet phyllo dough
• 50g butter, melted
• 50g raisins (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a bowl, toss the apple slices with cinnamon and sugar.
2. Lay 3-4 sheets of phyllo dough on a baking sheet, brushing each layer with melted butter.
3. Spoon the apple mixture down the center of the phyllo dough. Optionally, add raisins.
4. Roll the dough around the filling to form a log and brush the top with more butter.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

These five phyllo dough recipes offer a range of flavors from savory to sweet, each showcasing the light, flaky texture that makes phyllo dough so special. Whether you’re preparing an appetizer, a main course, or a dessert, these recipes will help you make the most of this versatile pastry. Enjoy!