Phyllo dough is a versatile ingredient that can create many tasty dishes. Its thin, crispy layers add a delightful texture to both sweet and savory recipes.

From classic baklava to savory spinach pies, phyllo dough offers endless options for cooking.

These 25 phyllo dough recipes will give you new ideas for using this flaky pastry. You’ll find ways to make appetizers, main courses, and desserts.

The recipes range from simple to more complex, so there’s something for every skill level. Get ready to explore the world of phyllo dough cooking.

1. Spinach and Feta Triangles

Spinach and feta triangles are a tasty Greek appetizer made with flaky phyllo dough. To make them, mix cooked spinach with crumbled feta cheese, eggs, and herbs.

Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter. Add another layer on top and repeat.

Cut the layered dough into strips. Place a spoonful of the spinach-feta mixture at one end of each strip.

Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle shape. Keep folding until you reach the end of the strip.

Arrange the triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with butter and bake until golden brown and crispy.

2. Apple Cinnamon Strudel

Apple cinnamon strudel is a classic dessert you can easily make with phyllo dough. Start by cooking sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon until soft.

Add raisins and chopped walnuts to the apple mixture for extra flavor and texture. Let it cool before using.

Lay out sheets of phyllo dough and brush with melted butter. Spoon the apple filling along one edge and roll it up.

Brush the top with more butter and bake until golden brown. For a finishing touch, dust your strudel with powdered sugar before serving.

3. Chicken Pot Pie Bites

Chicken pot pie bites are a miniature twist on the classic comfort food. You can make these bite-sized treats using phyllo dough for a crispy outer layer.

Start by preparing a creamy chicken filling with diced chicken, vegetables, and a savory sauce.

Cut phyllo sheets into small squares and layer them in muffin tins. Fill each phyllo cup with the chicken mixture.

Bake until the edges are golden brown and crispy. These bite-sized pot pies are perfect for parties or as a fun weeknight dinner option.

Serve them warm for the best taste and texture. You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your tastes.

4. Baklava Delight

Baklava is a sweet treat that showcases phyllo dough’s versatility. This dessert combines layers of flaky pastry with nuts and honey syrup.

To make baklava, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch pan and set aside.

Chop nuts like pistachios or walnuts and mix with cinnamon. Layer sheets of phyllo dough in the pan, brushing each with melted butter.

Add your nut mixture between layers. Cut into diamond shapes before baking for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

While it bakes, prepare a syrup with sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Pour the warm syrup over the hot baklava when it comes out of the oven.

Let it cool and absorb the syrup before serving.

5. Cheese and Herb Twists

These tasty twists make a great appetizer or snack. Start by layering sheets of phyllo dough and brushing each with melted butter.

Sprinkle a mix of grated cheese and chopped fresh herbs over the top layer. Good choices include parmesan, feta, or cheddar paired with basil, thyme, or rosemary.

Cut the layered dough into strips and twist each one gently. Place the twists on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy.

The result is a crunchy, savory treat that’s hard to resist. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. These twists are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

6. Sausage Roll Ups

Sausage roll ups combine savory meat with crispy phyllo dough for a tasty appetizer. To make them, cook sausage with onions, mushrooms, and garlic until browned.

Let the mixture cool before rolling it in phyllo sheets. Brush each sheet of phyllo with melted butter before adding the filling.

This helps create flaky layers. Roll the filled phyllo into logs and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Bake the roll ups at 400°F for about 15 minutes until golden brown.

You can add extras like cheese, nuts, or dried fruit to the filling for more flavor. Serve warm as a party snack or light meal.

7. Mushroom and Leek Parcels

Mushroom and leek parcels are a tasty treat made with phyllo dough. You’ll love these savory bites filled with earthy mushrooms and sweet leeks.

To make them, cook mushrooms and leeks in butter until soft. Add garlic for extra flavor. Let the mixture cool before using.

Lay out sheets of phyllo dough and brush with melted butter. Place a spoonful of the mushroom-leek mix in the center. Fold the edges to create a parcel shape.

Bake the parcels in a preheated oven at 375°F until golden brown. Serve them hot as an appetizer or side dish. They’re perfect for parties or family dinners.

8. Lemon Curd Tarts

Lemon curd tarts are a delightful dessert that combines tangy lemon flavor with crispy phyllo shells. You can make these easily using store-bought phyllo cups or create your own.

To prepare, brush the phyllo shells with egg white and sprinkle with sugar. Bake until golden, about 8-10 minutes. Let them cool before filling.

Fill the cooled shells with homemade or store-bought lemon curd. For extra flair, pipe the curd using a pastry bag.

Top with fresh blueberries and mint leaves for a pretty finish.

These tarts are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time. The contrast of textures and flavors makes them a crowd-pleaser.

9. Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups

Ham and cheese roll-ups are a tasty treat using phyllo dough. You can make them easily at home.

Start by laying out a sheet of phyllo and brushing it with melted butter. Place thin slices of ham and shredded cheese in the center.

Roll it up tightly, tucking in the ends. Cut the roll into bite-sized pieces.

Arrange the roll-ups on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with more butter for a golden finish. Bake until crispy and the cheese melts.

These make great appetizers or snacks. You can add extra flavors like mustard or herbs if you want. Serve them warm for the best taste.

10. Pear and Brie Cups

Pear and Brie Cups are a tasty appetizer you can make with phyllo dough. These little bites combine sweet pears with creamy brie cheese.

To make them, start by cutting phyllo sheets into small squares. Press the squares into mini muffin tins to form cups.

Fill each cup with a small piece of brie and some diced pears. You can add a sprinkle of fresh thyme for extra flavor.

Bake the cups until the phyllo is golden and crispy. The brie will melt and the pears will soften.

These appetizers are great for parties. They look fancy but are actually easy to make. Your guests will love the mix of flavors and textures.

11. Greek-style Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a classic Greek dish that uses phyllo dough to create a crispy, flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese. You can make it as a large pie or as individual triangles.

To prepare the filling, sauté onions and garlic, then mix with cooked spinach, feta cheese, herbs, and eggs.

Layer several sheets of phyllo dough in a baking pan, brushing each with olive oil. Add the spinach mixture, then top with more phyllo layers.

Brush the top with olive oil and cut partially through before baking. Bake until the crust turns golden brown and crispy.

Serve spanakopita warm as a main dish or appetizer. It’s a tasty way to enjoy vegetables wrapped in crispy phyllo dough.

12. Chocolate Hazelnut Turnovers

Chocolate hazelnut turnovers are a delightful treat you can make with phyllo dough. To create these tasty pastries, start by preheating your oven to 375°F.

Place a sheet of phyllo dough on a flat surface and brush it with melted butter. Fold the sheet in half.

Spread about a tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread near one edge, leaving space around the sides. Fold the corners over the filling to form a triangle shape.

Press the edges with a fork to seal. Place the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.

These flaky, chocolatey treats are perfect for dessert or a special snack.

13. Eggplant and Tomato Galette

This savory galette combines the rich flavors of eggplant and tomatoes in a flaky phyllo crust. Start by rolling out the phyllo dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Sprinkle cheese over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Layer sliced eggplant and tomatoes on top in a fan or circular pattern.

Fold the edges of the dough over to create a rustic crust. Brush with olive oil and add herbs like oregano for extra flavor.

Bake the galette until the crust is golden and the vegetables are tender. This dish makes a great light lunch or dinner option.

14. Mini Beef Wellington

Mini Beef Wellingtons are a tasty twist on the classic dish. You wrap small beef fillets in phyllo dough instead of puff pastry. This creates a lighter, crispier crust.

Start by searing the beef fillets. Let them cool, then top with mushroom mixture.

Wrap each fillet in layers of phyllo dough sprayed with cooking spray.

Bake the mini Wellingtons at 425°F for about 10 minutes. They’re done when the phyllo turns golden brown. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or fancy dinners. They look impressive but are simpler to make than you might think.

15. Fig and Goat Cheese Tartlets

These tasty bites are perfect for parties or as a fancy snack. You’ll need phyllo shells, goat cheese, fig preserves, and prosciutto.

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Put the phyllo shells on a baking sheet.

Fill each shell with goat cheese, fig preserves, and a piece of prosciutto.

Bake for 7-10 minutes until the shells are crisp. The preserves will start to melt, creating a gooey center.

For extra flavor, try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of black pepper before baking.

You can also use fresh figs instead of preserves when they’re in season. These tartlets are best served warm, but they’re still yummy at room temperature.

16. Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers

Cinnamon sugar palmiers are a delightful treat you can make with phyllo dough. These crispy, sweet pastries are shaped like butterflies or elephant ears.

To make them, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on your work surface. Lay a sheet of phyllo dough on top and sprinkle more sugar.

Gently roll it with a pin to press the sugar in. Roll up both long sides of the dough toward the center.

Slice the roll into pieces and bake until golden brown.

Palmiers are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. You can customize them by adding other spices or flavors to the sugar mixture.

17. Roasted Vegetable Strudels

Roasted vegetable strudels are a tasty way to use phyllo dough. You can fill them with your favorite roasted veggies for a colorful and flavorful dish.

To make these strudels, start by roasting vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and onions.

Cut them into bite-sized pieces after cooking. Layer sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with melted butter.

Spread the roasted veggie mix on one end and roll it up. Tuck in the edges to seal.

Before baking, cut a few slits in the top of the strudel. This lets steam escape and creates a nice crispy crust.

Brush the outside with more butter for extra flakiness. Bake until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.

Serve your roasted vegetable strudels warm as a main dish or appetizer.

18. Seafood and Cheese Pies

Seafood and cheese pies make a tasty combo using phyllo dough. You can mix shrimp, scallops, and salmon with creamy cheeses for a rich filling.

Try wrapping seafood and feta in scrunched phyllo sheets for a Greek-inspired dish. The crispy layers contrast nicely with the soft interior.

For appetizers, make small triangles filled with shrimp and cream cheese. Add some dill and green onions for extra flavor.

Bake until golden and serve warm. Experiment with different fish and shellfish in your pies. White fish, crab, or even lobster work well.

Pair them with cheeses like fontina or mozzarella for a gooey center.

19. Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites are a tasty appetizer that combines creamy cheese with tart fruit. You can make them using phyllo cups for a quick and easy option.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.

Cut brie cheese into small cubes and place one in each phyllo cup. Top the cheese with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.

For extra flavor, you can make your own sauce with cranberries, sugar, and water. Sprinkle some chopped pistachios or pecans on top for crunch.

Bake the bites for about 6-8 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Let them cool briefly before serving.

These bites are best enjoyed warm, making them perfect for holiday parties or gatherings.

20. Almond Cream Puffs

Almond cream puffs are a tasty treat you can make with phyllo dough. Start by layering sheets of phyllo, brushing each with melted butter.

Cut the layered dough into squares and shape them into small cups. Fill these cups with a smooth almond cream mixture.

Bake the puffs until golden brown and crispy. Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.

These bite-sized desserts are perfect for parties or as an after-dinner treat. The crispy phyllo shell pairs wonderfully with the creamy almond filling.

21. Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Buffalo chicken wraps with phyllo dough are a tasty twist on the classic dish. You’ll love the crispy texture of the phyllo combined with spicy chicken filling.

To make these, start by mixing shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese. Spread this mixture on sheets of phyllo dough brushed with olive oil or melted butter.

Roll up the phyllo sheets with the filling inside. Place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy.

Serve hot with blue cheese dressing for dipping. These wraps are perfect for game day snacks or a fun dinner.

You can adjust the spice level by using more or less buffalo sauce to suit your taste.

22. Mango and Coconut Rolls

These tropical treats are easy to make with phyllo dough. Start by layering several sheets of phyllo, brushing each with melted butter.

Spread a mixture of diced mango and shredded coconut over the dough. Roll it up tightly, then slice into small rounds.

Place the rolls on a baking sheet and brush with more butter. Bake until golden and crispy.

Serve these sweet and fruity rolls warm for a tasty snack or dessert. The crisp phyllo contrasts nicely with the soft mango filling.

23. Chorizo and Potato Empanadas

Chorizo and potato empanadas blend savory flavors in a crispy phyllo dough wrapper.

You’ll start by cooking potatoes until tender, then browning them with onions and garlic. Next, cook the chorizo until it’s crispy.

Mix it with the potato mixture and add spices like oregano for extra flavor. Let this filling cool before using.

To assemble, place a spoonful of the mixture on a phyllo dough sheet. Fold and seal the edges to create a half-moon shape, then brush with egg wash for a golden finish.

Bake the empanadas at 400°F until they’re crispy and golden brown. Serve them warm as a tasty appetizer or meal.

24. Lasagna Roll-Ups

Lasagna roll-ups are a fun twist on classic lasagna.

You start by cooking lasagna noodles until al dente. Then spread each noodle with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.

Add some ground beef or sausage if you like. Roll up each noodle and place seam-side down in a baking dish.

Top with tomato sauce and more cheese, then bake at 375°F for about 35 minutes until bubbly.

These roll-ups are easier to serve than traditional layered lasagna. They’re great for make-ahead meals too.

25. Mixed Berry Tarts

Mixed berry tarts made with phyllo dough are a delightful treat. You can create these tasty desserts using a muffin tin for individual servings.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray the muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Mix strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a bowl. Add honey and lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

Layer phyllo sheets in the muffin cups, brushing each layer with melted butter. Fill the cups with the berry mixture.

Bake the tarts for 5-7 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown. Let them cool before serving.

These crispy, fruity tarts are perfect for parties or as a light dessert after dinner.

Understanding Phyllo Dough

Phyllo dough is a thin, delicate pastry used in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. It’s known for its flaky texture and versatility in both sweet and savory recipes.

Origins and History

Phyllo dough has roots in ancient Greek and Turkish cuisine. The word “phyllo” means “leaf” in Greek, referring to the dough’s paper-thin layers. This pastry has been a staple in Mediterranean cooking for centuries.

Phyllo’s popularity spread throughout the Ottoman Empire. It became a key ingredient in many traditional dishes across the region. Today, you can find phyllo used in recipes worldwide.

The technique of rolling dough into thin sheets dates back to the 11th century. Bakers developed this method to create light, crispy pastries. Over time, the process was refined to produce the ultra-thin phyllo we know today.

Main Ingredients

Phyllo dough is made from simple ingredients. The basic recipe includes:

• Flour
• Water
• Salt
• Sometimes a small amount of oil or white vinegar

You mix these ingredients to form a dough. The dough is then rolled out very thin, often by hand. This process requires skill and patience to achieve the right thickness.

Modern phyllo is often made by machine. This ensures consistent thickness and quality. You can buy pre-made phyllo sheets in most grocery stores.

When working with phyllo, you need to keep it moist. Cover unused sheets with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Brush each layer with melted butter or oil before using in recipes.

Tips for Working with Phyllo Dough

Phyllo dough can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you’ll create flaky, delicious pastries. Follow these tips to make working with phyllo easier and more successful.

Handling Techniques

Thaw phyllo dough in the fridge overnight, keeping it cold until use.

When ready, unroll the sheets on a clean, dry surface. Cover unused sheets with plastic wrap and a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Work quickly but gently. Phyllo tears easily, so handle it with care. If a sheet rips, don’t worry – you can patch it or use it in the middle layers where it won’t show.

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

For smaller dishes, trim sheets to fit using scissors or a sharp knife. Don’t stress if they’re not perfect – phyllo is forgiving once baked.

Storage and Preservation

Unused phyllo should be wrapped tightly in plastic, then foil.

Store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

When freezing, place wax paper between sheets to prevent sticking.

Thaw frozen phyllo in the fridge, never at room temperature.

Once thawed, don’t refreeze phyllo. Use it within a few days for best results.

If it dries out, it becomes brittle and hard to work with.

Leftover baked phyllo dishes can be stored in the fridge, covered, for 3-5 days.

Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.