Get Creative with Delicious Phyllo Dough Recipes

Did you hear about phyllo dough before? Is it your first time working on phyllo dough? Then you have to read this article for a thorough concept of what exactly we mean by phyllo dough! These are mainly used for making pastries and patties! So this time if you are in the mood to indulge in some baking then here are some useful tips that help you to work on it! So let us have a detailed discussion about phyllo dough then, shall we? Let's go!

Concept about phyllo dough-

So if this is your first time working on phyllo dough then let us tell you that it is unleavened dough which is used for making pastries mainly! Originating in the Middle Eastern and Balkan region, phyllo dough plays a significant role in their respective cuisines. In the case of filo-based pastries, these have several thin layers which is the specialty of the dough which folds upon one another to create these flaky layers. You can quite easily distinguish between phyllo dough patisseries and others.

The term phyllo originated from the Greek-based word which means leaves. It is significant of thin and unleavened bread

Origin of the phyllo dough- several cultures around the world claim this practice to be of their own! The stretching of the dough and then folding it one upon the other to create the layers are not unique to one culture but! Some experts think that it might have originated in ancient Greek as mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, written around 800 BC. There you shall find the mention of thin bread sweetened with walnuts and honey. Yes, quite surprising isn't it? It is rather intriguing to trace back the origin of phyllo dough to such ancient times.

Many are also of the opinion that the concept of phyllo dough originated among the Turks. Mention in the 11th century about yufka, a "pleated or folded bread" has been made in some records as well. Even during the Ottoman period, the concept of filo existed in the Topkapi Palace.

Let's discuss the preparation- so next comes the question of how to make it! Well, your answer is right here! Made with flour, water, and a small amount of oil, if you are planning to make it at home, multiple folding is required. Rolling and stretching into thin layers are also needed. One shall need a large table to accomplish the job. If you are planning to do it all by yourself with your hands then you shall need the assistance of a rolling pin. Continuous flouring is needed between each layer so none stick to one another. Mechanical rollers are also used to reduce the workload.

• Interesting facts- here is an intriguing fact for one to find out! Before World War I, two filmmakers were used to making thin sheets of dough for baklava and little thicker ones for borek.

First, the thin layers of dough are made and then spread with flour so that none of the layers stick to each other when overlapping takes place. Drizzled with butter, the filo doughs are ready to be baked into wonderful patisseries. Croissants and puff pastries are made in a similar pattern with the aid of phyllo dough. There are several ways of making filo dough which include layered, folded, rolled, or ruffled, with various fillings.

Is there something really good about working on phyllo dough?

There are definitely several reasons to rejoice about phyllo dough! It is absolutely low or null in trans fat and saturated fat. Cholesterol content is also very low and there are only 160 calories in every five sheets! Yes, it is true, that when we are talking about phyllo dough, these are definitely good for one's consumption.

What are some of the tips that you should keep in mind as you make phyllo dough?

1. When you buy phyllo dough, it is mostly sold frozen, and hence, as a result, you are instructed to thaw it first!

There are different instructions as to how you are expected to thaw the flour so read the manual behind the pack carefully. It is to be noted that thawing at room temperature is not the best thing for one to do! This will turn the dough to be gummy and difficult to fold.

2. You should unroll the dough always on a flat and dry surface-

You should cover the unused phyllo with plastic wrap and then with a wet towel so that the dough sheets do not dry up and crack. You can uncover the sheet when you wish to work on it and then eventually start your job. There is no need for you to continuously brush every layer with butter.

3. Ideal temperature and rule of baking-

The filling should not be at room temperature or too chilled. Excess moisture for the filling is also not good when we talk about filings. You should work fast as quickly as you can on the phyllo dough so that the phyllo sheet should not get cracked, which can happen eventually if you leave it exposed for a long time. If such a thing happens then grab another sheet and keep working. If there are extras left then you can refreeze them and store them for some other day.

Baking should be done at 375°F until the phyllo sheet turns golden brown. You shall require eight to twenty minutes for the process. You may use a cooking spray to keep the phyllo sheets from drying off!

Why is filo pastry used as a healthy alternative to puff pastries?

The protein content in filo pastry is much more than that of puff pastries. If you wish to opt for a low carbohydrate diet then filo pastries are permitted but puff pastries are discarded from your food list. The average nutrient content in a filo pastry is as follows-

11g total carbs, 10.5g net carbs, 0.6g fat, 1.7g protein, and 59 calories per serving.

So is Filo dough healthy to consume?

To be honest, there is no definite way to answer this question and it is highly subjective depending on the preference of your diet. While carbs can be good for a few, it may not be the same for other dieters. Depending on the quality of ingredients that are used and the method of preparation. Filo dough can be categorized as healthy or not.

Now that you are more or less aware of filo dough and its usage, let us quickly focus on some recipes that you can make!

Delicious Phyllo Dough Recipes for the Home Cook

1. Apple strudel

The enriching combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter in this classic apple strudel makes it a delightful recipe indeed. Perfect to serve as breakfast on a Sunday morning!

2. Phyllo crinkle cake

It is needless to state that the Phyllo crinkle cake became an internet sensation a couple of days ago! The gooey presence of syrup and lime juice makes it taste even better! Do give it a try for sure!

3. Egyptian phyllo meat pie

Try out this ancient savory recipe made with filo dough and brought all the way from the Lands of the Pharaohs. Packed with ground beef and pepper, this is an excellent idea that you can make for snacks and serve with tea.

4. German Bee Sting cake

The delicious German Bee Sting cake is made with a crumbly almond and honey topping with luxurious cream filling in the center. If you are in the mood for something traditional, then go ahead and try this for dessert this week!

5. Phyllo dough cinnamon rolls

The Phyllo dough cinnamon rolls drizzled with cream all over are the most exciting way to celebrate the arrival of falls. Delectable and gooey, this is a fantastic idea that will leave your mouth watering and tempted for more and more.

6. Chicken pot pie with phyllo

Yes, indeed! You heard it right! There is a recipe to make chicken pot pie but with phyllo dough in it! Didn't hear of it before? Wondering how this one shall taste? Well, you have to try and find out by yourself! So good luck!

7. Apple phyllo pie

The Apple phyllo pie is another extremely yummy recipe that we are sure you will love to consume at the end of the dinner. Syrupy, creamy, and soft, this is perfect to impress the guests with your culinary skills.

8. Crinkle cake recipe with phyllo dough

Packed with jelly, fruits, and treats, the Crinkle cake recipe is ideal to sway you off your feet! And the best part is you do not have to go through a hassle while baking them! Easy-peasy and yummy combined in a single recipe.

9. German butter cake( butter kuchen)

Here is a traditional cake recipe with phyllo dough from German cuisine that you ought to find impressive! Celebrate during the holidays by baking something nice like this one during the vacations.

10. German cherry crumble cake

Here is another German delicacy that you simply can not miss out on! Delicious, tangy, and tender, the cherry cake is a dream come true for dessert lovers. You must give it a try and tell us how it tastes for sure!

11. Strawberry turnover with phyllo dough

The recipe is strawberry turnover with phyllo dough will simply leave no stones unturned! A sheer treat for the taste buds make the most of phyllo dough with this excellent idea right here. Rose glazed and filled with berries, there are hardly words to describe its magnificence.

12. Strawberry phyllo crinkle cake

Drizzled with an abundance of sugar dust and filled with raw and juicy strawberries, the recipe for phyllo crinkle cake is a top-notch recipe with a subtle essence of cinnamon too! So shall we try it out then?

13. Caramelized onions and phyllo tarts

We came across this recipe of caramelized onion with phyllo tart and knew absolutely well that you must be introduced to its flavor. Sweet and savory at the same time, this is a brilliant idea that will make you crave more for it at the very first bite.

14. Phyllo raspberry pop tarts with vanilla glaze

Well, there is no end to exclusive ideas when it comes to exploring phyllo dough! Here is another recipe for raspberry pop tarts which are made with the same but with a wonderful twist! The vanilla glaze on top gives it a distinguished taste and irresistible flavor!

15. Autumn chicken and phyllo dough pot pies

Welcome the autumnal spirits with the phyllo dough chicken pot pie! You can enjoy this with a refreshing beverage on the sides.

16. Mediterranean phyllo pizza

Adorned with myriad toppings and a crispy base, you should definitely try out this all-new Mediterranean pizza! The vibrant topping of the pizza and the flaky crust gives it an air of uniqueness too! If you like pizza, this is a must-have!

17. Spinach and feta phyllo rolls

If you are looking for a vegan and savory dish with phyllo dough then here is where your search seizes! Try out the recipe for spinach and feta phyllo dough and we can guarantee that you will be swayed off your chair.

18. Chocolate-filled phyllo triangle

Well, here is some good news for chocolate lovers! The phyllo triangle with a center filled with rich and dense chocolate is what can leave you with the sense of ultimate foodgasm at the very first bite.

19. Chicken breast in phyllo

This recipe enables you to give a new definition to chicken breast steaks! Wrapped in phyllo dough, the chicken breast strips are ideal to consume during the holidays for brunch! It is both filling and healthy! Serve with spinach on the sides and enjoy it to your fullest.

20. Baked spinach and egg in phyllo pie

Oh, how can we miss out on the baked phyllo spinach and egg recipe? It is definitely one of its kind and you must try it out for breakfast.

Frequently asked questions associated with making phyllo dough recipe

1. Can you eat raw phyllo pastry?

Do not try to consume raw phyllo pastries as this can cause food poisoning! You are always expected to bake the dough and then consume it.

2. What are the benefits of phyllo pastry?

Phyllo dough is rich in proteins and has less trans fat and saturated fat compared to puff pastries! Hence it is picked as an alternative to many others.

3. What is the composition of phyllo dough?

Phyllo dough is an unleashed dough that is made with flour, water, vinegar, and a little oil! Each of the layers is evenly buttered and sprinkled with flour so they do not stick to each other or crack when dried.

4. Is phyllo pastry good for cholesterol patients?

Phyllo pastry contains zero cholesterol content and hence it is wise to say that phyllo pastry is ideal for cholesterol patients.

5. How long can phyllo pastries last?

If you store the phyllo pastries in a cool and dry place, then they can last up to a week. If there are excess phyllo sheets that you do not need for baking at this moment then you can rewrap them in a plastic sheet and wet towel and refreeze it for at least two months.

6. Does phyllo go bad inside a refrigerator?

If you haven't opened the packet for phyllo then it can last up to three weeks. And when frozen, this can go up to three months even. Open dough can last in the refrigerator for three days within which you are expected to make it. Baked phyllo can be stored in airtight containers for three days outside and three months in a freezer.

Bottom Line - So are we ready to make some absolutely lip-smacking phyllo pastries?