Go Back

Easy Crispy Spinach and Cheese Phyllo Dough Dishes

This comprehensive culinary guide showcases the versatility of phyllo dough dishes, offering expert tips and inspiration to help home cooks master both savory mains and sweet, flaky desserts.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 145

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz 280g Frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed completely dry)
  • 6 oz 170g Feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 4 oz 115g Cream cheese or Ricotta (at room temperature)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1 large Egg beaten
  • ¼ tsp Black pepper
  • A pinch of Nutmeg optional
  • For the Crispy Pastry Shell:
  • 12 sheets Phyllo dough fully thawed
  • ½ cup Unsalted butter melted for brushing

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prep the Spinach Filling
  2. Place the thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze hard to remove every single drop of excess water. (Crucial step to avoid soggy pastry!)
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dry spinach, crumbled feta, cream cheese, minced garlic, fresh dill, beaten egg, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
  4. Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo Sheets
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Unroll the phyllo sheets on a clean surface and immediately cover them with a damp cloth to prevent cracking.
  7. Lay 1 sheet of phyllo flat, brush it lightly with melted butter, then place a second sheet directly on top and brush again.
  8. Step 3: Cut and Fold into Triangles
  9. Using a sharp knife, cut the buttered sheets lengthwise into 3 equal, long strips.
  10. Place a rounded tablespoon of the spinach filling at the bottom end of each strip.
  11. Take one corner of the dough and fold it diagonally over the filling to form a triangle. Continue folding the triangle up the strip (like folding a flag) until you reach the end.
  12. Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
  13. Place the folded triangles on your prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
  14. Brush the tops generously with the remaining melted butter to ensure maximum crunch and a beautiful color.
  15. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven until the phyllo dough dishes turn deeply golden brown and ultra-crispy. Serve warm!