Homemade Phyllo Dough Recipe (Filo Pastry)
Shaziya
Mastering the art of homemade phyllo dough is a rewarding journey that yields paper-thin, flaky layers perfect for both sweet and savory creations. With just a few simple ingredients, you can craft a pastry that’s light, crisp, and irresistibly delicate, elevating dishes like baklava or spanakopita to new heights.
Prep Time 2 minutes mins
Total Time 4 minutes mins
For the Dough
- 2 cups bread flour
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Rolling
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Make the DoughIn a large bowl, combine the flour and olive oil. Using your fingers, rub the oil into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.In a measuring jug, combine the water, vinegar and salt. Pour in almost all the liquid, holding back a little just incase you don't need it all. Mix until the dough comes together to form a ball. If needed, add a little more liquid to bring it together. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, adding a little flour if absolutely necessary to keep the dough from being too sticky. Wrap well and let rest at room temperature for two hours.
Make the Flour Mixture for RollingIn a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and flour together. Set aside by a work surface.
Divide the dough into 20 equal portions by first cutting the dough in half, then half each portion so you have 4 equal pieces. Divide each piece into five portions and roll each into a ball.Keep five balls of dough out and the rest under a clean tea towel to stay moist.
Roll the DoughGenerously dust your work surface and a ball of dough with the flour mix. Roll the dough into a 5 inch (12 ½ cm) circle and dust with a bit more. Repeat with the remaining four balls of dough, stacking one on top of the other. Be sure to add flour in between the layers to stop them from sticking together.Keeping the dough stacked, roll out to a circle about 8 inches (20 cm). Separate the layers, add more flour in between, restack and then roll out to a 10-12 inch circle (25-30 cm). The dough layers should be paper thin and translucent.Carefully pull apart the layers, dust a touch more flour in between, restack and place the dough stack between two pieces of parchment paper and roll up. Wrap well in plastic wrap and refrigerate while you finish rolling the rest of the dough in this same manner.Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, until ready to use. It can also be frozen for up to 4 weeks.
Keyword filo pastry, Greek pastry, homemade pastry, phyllo dough, thin dough sheets