How to Make Phyllo Dough

Fill phyllo with your favorite foods and enjoy!

Phyllo, which means "leaf" in Greek, is a very thin pastry dough used in desserts and savory dishes alike. Most popular in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines, phyllo dough is very versatile and will easily complement any flavor you choose.

Things You'll Need

• 2 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. olive or vegetable oil
• Pastry board
• Mixing bowl
• Large, smooth table
• Sieve
• Clean kitchen towels

Instructions

1. 

   Sift salt and flour into a large mixing bowl.

2. 

   Slowly add water to dough, stirring until it stiffens. Place stiff dough on a pastry board.

3. Add a small amount of the oil to your hands to keep the dough from sticking as you knead it. Add more oil when the dough begins to stick.

4. 

   Continue kneading dough in a folding motion until it is smooth and elastic, and all of your oil has been used.

5. Roll the ball of dough in remaining oil and cover with a towel. Place in a warm spot like a warm oven and allow the dough to rest for at least 2 hours.

6. Separate dough into quarters and roll into 1/4-inch thickness. Cover with a clean cloth and allow dough to rest another 10 minutes.

7. Place towels around a large table and gently place dough on the table. Stretch the dough with the back of your hands to keep it whole, working your way around the table until you have tissue-thin phyllo.

8. 

   Cut with scissors and use as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut thick edges and save for your next phyllo dish.

• Knead dough in a folding and turning motion.

• Heat oven and turn off before allowing phyllo to rest.

• Add butter between layers of phyllo to keep it moist.

• Follow measurements exactly.