Common Questions
What is phyllo dough, exactly?
Phyllo (also spelled filo) is a very thin, unleavened pastry dough used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern baking. Think: lots of layers that bake up crisp and flaky once brushed with fat (butter or oil).
Do I thaw phyllo dough in the fridge or on the counter?
Thaw it in the fridge overnight in its package. Then let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before you open it. Counter-thawing straight from frozen tends to create condensation, which makes sheets stick and tear.
My phyllo keeps drying out. What am I doing wrong?
The stack needs to stay covered the whole time. Keep the sheets you are not using under a barely damp towel (wrung out very well, not wet), and pull out only a few sheets at a time. Also, phyllo dries faster near a hot stove, so set up your station away from active burners.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Absolutely. Butter browns a bit deeper and tastes richer. Olive oil gives a lighter, savory vibe. Both make crispy layers. Use what you have.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes. Start with about 1 pound fresh spinach, sauté until wilted, then squeeze it very dry. You want roughly 10 ounces cooked-and-squeezed spinach, so add a handful more fresh spinach if yours cooks down to less. Moisture is the enemy of crisp phyllo.
Why did my triangles open while baking?
Usually one of three things: overfilling, not enough brushing (the layers do not “glue” together), or the seam was not tucked under. Place triangles seam-side down on the pan and do a final brush on top.
How much phyllo do I actually need for this batch?
Most of the time, you will use about half of a 1 pound box (roughly 12 to 16 sheets, depending on brand and sheet size). Check your package, because sheet counts vary. Keep the rest wrapped airtight and refrigerated, and use it within a couple of days.
Is the yield always exactly 36 triangles?
It depends on your phyllo sheet size and how wide you cut your strips. With common 13 x 18-inch sheets cut into 3-inch strips, you will land around 36 triangles. Smaller sheets may yield closer to 30, larger sheets can push you toward 40+.
