How to elevate filo texture (2024)

What is filo pastry and what to make with it

What is filo pastry?

Filo pastry is crunchy yet delicate, and for some, a rather exquisite part of baking and cooking pies, tarts and parcels. It is very thin and can take a little skill to master but it always adds something special to both sweet and savoury dishes. Filo pastry is basically an unleavened dough which can be used to wrap or top a filling. It has a satisfying bite, is made up of many layers and the thin flakes make it a truly delightful textural experience. All layers should be brushed with butter before baking – a little trick that will make all the difference. Filo consists of flour, water, and a little bit of oil or vinegar. You might stumble across a recipe that suggests using egg yolk too.

What to make with filo pastry?

Filo pastry gives you a world of opportunities to cook. Use filo pastry to top big tarts or to wrap your favourite filling into small parcels. It is versatile, so enjoy the experiment! You can play around with different shapes and sizes and why not try sweet or savoury recipes. Sweet filo tarts with fruit, chocolate, or cream are great as a dessert or special treat, yet crisp baked savory filo makes for a simple tasty appetizer too. For sweet pastry you can add sweet toppings. For savoury dishes you can use grilled vegetables, cheeses, fish, meat, and a whole spectrum of spices and sauces.

Brush your filo layers with butter

Bring out crisp and golden filo pastries. Grab your pastry brush and smear tempting butter over your filo. Each layer will absorb about 1 tbsp. of butter, so prepare, cook, and melt a good measure before brushing. And butter comes in handy too if your filo starts breaking a little. Butter works beautifully as glue – stick it back together with Lurpak® and the only difference you might notice is the extra indulgent taste of butter.

Keep your filo sheet damp

One layer of filo should consist of 4-5 sheets. Layers dry out very quickly. You get the best result by keeping the sheets covered with a clean and damp towel.

How to elevate filo texture (2024)

FAQs

How to elevate filo texture? ›

Brush your filo layers with butter

How to crisp up filo pastry? ›

Taking 1 sheet at a time, brush each piece well with oil, then use to line your tart tin, leaving a little pastry hanging over the edges. Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs between each layer of pastry as you go – this will help to keep the pastry crisp.

Do you have to brush filo with butter? ›

Filo pastry is basically an unleavened dough which can be used to wrap or top a filling. It has a satisfying bite, is made up of many. All layers should be brushed with butter before baking – a little trick that will make all the difference.

How to stop filo pastry from breaking? ›

Never handle filo with wet hands and keep your work surface dry. This will prevent breaks and tears in the pastry.

Why is my filo pastry not crispy? ›

Tip #2: Add Butter or Oil for Flaky Phyllo Layers

To get that flaky effect, you need to brush some sort of fat between each layer of dough. Usually I use unsalted butter, which gives the finished product a beautiful golden color.

How do you revive filo pastry? ›

Very easily and one of my favorite tricks! Wet your hands and rub or dab moisture all over pastry. Don't get it real wet - just barely damp. You can wrap loosely in foil (give it an opening for steam to escape) or just put directly onto rack in hot oven for a couple minutes.

Do you have to butter each layer of phyllo? ›

The magic of phyllo sheets comes in the layering. You'll brush oil or melted butter between each layer of phyllo. I'm using olive oil for this spinach pie. Oil the dish, add a sheet of phyllo, brush with oil, top with another phyllo sheet and repeat.

Do you brush filo pastry with egg? ›

So the difference is simple, it's the fat! In the Puff Pastry the butter is folded in, in the Strudel dough the oil is part of the dough from the beginning and the Phyllo dough is brushed with oil before being baked. So per your question, strudel dough sometimes includes an egg, whereas filo (phyllo) never does.

How many layers of filo do you use? ›

Alternate the phyllo sheets to cover the entire pan, brushing each sheet of phyllo with butter as you go. This should take approximately 6 to 8 sheets of phyllo. Place the filling into the phyllo lined pan and fold the overhanging phyllo dough over the filling. Brush overhand with butter.

Why is my filo pastry chewy? ›

A very common mistake is to leave it defrost at room temperature as this will make the outer layers gummy; when working with phyllo dough, it should be defrosted, but still cold.

Why is my filo pastry cracking? ›

Filo pastry dries out and cracks very quickly when it comes in contact with air.

Why is my filo soggy? ›

Heat, humidity and some fillings may cause phyllo to become soggy. Serve baked pastries and pies warm or at room temperature.

Do you butter both sides of filo pastry? ›

It dries out very quickly, so it is usually brushed with a fat before cooking. For the Om Ali the filo is brushed with melted butter and then put on a baking sheet and cooked in the oven until golden and crisp. The pastry is very thin and doesn't necessarily need fat to be brushed onto both sides.

How to keep filo pastry crisp? ›

How do you get phyllo dough to bake crispy and light instead of coming out like toasted pasta? To achieve a crispy and light texture with phyllo dough, make sure to brush each layer with melted butter or oil. Additionally, avoid overloading the layers with too much filling, as this can contribute to a soggy result.

How do you keep phyllo dough from cracking? ›

Lightly brush each layer of phyllo with melted butter or olive oil. To prevent edges from cracking, lightly brush edges first and then work into center. For fewer tears, use a soft bristle brush to spread oil or butter over phyllo.

How to make soggy pastry crispy? ›

oven at 160°C for 10mins or simply toss it in airfryer. at 160°C for 5-6mins.

How to avoid soggy filo pastry? ›

Add a Layer

Sprinkle dried breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, or other types of cereal, on the bottom crust before filling and baking in the oven. The layer will absorb moisture and prevent the filling from turning the crust soggy.

How to make soggy baklava crispy again? ›

Preparation:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brush a baking pan with melted butter. Lay out phyllo sheets, buttering generously between each layer.
  3. After several sheets, spread a layer of the nut mixture. ...
  4. Slice the baklava into diamonds or squares before baking.
  5. Bake for about 50 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Apr 3, 2024

How do you make the bottom of pastry crispy? ›

Getting a brown, flaky/crispy bottom crust on your pie is all about quick and effective heat transfer. That's why aluminum or aluminum/steel pans — rather than glass or stoneware — are your best choice for baking pie. Metal, especially aluminum, transfers heat quickly and efficiently from oven to pie crust.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6002

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.