Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes: Every Occasion

Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes are two ingredients that create magic in the kitchen. They’re versatile, delicious, and can be used in a variety of ways, from savory appetizers to sweet desserts.

As a food enthusiast, I love experimenting with phyllo dough and cream cheese recipes, combining their textures and flavors in unique ways.

The flakiness of the dough and the creamy richness of cream cheese make them a perfect pair for any occasion. Hosting a dinner party or simply craving something comforting, these recipes are sure to impress.

In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite phyllo dough and cream cheese recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor.

What Does Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes Taste Like?

Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

The phyllo dough provides a light, crispy, and flaky crunch with every bite, while the cream cheese filling adds a rich, smooth, and slightly tangy contrast.

In savory recipes, the cream cheese balances out the saltiness of ingredients like feta or garlic, creating a creamy, savory bite that melts in your mouth.

In sweet recipes, the cream cheese becomes sweetened, offering a rich, creamy base that complements fruit preserves or a dusting of powdered sugar.

The contrast of crispy and creamy is irresistible, making each bite both satisfying and indulgent. The flavors are rich yet light, making these recipes perfect for any occasion

How To Prepare Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 35-45 minutes

Course: Appetizer, Snack, Dessert

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Cuisine: Mediterranean, American

Yield: 12 servings (depends on the size of each individual serving)

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Rolling pin (optional)
• Pastry cutter (optional)

Ingredients

For Savory Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes Bites:

• 1 package of phyllo dough (usually about 20 sheets)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup spinach (chopped, fresh or frozen)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

For Sweet Phyllo Dough and Cream Cheese Pastries:

• 1 package of phyllo dough (about 20 sheets)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/4 cup fruit preserves or fresh berries (optional, for filling)

How To Make Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes

Savory Phyllo Dough and Cream Cheese Bites:

1. Prepare the Spinach Filling:

• In a pan, sauté the minced garlic in a little olive oil until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Let the spinach mixture cool for a few minutes, then mix it with the softened cream cheese, feta cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until well combined.

2. Assemble the Bites:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface. Brush it with a thin layer of olive oil using a pastry brush.
• Layer another sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush it with olive oil again. Repeat until you’ve layered about 4 sheets.
• Cut the phyllo dough into squares or rectangles (about 3×3 inches).
• Place a spoonful of the spinach-cream cheese mixture in the center of each square.
• Fold the corners of each square over the filling, creating little pockets or triangles.
• Place the filled phyllo dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake and Serve:

• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the phyllo dough is golden and crispy.
• Allow the savory bites to cool slightly before serving.

Sweet Phyllo Dough and Cream Cheese Pastries:

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

• In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.

2. Assemble the Pastries:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush with melted butter.
• Layer another sheet on top, brushing with butter again. Repeat the layering process until you have about 4-5 sheets layered together.
• Cut the phyllo dough into squares (about 3×3 inches).
• Place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each square. If you’d like to add fruit, place a small dollop of fruit preserves or a few fresh berries on top of the cream cheese.
• Fold the phyllo dough into a triangle or a square and press the edges lightly to seal.

3. Bake and Serve:

• Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
• Let the pastries cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Note

Phyllo dough can be tricky to work with because it dries out quickly. Be sure to cover the sheets you aren’t using with a damp cloth to prevent them from becoming brittle.

Also, remember to keep your fillings well-seasoned to enhance the natural flavors of the phyllo. Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.

Nutrition Facts Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes

For Savory Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes Bites:

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg

For Sweet Phyllo Dough and Cream Cheese Pastries:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 120mg

Tips For Perfect Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes

Here are 5 tips for perfect Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes:

1. Keep Phyllo Dough Moist: Phyllo dough dries out quickly. Always cover unused sheets with a damp cloth to prevent them from becoming brittle and difficult to work with.

2. Use Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before using it. This will help you achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.

3. Brush Generously with Butter or Oil: For a golden, crispy texture, make sure to brush each sheet of phyllo dough generously with melted butter or olive oil before layering.

4. Don’t Overfill: Be mindful not to overstuff the phyllo dough. A little filling goes a long way to keep the dough crisp and prevent leaks while baking.

5. Bake at the Right Temperature: Preheat your oven to the correct temperature (usually 350°F to 375°F) to ensure the dough bakes evenly and turns golden without burning.

Storage Tips Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes

To store Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes, keep the baked items in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate the leftovers for up to a week.

For frozen storage, place the unbaked phyllo dough pastries on a baking sheet and freeze them individually before transferring to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

This helps preserve the crispiness of the phyllo dough while keeping the cream cheese filling fresh. Always make sure the pastries are fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation.

Health Benefits

Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes can offer some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Phyllo dough is lighter than many other types of pastry, containing less fat, making it a lower-calorie option.

It’s also typically made from simple ingredients like flour, water, and a small amount of oil, which helps keep it relatively low in sugar.

Cream cheese, while rich, provides a good source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth, and offers some healthy fats for brain function.

If you add ingredients like spinach or berries, you boost the nutritional value further, adding fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Enjoying phyllo dough and cream cheese in balanced portions can make for a tasty and occasionally healthy treat!.

What Can I Do With Phyllo Dough?

Phyllo dough is incredibly versatile! You can use it to make savory or sweet dishes. For savory meals, create appetizers like spinach and feta pies or savory rolls. You can also make crispy pastries filled with meats, cheeses, or vegetables.

For sweet treats, use phyllo dough to make baklava, fruit-filled tarts, or delicate pastries with chocolate and nuts. The light, crispy texture makes it a fantastic base for both desserts and appetizers.

What Can I Do With My Cream Cheese?

Cream cheese is perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. You can use it in creamy dips, like a classic onion dip, or blend it into cheesecakes and frosting for cakes and cupcakes.

It’s also great as a filling for pastries, like those made with phyllo dough, or as a topping for bagels. With a little seasoning, cream cheese makes a delicious spread for crackers, toast, or sandwiches.

How Many Layers Of Phyllo Dough Should I Use?

For a golden and crispy texture, it’s best to use at least 4-6 layers of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with butter or oil. The more layers you use, the flakier and crispier the result will be.

For lighter, crispier pastries, layering phyllo dough properly is essential, as it allows the dough to puff up and bake evenly.

Can Phyllo Dough Be Used Instead Of Puff Pastry?

Yes, phyllo dough can be used instead of puff pastry, but keep in mind that the texture will be different. Puff pastry has a more buttery, flaky, and puffed-up texture due to its layers of butter.

Phyllo dough, on the other hand, is much lighter and crisper. While they are both great for creating flaky layers, phyllo dough might not have the same rich, buttery finish as puff pastry, but it’s still a fantastic alternative in many recipes.

Is Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes Best Comfort Food?

Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes are definitely comfort food at its best! The contrast between the crispy, flaky layers of phyllo dough and the creamy, tangy filling is a satisfying combination that hits the spot.

Enjoying savory bites or sweet pastries, these recipes provide that perfect balance of texture and flavor, making them the ideal comfort food for any occasion.

Conclusion

Phyllo Dough And Cream Cheese Recipes are incredibly versatile ingredients that can elevate any dish, whether savory or sweet.

They pair beautifully to create light, crispy, and creamy treats that will satisfy any craving. From delicious appetizers to indulgent desserts, these recipes offer endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen.

I hope you’re inspired to try these simple yet mouthwatering combinations and add your own twist. Phyllo dough and cream cheese are not just ingredients—they’re the secret to making dishes that everyone will love.

So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, grab some phyllo dough and cream cheese, and let your culinary imagination run wild! Happy cooking!