14 Best Savory Recipes with Phyllo Dough

By Carl Hanson
Updated October 19, 2020

Phyllo dough shows its savory side in these traditional Greek, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Baltic specialties. Featuring classics like spanakopita, spinach pie, samosas, and borek, phyllo provides crisp layers of flavor. If you're not experienced with phyllo dough, you may be surprised how easy it is to work with. These recipes will show you how to turn phyllo dough into delicious savory main dishes and appetizers.

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Spanakopita II

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"This is authentic Spanakopita, as you would find in any Greek household or restaurant in Athens," says reviewer THELASTBARON, who rates it 5 stars.

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Phyllo-Wrapped Halibut Fillets with Lemon Scallion Sauce

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"The flaky phyllo crust keeps the halibut moist and delicious," says JAYDA. "For a nicer presentation, cut halibut in half at an angle before placing on sauce."

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Mama Marie's Moroccan Tuna Brik

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This fried appetizer is filled with tuna and capers.
"A triangle shaped fried appetizer famous throughout the Middle East," says Avon. "This is my mothers recipe for her tuna filled ones. If you can find Italian tuna packed in olive oil, this is most preferable."

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Lamb Borek

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"You'll find this savory, lamb-filled pastry way easier to make than it appears, all thanks to an intentionally soggy dough," says Chef John. "That's right! Lightly moisturizing the phyllo with an egg/yogurt/butter wash produces flexible, flavorful, and externally crisp layers upon baking."

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Beef Samosas

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"Beef and potatoes are the main ingredients folded inside these wonderful deep fried samosas," says sassyangelkiwi Donna-Maree Aus. "Chicken livers may be substituted for beef, if you choose. My friend from Bangladesh gave me this savory, spicy recipe. You just can't buy better in the shops."

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Wrapped Salmon

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Here's a simple and different way to serve salmon. You'll season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, coat with Dijon mustard, wrap in phyllo dough, and then bake.  "This is basically salmon Dijon, but with a twist," says HEIDI S. "Very easy to make and delicious! Goes well with fresh steamed veggies and rice."

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Spinach and Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups

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"The creamy goat cheese and spinach are a great complement to one another and the phyllo cups offer a satisfying crunch," says HUNGRYJENN. "These little appetizer cups are a great timesaver when planning a dinner party or casual gathering."

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Italian Spinach and Ricotta Pie

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"This Italian spinach and ricotta pie (torta pasqualina) from the region Liguria is traditionally eaten for Easter, but can of course be served any time of the year," says PaolaAlbanesi.

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Burek

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"This recipe is Eastern European in origin; being from Bosnia, my mom made this for me growing up and my whole family always looked forward to it! Serve with Balkan style yogurt for authenticity," says mms09.

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Maria Athans' Spinach Pie

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Here's a traditional Old World recipe that looks complicated but isn't. "The best tasting spinach pie I've had," says Sandy Parks.

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Easy Beef Samosas

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"Here are some really easy-to-make Indian-inspired samosas, which will be ready to serve in no time," says Joliecathy. "Serve them with the sauce of your choice, such as mango chutney, coriander chutney, or even raita. They can be frozen easily before frying; simply defrost at room temperature and then fry as stated."

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Feta Cheese Burek (Phyllo Dough)

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In this recipe from the Balkans, you'll fill sheets of phyllo dough with a creamy feta and cottage cheese mixture and roll into spirals. "An Eastern European delicacy, probably one of the most loved foods from the Balkans," says An Ko. "In this recipe, we will be using the pre-made phyllo dough. This one will be with feta cheese. You can also put potatoes, meat, spinach, or boiled cabbage inside! Truly a tasty meal! And very easy to make! Eat with yogurt for authenticity."

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"Everything" Seasoning Phyllo Crackers

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"These phyllo crackers have a delicate, flaky texture with a buttery flavor," says France C. "Bagel seasoning can be found at most major retailers or you can make your own. These can be a little finicky to make at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will be hooked!"

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Tiropita

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This Greek cheese pie features layers of crispy phyllo dough and a filling of feta and Kefalotiri cheeses. If you can't find Kefalotiri, Parmesan cheese works great, too.

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