Homemade phyllo or filo dough –Creating your own flaky dough at home can elevate your culinary creations, allowing you to achieve a fresh and homemade taste without the hassle of store-bought frozen options. This guide will walk you through the process of making a delectable dough that is ideal for a variety of pastries and dishes.
Perfectly Flaky Dough
This dough is known for its exceptional flakiness, which makes it a perfect choice for tarts, pies, and pastries. The technique and ingredients are straightforward, simplifying the process while ensuring a professional-quality result.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Add the chilled, diced butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour. Aim to create a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This will allow for that signature flakiness.
- Gradually add the ice water, starting with 6 tablespoons. Mix gently with a fork until the dough sticks together. If the dough appears too crumbly, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until a cohesive dough forms.
- Once combined, divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time will help develop the dough’s texture.
- After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature to soften slightly. This will make rolling it out easier.
- On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to your desired thickness, flipping and flouring as needed to prevent sticking. Use this rolled dough for your preferred recipe, whether it be a savory pie, tart, or dessert.
- The second disc can be wrapped and stored in the freezer for later use. It will keep well for up to three months, ensuring you have homemade dough ready whenever needed.
With this exceptionally flaky dough, you can confidently tackle a variety of culinary endeavors. Perfecting your skills at home opens up endless possibilities for delicious and impressive dishes.