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Instructions: How to Make Crispy Phyllo Ricotta Triangles
Making these crispy phyllo ricotta triangles is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can have these golden, flaky bites ready to serve in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Add the egg, parsley, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo Dough
Phyllo dough can be a little tricky to work with, as it tends to dry out quickly. To prevent this, keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel while you’re working. Brush one sheet of phyllo dough lightly with melted butter (or olive oil). Place another sheet of phyllo on top of the first, and brush with more butter. Repeat until you have 4-5 sheets stacked together. This will help ensure a flaky, crispy texture when baked.
Step 3: Assemble the Triangles
Once your phyllo is prepared, cut the layered sheets into 3-4 inch wide strips. At the bottom of each strip, place a spoonful of the ricotta filling (about 1-2 tablespoons). Be sure not to overfill, as it can make the folding process difficult.
Now, carefully fold the phyllo dough into a triangle shape. To do this, fold one corner of the strip over the filling to form a triangle, then continue folding the triangle along the strip, creating a small, neat triangle as you go. Keep folding until you reach the end of the strip. Seal the edge with a bit of melted butter to hold it together.
Step 4: Bake the Triangles
Place the finished triangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with more melted butter. For an extra touch of flavor and crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of each triangle.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them toward the end to ensure they don’t burn, as phyllo dough can crisp up quickly.
Step 5: Serve
Once they’re perfectly golden and crispy, remove the triangles from the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving. These crispy phyllo ricotta triangles are great on their own or served with a side of marinara sauce or a cool yogurt dip.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Phyllo Ricotta Triangles
- Handle Phyllo Carefully: Phyllo dough dries out very quickly, so always keep the unused sheets covered with a damp towel while you’re working with the rest. If the dough starts to dry out, it will be difficult to fold and may tear.
- Don’t Overfill: A little filling goes a long way! Too much filling can cause the phyllo to tear or make the triangles too heavy, which can affect the crispiness.
- Butter vs. Olive Oil: While butter gives the triangles a rich, golden flavor, olive oil is a lighter option that still provides a nice crispiness. You can also use ghee for a more flavorful twist.
- Freezing for Later: These triangles freeze wonderfully! Once assembled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. After that, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Add Some Spinach: For a twist, you can add fresh spinach to the ricotta filling. Sauté it with a little garlic and onion before adding it to the mixture for a burst of flavor and color.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spinach and Ricotta: Add sautéed spinach to the ricotta mixture for a classic, savory combination that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
- Herbed Ricotta: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for added freshness and aroma.
- Cheese Lovers’ Version: Mix in feta cheese or goat cheese with the ricotta for a tangy twist that will elevate the flavor profile.
- Add Garlic or Shallots: For an extra burst of flavor, sauté garlic or shallots and mix them into the ricotta filling.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Phyllo Ricotta Triangles are the perfect appetizer for any occasion, offering a delicious combination of flaky, crispy phyllo dough and creamy, savory ricotta filling. They’re quick to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and sure to impress your guests with their elegance and flavor.
Whether served at a dinner party, a family gathering, or as a light snack, these triangles are bound to be a hit. They’re crispy, creamy, and full of flavor, with endless opportunities for customization. Give them a try, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time!
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