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Tips to Prevent Phyllo from Drying Out?

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auroracoor1

auroracoor1

Active member
I am not new with working with phyllo.

Lately, and I don't know why, the phyllo has been during out as I work with it. It's always store bought phyllo and it may be another brand than what I normally use, but I don't see how that could possibly make a difference.e Perhaps I am working slower. Maybe my kitchen is dryer.

All I know is that I would love some tips on how to prevent the phyllo from drying out! I asked around and people say to keep a wet towel over it. I tried that and the phyllo stuck to the towel so I am obviously missing an important detail.
 
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Reactions: Voula
You could be using too wet of a towel; it really has to be wrung out well. I usually bake with phyllo at night; no reason other than after a day at work. Many Greek cooks bake in the morning when it’s cooler. Maybe the time of day makes a difference. As you mentioned, it could also be the particular brand or maybe the expiration date. As you know, the good news is that phyllo bakes up really well and those little imperfections tend to disappear! Thank goodness!
 
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Reactions: k_tsoukalas
I always cover it with the sheet of wax paper it comes with and THEN a very slightly damp towel on top - that way the phyllo sheets won't stick together or get soggy. Then I work as fast as I can and as soon as I use a sheet, I'll immediately cover the remaining ones. I've never really had a problem, but it could be the brand you're using.
 
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Reactions: k_tsoukalas
I had been using a wet towel, too, and one time I made it too wet and that caused me all kinds of problems. A "damp" towel works best.

I am intrigued by the wax paper tip - I think I might try that.

And yes, no matter how bad things have gotten with some of the phyllo batches I have worked with over the years, you can't tell after it bakes. It's really forgiving.
 
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