Frequently Asked Questions
What are Garlic & Walnut Phyllo Puffs?
They are a savory appetizer consisting of whole garlic cloves and chopped walnuts wrapped in layers of flaky, buttered phyllo dough and coated in Italian breadcrumbs.
How many garlic cloves are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 large heads of garlic, which should be separated into individual cloves and peeled.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the puffs.
How do I prepare the phyllo dough?
Thaw the frozen phyllo dough to room temperature, unroll it onto wax paper, and cut it crosswise into 2-inch-wide strips.
How do I prevent the phyllo dough from drying out while working?
Cover the phyllo strips with a sheet of wax paper and a damp kitchen towel to maintain moisture.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts.
How much butter is required for the Garlic & Walnut Phyllo Puffs?
You will need 3/4 cup of melted butter to brush the phyllo strips and coat the rolls.
Do the garlic cloves need to be cooked before wrapping?
No, the garlic cloves are placed raw (peeled) inside the phyllo and will roast inside the puff during the baking process.
What are the puffs coated with before baking?
The rolled puffs are brushed with butter and then rolled in 1 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
How long do the puffs need to bake?
Bake the puffs for approximately 20 minutes or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, by substituting the 3/4 cup of butter with a vegan butter alternative, the recipe can be made vegan-friendly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: frozen phyllo dough, butter, garlic, walnuts, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the puffs from sticking.
What is the width of the phyllo strips?
The phyllo sheets should be cut into strips that are 2 inches wide.
How much walnut should be placed in each strip?
Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of finely chopped walnuts along the length of each phyllo strip.
Is this a sweet or savory snack?
This is a savory snack, featuring garlic, walnuts, and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
How do I roll the phyllo puffs?
Place the garlic at the end of the strip, roll the phyllo around it and the walnuts, and tuck in the side edges as you go to seal the filling.
How much phyllo dough is used?
The recipe uses half of a 16-ounce package of frozen phyllo dough.
What is the final texture of the puffs?
The final result is a flaky, crispy exterior with a soft roasted garlic center and crunchy walnuts.
Can these be served immediately?
It is recommended to allow the puffs to cool slightly after removing them from the oven before serving.
Are the breadcrumbs seasoned?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Do I need to grease the parchment paper?
No, the parchment paper provides a non-stick surface, and the puffs are already coated in butter.
What should I do if the phyllo dough breaks?
Phyllo is delicate; if it breaks, you can often overlap the pieces or use the melted butter to help 'glue' the layers back together.
How many puffs does this recipe make?
The yield depends on the number of garlic cloves in the 3 large heads, typically resulting in 30 to 45 puffs.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe does not contain any added sugar.
Can I prepare the garlic cloves in advance?
Yes, you can peel the garlic cloves ahead of time to speed up the assembly process.
What makes these puffs 'anti-vampire'?
The description humorously refers to them as anti-vampire because of the generous amount of garlic used (3 large heads).
Can I substitute the walnuts?
While walnuts are traditional for this recipe, you could likely substitute with finely chopped pecans or almonds.
Do I need a food processor for the walnuts?
No, you can simply chop the walnuts finely with a knife, though a food processor can be used for a more uniform texture.
What is the best way to serve these?
They are best served warm as an appetizer or party snack, arranged on a platter.