Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Southwestern Potato Phyllo Pockets?
They are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining creamy mashed potatoes, sweet corn, and melty Mexican cheese inside flaky, crispy phyllo pastry with Southwestern spices.
What are the primary ingredients in the filling?
The filling consists of Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes, thawed corn, shredded Mexican blend cheese, green onions, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pockets.
How much mashed potato is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of Simply Potatoes Traditional Mashed Potatoes, prepared according to the package instructions.
How do I prepare the corn for the filling?
Use 3/4 cup of frozen corn and ensure it is completely thawed before mixing it into the potatoes.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese.
How many jalapeño peppers should I use?
Use 2 medium jalapeño peppers, minced with the stems and seeds removed.
What spices give these pockets their Southwestern flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of ground cumin, dried chipotle powder, salt, and pepper.
How do I prevent the phyllo pastry from drying out while working?
Keep the stack of phyllo sheets covered with plastic wrap and a damp kitchen towel.
How many sheets of phyllo are used for each strip?
Each strip is made by stacking two sheets of phyllo, with butter-flavored cooking spray applied between them.
How wide should the phyllo strips be?
Cut the stacked phyllo sheets into five equal strips, approximately 2.8 inches wide.
How much filling goes into each phyllo pocket?
Place about 1 tablespoon of the potato filling approximately 1 inch from one corner of each strip.
What is the technique for folding the pockets?
Fold the corner of the phyllo over the filling to create a triangle, then continue folding in a triangular pattern like a flag.
Should the cookie sheet be greased?
No, place the pockets seam side down on an ungreased cookie sheet.
How far apart should the pockets be placed on the baking sheet?
Space the pockets about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheet.
How long do the pockets need to bake?
Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp.
What should I do once the pockets are removed from the oven?
Transfer the baked pockets to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Are these pockets spicy?
Yes, they have a spicy kick from the minced jalapeños and the dried chipotle powder.
What size phyllo pastry package is needed?
You will need one 1 lb package of phyllo pastry sheets, thawed.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use fresh cilantro?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped.
What type of cooking spray should I use?
Butter-flavored cooking spray is recommended for the best flavor and golden finish.
Are these healthier than traditional samosas?
The description states these are a healthier and more delicious alternative to traditional samosas.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped green onion.
What is the quantity of cumin used?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin for the filling.
How much chipotle powder should I add?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried chipotle powder to the potato mixture.
Should I spray the outside of the pockets before baking?
Yes, spray the outside of each pocket lightly with cooking spray before putting them in the oven.
Can I serve these for a party?
Absolutely, they are perfect as an appetizer for parties or a savory snack for game nights.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
They feature a creamy, loaded potato center with a flaky, crispy exterior.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients used to create these Spicy Southwestern Potato Phyllo Pockets.