Greek Kataifi Bites (Shredded Phyllo Baklava’s) Recipe
Greek Kataifi Bites are delightful shredded phyllo pastry rolls filled with a spiced nut mixture and baked to golden perfection. These bite-sized treats are soaked in a sweet, fragrant syrup, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion that captures the traditional flavors of Greek baklava in a convenient, handheld form.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus overnight thawing and 1 hour resting time)
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Pastry and Filling
- 200 grams kataifi pastry
- 30 grams almonds
- 20 grams walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon breadcrumbs
- 150 grams butter (melted)
Syrup
- 250 grams water
- 350 grams sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Kataifi Pastry: Unfreeze the Kataifi pastry in the fridge overnight. Once removed from the packaging, use immediately and avoid leaving it uncovered as it dries out quickly.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (356°F) to be ready for baking the kataifi bites.
- Make the Nut Filling: Combine walnuts, almonds, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and breadcrumbs in a blender. Pulse until the nuts are coarsely chopped but not finely ground, keeping some texture.
- Prepare the Pastry Strips: Lay the kataifi pastry on a working surface and gently separate the shreds with your hands to fluff it up and prevent clumping.
- Shape the Rolls: Gather a few shreds together to form a long strip. Lightly brush the strip with melted butter. Place a teaspoon of the nut filling at one end and roll the pastry tightly around it until you reach the other end of the strip.
- Arrange for Baking: Grease the bottom of a pan with butter, then place the kataifi rolls on it in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color and are crisp.
- Prepare the Syrup: While the pastries bake, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer Syrup: Reduce the heat to medium and let the syrup simmer for 5 minutes without stirring, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
- Soak Pastries: Immediately after removing the kataifi bites from the oven, pour the hot syrup evenly over them so they absorb the sweet liquid.
- Rest and Serve: Let the kataifi bites rest at room temperature for about 1 hour to fully soak and set before serving.
Notes
- Keep kataifi pastry covered when handling, as it dries out quickly when exposed to air.
- For crunchier bites, toast the nuts lightly before blending for extra aroma.
- The syrup can be flavored with a slice of lemon or a small cinnamon stick for added complexity if desired.
- These bites keep well stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
