Golden-baked filo pastry pillows filled with tangy feta and fresh herbs, topped with sesame seeds, bright pomegranate jewels, and fragrant dill—these elegant bites are perfect for festive gatherings or stylish mezze platters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These filo pockets combine crisp, delicate pastry with a creamy, flavorful cheese-herb filling. The addition of pomegranate arils adds vibrant color and refreshing sweetness, making each bite visually appealing and delightfully balanced. They are quick to prepare yet impressive enough for any occasion.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

filo pastry sheets
melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
crumbled feta cheese
cream cheese
fresh dill, chopped
garlic clove, minced
salt and pepper
sesame seeds
pomegranate arils
extra dill for garnish

directions

Preheat the oven.
Set the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and arrange a rack in the center position.
Prepare the filling.
In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta, cream cheese, chopped dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
Cut and layer filo.
Divide each filo sheet into approximately 4 × 4‑inch squares. Stack two squares per pocket, brushing each layer lightly with melted butter or olive oil to ensure crisp, golden results.
Assemble pockets.
Place a spoonful of feta-dill filling in the center of each filo stack. Fold the corners inward to form neat square pouches, sealing gently.
Finish and bake.
Brush the tops of each pocket with butter or oil, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 15–18 minutes, until pockets are puffed and golden brown.
Garnish and serve.
Allow pockets to cool briefly, then scatter pomegranate arils and additional fresh dill over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: yields approximately 16 pockets (serves 8 as an appetizer)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Total time: 33 minutes

storage/reheating

Storage: Place cooled filo pockets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for 5–7 minutes. If reheating from chilled, add an extra minute or two.

FAQs

1. Can I use puff pastry instead of filo?

Yes. Puff pastry will result in a different texture—flaky rather than ultra-crispy—but still delicious.

2. Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes—this recipe is vegetarian by default. To make it vegan, substitute dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives.

3. How do I prevent the filo from drying out?

Keep unused filo under a damp kitchen towel while assembling to prevent it from curling or cracking.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the pockets up to the sealing stage and store them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking.

5. What can I substitute for dill?

Chopped mint or parsley provide a fresh alternative if you prefer a different herb flavor.

6. Can I freeze them?

Yes—you can freeze unbaked filo pockets on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake them directly from frozen, increasing baking time by about 5 minutes.

7. Do I need to include garlic?

No—you can omit garlic or reduce its quantity if you prefer a milder taste.

8. What else can I fill these with?

Try mixtures like spinach and ricotta, sweet potato and goat cheese, or even mushroom and thyme for variation.

9. How important is the pomegranate garnish?

The arils add visual contrast and a burst of freshness, but the pockets are still delightful without them.

10. Can I make larger versions?

Yes—simply increase the filo size and filling quantity. Baking time may need to be extended by several minutes.

Conclusion

Crispy Filo Pockets with Feta, Dill & Pomegranate offer an elegant medley of textures and flavors, perfect for entertaining or enjoying at home. These easy-to-assemble bites deliver a sophisticated appearance with minimal effort and make an impressive addition to any appetizer spread. Enjoy!