Tomato Basil Mozzarella Filo Parcels

Tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels are a delicious healthier version of Empanadas. All the classic flavours you would expect from a tomato basil mozzarella Empanada but with less calories and fat! 

Tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels are my latest tasty filo parcel creation.

The best comparison I could come up with here is that they're like Empanadas being a folded pastry dough with a stuffing.

But I think they could also be compared to a certain brand of crispy pancakes!

Does anyone remember those crispy pancakes I'm referring to?

A quick google to see if those pancakes are actually still available (it's been that long since I had them) and they're not.

I loved those as a kid, but I recall that they weren't particularly healthy.

So I tell you what, these are my healthier version of those crispy pancakes or a version of Empanadas, you choose!

These filo parcels are beautifully flaky and with an amazing satisfying crunch.

Then there's the tomato basil mozzarella filling; a classic combination of flavours that go together so well!

I've been using filo pastry as a lower calorie / lower fat alternative to traditional pastry ever since I found a Weigh Watchers recipe that used filo pastry five years ago and I love it!

My variation of that Weight Watchers recipe in question is the salmon filo parcels recipe.

It was about five years ago that I started to change my diet and lifestyle for the better.

Small changes in my cooking and eating habits, like using filo pastry instead of normal buttery pastry contributing to a gradual two stone weight loss.

It's not about changing absolutely everything to keep within a healthy weight, it just requires a few dietary and lifestyle changes.

Filo parcels are a good idea and can make a really easy meal if you've got leftover salad or veggies in the fridge and you don't know what to do with them!

There's so many delicious recipes that you could make up using those fresh ingredients.

For example although I used mozzarella cheese in these tomato filo parcels, they're versatile.

If you can't get or don't like mozzarella cheese or just fancy a change use another cheese instead like cheddar.

Very soon you'll be creating you're own filo parcels fillings and filo parcels recipes!

Ingredients

• Low Fat Cooking Oil Spray
• Filo Pastry Sheets
• Tomatoes
• Fresh Chopped Basil
• Mozzarella
• Olive Oil
• Garlic Cloves
• Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitutions

• Low Fat Cooking Oil Spray - to grease the baking tray. You could use a little melted butter / vegetable oil instead or instead of a baking tray use parchment paper.
• Filo Pastry Sheets - I just buy filo pastry sheets as it's easier. But feel free if you want to make your own phyllo dough.
• Tomatoes
• Fresh Chopped Basil - fresh basil leaves not dried basil.
• Mozzarella - I use pre-grated mozzarella from a packet. You could use fresh mozzarella or feta cheese if you want to.
• Olive Oil
• Garlic Cloves
• Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper

How To Make Filo Pastry Parcels

Detailed instructions for the recipe filling are in the recipe card below.

For a picture step by step guide for making the parcels please see my turkey filo pastry samosas recipe.

Here is a quick step by step guide of how to make filo parcels with your own choice of ingredients from whatever great substitutes you choose:

1. Take one sheet filo pastry, spray it with the low fat cooking spray and fold it in half lengthways.
2. Then spray it again so you have a long strip (2 pastry layers).
3. Place about 2 tablespoon of the filling mixture at one end of the strip, leaving a 2cm / 1-inch border.
4. Fold a corner over, diagonally to the left, making an enclosed triangle.
5. Fold again, moving all the way along until the end of the strip.
6. Spray the outside.
7. Place the parcel on the greased baking tray / prepared baking sheet.
8. Repeat the process with the other filo sheets until you have used the last filo sheet or the remaining ingredients.

FAQ's

Can you pre make filo parcels?

Yes you can pre make filo parcels and keep them in the fridge for a few hours until you're ready to cook them. Don't leave them too long though or they will go soggy.

How long will filo pastry parcels keep?

The baked filo pastry parcels can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

Can you freeze filo parcels?

You can freeze filo parcels. Yes as long as the filling you used can also be frozen. However they are not as good once defrosted as they tend to crack in the freezer.

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Other Filo Pastry Recipes You Might Also Like

• Turkey filo pastry samosas are nearly a third of the calories of those you might find in a restaurant. They’re filled with a delicious lightly spiced turkey mince, then baked rather than deep fried, making them a great quick healthy meal!
• Spring salad filo tart is packed full of delicious fresh seasonal flavours. It’s really easy to make, low cost and perfect if you’re short on time. 
• Red pepper and spinach filo tart makes for a delicious, versatile, easy hot or cold vegetarian brunch or dinner option. What’s not to like about tasty oven baked veggies topped with Mediterranean herbs and cheese?
• Roast vegetable filo parcels make for a delicious light lunch or dinner. Easy to make, they’re also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables!

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5 from 1 vote

Tomato Basil Mozzarella Filo Parcels Recipe

Tomato basil mozzarella filo parcels are a delicious healthier version of empanadas but with less calories and fat!

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Total Time40 mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: International, Mediterranean, Spanish

Servings: 8 Filo Parcels

Calories: 233kcal

Author: Neil

The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

Equipment

• Baking tray
• Kitchen scale
• Measuring spoons
• Garlic press
• Grater
• Chopping board
• Kitchen knives
• Pyrex mixing glass bowl
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

• Low fat cooking spray
• 8 sheets Filo Pastry
• 2 tomatoes
• 15 g Basil , chopped
• 150 g grated mozzarella
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 2 cloves garlic , crushed
• Freshly grated salt and pepper

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

• Pre-heat oven to 180C
• Using the low fat cooking spray lightly grease a baking tray
• Using a sharp knife place a cross in the base of the 2 tomatoes, plunge them into boiling water for 20 – 30 seconds, remove them using a slotted spoon, plunge them into cold water briefly and then peal off the skin. Dice the skinned tomatoes.
• Place the tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, olive oil and garlic into a bowl and mix together. Season to taste.
• Following the pictures and steps 6 to 11 in the turkey filo pastry samosas recipe, place approximately 2 tbsp. of the tomato mixture onto each pastry sheet and fold into triangles.
• Bake in the centre of the oven for approximately 20 minutes turning halfway through.
• Once golden brown remove from the oven and allow to cool a little.
• Serve with a fresh green salad.

Notes

Nutrition label values are per filo parcel.

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 26.4g | Protein: 12.7g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 10.2g | Cholesterol: 29.6mg | Sodium: 363.2mg | Fiber: 1.6g | Sugar: 2.4g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 13.2mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 1.8mg

Nutrition Label

Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

Rate The Recipe

If you’ve made these tomato and mozzarella filo pastry parcels, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.

I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂