Get ready to fall in love with the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy in this Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe. These delightful little rolls bring together flaky phyllo, salty feta cheese, and a luscious drizzle of honey kissed with chili flakes that add just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re preparing an impressive appetizer for guests or a cozy snack just for yourself, this dish elevates simple ingredients into an irresistible treat that feels fancy but comes together with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe are a handful of ingredients that are straightforward but play essential roles in building flavor and texture. Each component contributes a unique characteristic that brings these rolls to life, from the crisp phyllo to the spicy-sweet honey drizzle.
- Phyllo dough: Provides the delicate, buttery, and flaky exterior crucial for an irresistible crunch.
- Feta cheese: This salty, creamy cheese forms the rich, savory heart of the roll.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Brushed between phyllo sheets to ensure golden crispness and add moisture.
- Honey: Adds a luscious sweetness that balances the salty cheese and spicy chili.
- Chili flakes: Bring a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a nutty crunch and attractive finish.
- Fresh mint leaves (optional): Add a fresh, herbal note and lovely color contrast when garnishing.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your rolls bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you straight on the path to perfectly crispy bites.
Step 2: Handle the Phyllo Dough with Care
Gently unroll the thawed phyllo dough and immediately cover it with a slightly damp towel. This delicate dough dries out quickly, so keeping it covered ensures it stays moist and workable.
Step 3: Layer and Brush the Dough
Take a sheet of phyllo and brush generously with olive oil or melted butter, then layer a second sheet on top and brush again. This double layer technique builds the sturdy yet flaky shell that will hold the feta perfectly.
Step 4: Cut the Phyllo into Strips
Cut the stacked sheets into thirds lengthwise. These strips will become the perfect size for individual feta rolls — a manageable bite with a great cheese-to-phyllo ratio.
Step 5: Add Feta and Roll
Place a small block of feta cheese at one end of each phyllo strip. Roll it up tightly, folding in the sides as you go along to seal the cheese inside. This keeps all the melty goodness safely tucked within the flaky shell.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Place the rolls seam-side down on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Give their tops a final brush with more oil or butter, then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously on each roll for an irresistible nutty flavor and appealing appearance.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the rolls are crisp, golden, and puffed up beautifully. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing as the phyllo crisps and the feta warms inside.
Step 8: Make the Chili Honey Drizzle
While the rolls bake, warm honey and chili flakes together in a small saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes. This infusion brings the spicy and sweet flavors together in a silky drizzle that perfectly complements the savory rolls.
Step 9: Drizzle and Garnish
Once the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle them immediately with your warm chili honey. Add fresh mint leaves on top if you like, adding a pop of color and a refreshing herbal hint that lifts the whole dish.
Step 10: Serve Warm and Enjoy
These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe are best served hot from the oven when the phyllo is still crisp and the cheese is warmed to just the right creamy consistency. Grab a few and enjoy that incredible combination of flavors and textures in every bite.
How to Serve Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped fresh mint or a few more toasted sesame seeds over the top. These small garnishes add freshness and texture, balancing the rolls’ richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a crisp mixed greens salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of tangy Greek yogurt. The freshness and acidity of these sides make the perfect counterpoint to the rich, flaky rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls on a rustic wooden platter with little bowls of extra chili honey for dipping. Alternatively, arrange them alongside olives and roasted red peppers for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread that will wow any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping them crisp can be tricky, but reheating properly helps restore some of the original crunch.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully before baking. Simply prepare your rolled feta, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. This helps re-crisp the phyllo and warm the cheese without making them soggy or overly dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Feta is ideal for this recipe due to its texture and salty tang, but you can experiment with halloumi or goat cheese if you prefer. Just keep in mind these cheeses have different melting properties and flavors.
How spicy is the chili honey?
The spice level is mild and adjustable. You control the heat by the amount of chili flakes you add. For a gentler sweetness, reduce the flakes; for more kick, add a pinch extra.
Is phyllo dough difficult to handle?
Phyllo can be delicate, but covering it with a damp towel and working quickly helps prevent it from drying out or tearing. Brushing with oil or butter also keeps the layers flexible and adds great flavor.
Can these rolls be made vegan?
While this recipe features feta cheese, vegan feta alternatives exist and can be used for a vegan version. Just look for a firm vegan cheese that holds up well to baking.
What occasions are best for serving Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe?
They are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a special snack on a cozy weekend. Their impressive flavor and elegant presentation make them a standout bite anytime.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe is a fantastic way to bring simple ingredients together into something truly special. The crispy phyllo, creamy feta, and sweet-spicy honey make every bite memorable. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how effortlessly you can wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share these rolls with you!
Print
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 rolls (serves 3–4)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a delightful appetizer featuring crispy phyllo dough wrapped around a creamy feta cheese center. Enhanced with a drizzle of spicy-sweet chili-infused honey and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, these rolls offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they make an impressive and flavorful snack or starter suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Phyllo Rolls
- 12 sheets phyllo dough (2 sheets per roll for 6 rolls)
- 6 small blocks feta cheese (approx. 1 ounce each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (1 tablespoon per 2 sheets)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Chili Honey
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Phyllo Dough: Gently unroll the thawed phyllo dough sheets and cover them with a slightly damp towel to keep them from drying out while you work.
- Brush Phyllo Layers: Take one sheet of phyllo and brush it evenly with olive oil or melted butter. Layer a second sheet on top and brush it again to ensure crispiness.
- Cut the Phyllo: Cut the stacked sheets into thirds lengthwise, creating strips that will be used for rolling the feta.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place a small block of feta cheese at the end of each strip. Roll the phyllo tightly around the feta, folding in the sides as you go to seal the cheese inside.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with additional olive oil or butter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are crisp and golden brown.
- Make Chili Honey: While the rolls bake, heat the honey and chili flakes together in a small saucepan over low heat for about 5 minutes to infuse the honey with a spicy kick. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the warm chili honey over them. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired for a refreshing touch.
- Serve: Serve the rolls immediately while they are warm and crispy for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Be sure to keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness in the chili honey by varying the amount of chili flakes used.
- For a richer flavor, butter can be used instead of olive oil to brush the phyllo sheets.
- These rolls are best served fresh but can be reheated briefly in the oven to regain crispiness.
- Substitute fresh mint with parsley or basil if desired for an alternative garnish.
