If you love Mediterranean flavors packed into a crunchy, golden bite, then you absolutely must try this Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, tangy feta cheese wrapped inside flaky phyllo dough, baked to crispy perfection and drizzled with a sweet, spicy chili honey glaze. Each roll delivers a mouthwatering melody of textures and tastes that feels both elegant and comforting, making it a fabulous appetizer or snack that’s sure to wow your guests. This recipe combines simplicity and sophistication in every delicious bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting these irresistible feta rolls. From the creamy cheeses that create a luscious filling to the fragrant herbs that add freshness, and the phyllo for that signature crispness, every element is essential for taste, texture, and presentation.
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled: Gives a sharp, tangy flavor that’s the heart of the filling.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess to balance feta’s saltiness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Infuses bright, herbaceous notes to keep things fresh.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Offers a subtle earthiness and color contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers gentle aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds depth and a slight kick.
- 10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed: Provides that irresistibly flaky, crispy casing.
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil: Essential for brushing the phyllo to achieve golden crispness.
- 1/3 cup honey: Sweetness that contrasts perfectly with spice in the chili honey.
- 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes: For a controlled, warming heat in the chili honey drizzle.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Balances the chili honey with a touch of tang.
- Optional garnishes (extra herbs, sesame seeds): Adds texture and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to ensure everything cooks evenly and crisps up just right. Meanwhile, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, chopped dill, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy—this creamy mixture is the flavor-packed center that sets these rolls apart.
Step 3: Prepare the Phyllo Dough
Lay one sheet of thawed phyllo on a clean surface and brush lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Layer a second sheet on top and brush again—this double layer gives that perfect delicate crispiness. Keep the remaining sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out while you work.
Step 4: Cut and Fill the Phyllo Strips
Cut the double-layered phyllo into three long strips. Place about 2 tablespoons of the cheesy filling near the bottom of each strip. Carefully fold the bottom edge over the filling, then roll up tightly into a compact log shape to keep all the cheesy goodness inside while it bakes.
Step 5: Arrange and Brush for Crispiness
Place the rolls seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with more melted butter or olive oil—that’s the secret to that striking golden color and irresistible crunch after baking.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they should turn a beautiful golden brown and achieve that crispy, flaky texture that’s the hallmark of this recipe.
Step 7: Make the Chili Honey
While the rolls bake, mix together honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. If you prefer the chili honey drizzle to be thinner, warm it briefly—this lovely glaze provides a vibrant contrast of sweet heat to the rolls.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the rolls are beautifully crisp and golden, drizzle liberally with your chili honey. Sprinkle with optional herbs or sesame seeds for an extra flavor and textural pop. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of warm, crispy, and spicy-sweet sensations.
How to Serve Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like extra dill or parsley sprinkled over the rolls brighten up the plate and add a fresh and vibrant touch. Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty crunch that complements both the phyllo and cheese filling beautifully. These simple garnishes really elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh, crisp salads like cucumber and tomato with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the rolls. Also consider serving alongside olives, roasted red peppers, or a chilled tzatziki dip to play up the Mediterranean vibes and provide refreshing contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the rolls standing upright in a shallow bowl or on a decorative platter around a small bowl of chili honey for dipping. This creates a communal, shareable vibe that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings. You can also thread them on skewers for a fun finger-food experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the phyllo from becoming soggy, place parchment paper between layers when stacking.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked rolls for up to one month. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray, flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen with an additional 4-5 minutes added to the bake time for perfect crispiness.
Reheating
To reheat, place the rolls on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This will restore the crunch without drying out the filling—just avoid microwaving, which can make the phyllo tough and chewy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Feta is key to the tangy, salty flavor that defines this recipe, but you could experiment with a firm goat cheese or paneer if you prefer a milder taste. Just keep in mind that texture and saltiness will vary.
Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?
To make vegan versions, substitute the feta and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like cashew cheese and vegan cream cheese. Use olive oil instead of butter for brushing, and ensure your phyllo dough is vegan as some brands use butter.
How spicy is the chili honey, and can I adjust it?
The chili honey has a gentle warmth that complements rather than overpowers the rolls. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your taste—from mild (1 teaspoon) to medium or spicy (2 teaspoons or more). You can always drizzle less honey if you want a subtler flavor.
Can these rolls be made ahead and frozen fully baked?
Fully baked rolls don’t freeze as well due to moisture loss affecting the phyllo crunch. It’s best to freeze before baking and bake fresh for optimal texture and taste.
What’s the best way to keep phyllo dough from drying out while working with it?
Always keep unused phyllo sheets covered with a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel. This prevents them from drying and becoming brittle, which helps maintain their delicate texture for rolling and baking.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend the Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe enough. The way the crispy, buttery phyllo encases the creamy, herbed feta, and then gets topped with that addictive chili honey drizzle is pure magic. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both sophisticated and comforting. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite Mediterranean-inspired treats!
Print
Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls are a delightful Mediterranean appetizer featuring a creamy, herby feta and cream cheese filling wrapped in crisp phyllo dough. Baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy chili honey, these rolls offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them ideal for entertaining or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
For the Chili Honey:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra herbs (such as dill or parsley)
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, chopped dill, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper until the mixture is well blended and slightly creamy.
- Prepare Phyllo Sheets: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Place a second sheet on top and brush again to create a layered, buttery base.
- Cut Phyllo Strips: Cut the stacked phyllo sheets into three long strips for forming the rolls.
- Assemble Rolls: Place about 2 tablespoons of the feta filling at the bottom edge of each strip. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then continue to roll the strip tightly into a small log. Repeat this process for all strips and filling.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the assembled rolls on the lined baking sheet and brush their tops with additional melted butter or olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
- Make Chili Honey: While the rolls bake, stir together the honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Warm briefly if a thinner drizzle is preferred.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot feta rolls with the chili honey and garnish with extra herbs or sesame seeds as desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Keep phyllo dough covered with a slightly damp towel during assembly to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
- These rolls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking; add an additional 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
- For a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the feta mixture.
