Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
If you’re seeking a showstopper appetizer that’s easy to pull together but feels irresistibly special, Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are about to become your new obsession. Imagine ultra-crisp phyllo encasing a creamy, herby feta filling, with each bite brought to life by a sweet and fiery drizzle of chili honey. This Mediterranean-inspired snack is a harmony of textures and flavors: salty, tangy cheese, just-wilted herbs, golden pastry, and that one-two punch of spicy-sweet honey. Whether you’re hosting a cozy get-together or simply elevating your own snack time, Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey will always impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how a handful of simple ingredients, when layered thoughtfully, create bold magic together. Each component not only lends its flavor, but also adds to the melt-in-your-mouth texture, the pop of color, or the little hit of heat that makes these rolls impossible to forget. Here’s everything you’ll need and why it really matters:
- Phyllo Dough (8 sheets, thawed): Ultra-thin sheets that bake up to crisp, crackly perfection. Handle carefully and keep covered to prevent drying out.
- Feta Cheese (6 ounces, crumbled): The star of the show! Creamy, salty, and tangy—choose a block for the best flavor, or pre-crumbled for convenience.
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds luxurious richness while binding the filling so it stays smooth and spreadable.
- Fresh Dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings a bright herbaceous note and classic Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Lifts the filling with grassy freshness and a pop of vibrant green.
- Lemon Zest (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle zest wakes up the cheeses and delivers a hint of citrusy brightness.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the filling with just enough warmth and spice.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter (2 tablespoons, for brushing): Ensures each roll crisps up gorgeously golden and adds richness to the phyllo.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The luscious backbone of the chili honey—choose a floral or neutral honey as you like.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the honey with mellow heat; adjust to your taste!
- Chili Powder (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a deeper, earthier spice if you like it punchy (totally optional).
- Pinch of Salt: Just a pinch brings out the nuanced sweetness and heat in your homemade chili honey.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Step 1: Prep the Filling
To kick things off, combine your crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, fresh dill, parsley, lemon zest, and black pepper in a medium bowl. A fork works perfectly to mash and blend everything together—you want a creamy, evenly-mixed filling with beautiful flecks of herbs. This herby cheese mixture is the soul of our Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey, so give it a quick taste and adjust any herbs or seasoning to your liking.
Step 2: Layer and Cut the Phyllo
Lay a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface and immediately brush it with a little olive oil or melted butter. This keeps it tender and helps it brown beautifully. Top with another sheet, brush again, and repeat until you have two layers. Cut this double-layered stack lengthwise into three even strips (a pizza cutter works great here!). Remember to keep unused phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Spoon about a tablespoon of your cheese filling at the bottom end of each phyllo strip. Fold in the long sides to encase the filling, then roll up snugly, tucking the edges as you go—think of it like rolling a spring roll. Place each roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat the layering, cutting, filling, and rolling process with the remaining phyllo and filling so you have 12 crisp, plump little rolls.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Before your rolls head into the oven, brush their tops with just a touch more oil or butter to ensure a shatteringly crisp crust. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, or until your Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are gorgeously golden and crisp. The kitchen will fill with the toasty scent of phyllo and herbs—pure heaven!
Step 5: Make the Chili Honey
While the rolls bake, make the secret sauce: Add the honey, red pepper flakes, chili powder if you’re using it, and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes just to infuse the flavors (no need to boil). Let it steep while your rolls finish, and strain if you like a clear drizzle.
Step 6: Serve with a Drizzle
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, arrange them on a platter and drizzle generously with the warm chili honey. The hot rolls will soak up the spicy-sweet glaze, creating sticky, glossy, flavor-packed bites you absolutely won’t be able to resist.
How to Serve Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh dill, chopped parsley, or a little extra lemon zest over the rolls as they come out of the oven adds brightness and extra appeal. If you really want to turn heads, finish your Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey with a light dusting of sesame seeds or crushed pistachios for crunch and color.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a crisp, lemony salad—think cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and lots of fresh mint—or a simple bowl of marinated olives. They also shine alongside warm pita bread and a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for that cool, creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For party-perfect presentation, arrange your Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey on a rustic wooden board, nestled among fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Skewer them with little cocktail picks for mess-free mingling, or serve them standing upright in a glass for an eye-catching (and easy-to-grab) display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any extra rolls, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep the chili honey in a separate container so the rolls don’t get soggy.
Freezing
These oven fried treats can also be frozen before baking. Assemble and roll the uncooked feta rolls, then freeze on a lined baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or container. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding just a few extra minutes to the bake time for perfectly golden results.
Reheating
To bring the magic back, reheat leftover Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey in a 350°F oven for about 7 to 10 minutes. Skip the microwave—a quick blast of heat in the oven will restore their shattering crispiness. Drizzle with chili honey just before serving to bring everything back to life!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pre-crumbled feta instead of a feta block?
Absolutely! While a fresh block of feta will give the filling a slightly creamier, richer flavor, pre-crumbled feta saves time and still works beautifully in Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey. Just check the seasoning and adjust if needed, as some pre-crumbled cheeses are a little saltier.
What can I substitute for phyllo if I can’t find it?
If phyllo isn’t available, try using spring roll wrappers or even sheets of very thin puff pastry. The result will be a little less flaky, but still crisp and delicious. Just be sure to brush with olive oil or butter before baking.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Look for gluten-free phyllo dough (several brands offer this option in specialty and health food stores). The filling and chili honey are naturally gluten-free already, so your Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey will remain just as crowd-pleasing.
How spicy is the chili honey?
The heat level is totally customizable. Start with the suggested amount of red pepper flakes and chili powder, and feel free to use less (or add more) to match your spice preferences. Taste your sauce as you go—if you love extra heat, a pinch more chili powder will do the trick.
Can I assemble these in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the rolls up to a day ahead, store them covered in the fridge, and bake them just before serving. The chili honey can also be made in advance and gently rewarmed. Freshly baked Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey always have the best crunch!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a savory appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, do yourself a favor and give Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey a spin. Every golden, cheesy bite hits all the right notes—salty, creamy, sweet, and spicy—and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic for yourself. Gather your friends, pour something cold, and dig in!
Print
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a delightful appetizer featuring a crispy phyllo exterior filled with a creamy blend of feta, cream cheese, and herbs, all drizzled with a sweet and spicy chili-infused honey. Perfect for entertaining or as a unique snack!
Ingredients
For the Feta Rolls:
- 8 sheets phyllo dough (thawed)
- 6 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
For the chili honey:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine feta, cream cheese, dill, parsley, lemon zest, and black pepper.
- Assemble the rolls: Layer phyllo dough, brush with oil, cut into strips, add filling, roll up, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush the rolls with oil, bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Make the chili honey: Warm honey, red pepper flakes, chili powder, and salt in a saucepan.
- Drizzle and serve: Drizzle the warm chili honey over the baked feta rolls before serving. Enjoy hot or warm!
Notes
- These rolls can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
- For a quicker version, use pre-crumbled feta and dried herbs.
- Adjust the spice level of the honey to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
