Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a deliciously crispy snack or appetizer that brings together flaky, golden pastry and salty, creamy feta cheese inside. The rolls bake up…
Tip: save now, cook later.Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a deliciously crispy snack or appetizer that brings together flaky, golden pastry and salty, creamy feta cheese inside. The rolls bake up super crunchy without the need for deep frying, which makes them a little lighter but still full of that satisfying crunch. Drizzling them with sweet and spicy chili honey adds the perfect kick and touch of sweetness to balance the salty feta.
I love making these rolls when I want something quick but impressive to serve at a party or just for a special treat at home. The chili honey is my favorite part—it really wakes up the flavors, and I like to keep a little jar ready in the fridge to drizzle on just about everything. Plus, these rolls come together really fast, especially if you use store-bought puff pastry, so they’re my go-to when I want tasty bites without a lot of fuss.
When I serve these, I usually pair them with a simple green salad or some fresh cucumber slices to cut through the richness. It’s a combo everyone seems to enjoy, and the rolls always disappear quickly from the plate! They also make great finger food for gatherings, and it’s fun to see how people react to the mix of spicy, sweet, and salty all in one bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Phyllo Dough: This gives the rolls their light, crispy texture. If you can’t find phyllo, you could try spring roll wrappers, but the texture will be a bit different. Always keep phyllo covered with a damp towel to stop it from drying out.
Feta Cheese: It’s the star of the filling—salty and tangy. You can mix it with cream cheese to make it creamier and less crumbly. If you want a milder taste, goat cheese works well too.
Sesame Seeds: They add a lovely nutty crunch on the outside. If you don’t have sesame seeds, poppy seeds or even crushed nuts like pistachios or almonds are tasty alternatives.
Chili Honey: The sweet and spicy sauce is key for flavor contrast. Adjust the amount of chili to your heat preference. If you prefer something less spicy, use mild chili flakes or leave them out entirely for just honey’s sweetness.
How Do You Roll Phyllo Without It Tearing?
Phyllo is delicate and can tear easily, but here’s how to keep it intact:
- Work quickly but gently. Keep unused sheets covered with a slightly damp towel while you work.
- Brush each sheet with egg or melted butter before folding or rolling. This helps the layers stick and prevents cracking.
- When placing the filling, use just enough so that you can roll tightly but without overfilling.
- Fold in the edges as you roll to seal the filling inside. This stops cheese from leaking out while baking.
With these steps, your rolls will be neat, crisp, and perfectly sealed for baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking tray – a rimmed tray keeps the rolls from sliding off and collects any drips from the chili honey.
- Parchment paper – stops the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
- Pastry brush – perfect for brushing the egg wash evenly on the delicate phyllo dough.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the feta and cream cheese filling smoothly.
- Small saucepan – to gently warm and infuse the chili honey sauce without burning it.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing the phyllo and chopping chilies or parsley.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap feta for ricotta mixed with lemon zest for a milder, creamier filling that’s still fresh and bright.
- Add fresh chopped herbs like dill or mint into the filling for a burst of herbal flavor that pairs well with the chili honey.
- Mix in finely chopped spinach or kale for some greens and extra texture inside the rolls.
- Use a drizzle of balsamic glaze instead of chili honey for a sweeter, tangy topping that complements the salty cheese.
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 8 sheets of phyllo dough (thawed if frozen)
- 8 oz (225g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for sealing and brushing)
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Chili Honey:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1-2 red chilies (such as Thai bird chilies or red chili flakes), sliced finely or crushed
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp soy sauce (optional, for umami depth)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation, including rolling the filo sheets and mixing the filling. Baking the rolls takes 20-25 minutes, and preparing the chili honey sauce takes about 5 minutes, so altogether you can expect around 40-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Tray:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese and softened cream cheese. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
3. Roll the Feta Rolls:
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough flat on a clean surface, keeping the remaining sheets covered with a damp towel to keep them from drying out. Cut the sheet lengthwise into two long strips.
Brush each strip lightly with the beaten egg. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling near one end of a strip. Carefully roll the strip tightly around the filling, folding in the edges as you roll to seal. Use a bit of beaten egg on the ends to secure the roll closed.
Brush the outside of each roll with more egg, then generously sprinkle with sesame seeds. Place the rolls on the prepared baking tray. Repeat using the remaining sheets and filling.
4. Bake the Rolls:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
5. Prepare the Chili Honey:
While the rolls bake, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the sliced red chilies, sesame seeds, soy sauce if using, and rice vinegar or lemon juice. Stir occasionally and let the flavors gently infuse for about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
6. Serve:
Once the rolls are baked, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the chili honey sauce generously over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Phyllo Dough?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and keep it covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out and tearing.
Can I Make the Chili Honey in Advance?
Absolutely! The chili honey can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. Just warm it slightly before serving to bring out the flavors.
How Should I Store Leftover Feta Rolls?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you want a milder flavor, try goat cheese or ricotta mixed with some lemon zest. Both will still be creamy and delicious in the rolls.
