If you’re looking for a snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and just bursting with flavor, then the Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe will become your new obsession. These golden phyllo pastries are filled with a fragrant mix of creamy feta, fresh herbs, and a zing of lemon zest, all perfectly complemented by a luscious drizzle of sweet and spicy chili honey. The delightful crunch of the oven-fried phyllo and the warm, sticky honey topping make every bite an irresistible treat you’ll want to share with everyone at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that work beautifully together to create a fantastic balance of taste, texture, and aroma. Each component plays a starring role, from the crisp phyllo providing a flaky shell to the herbs and lemon zest that elevate the feta filling with freshness.
- Phyllo pastry: Thin and delicate sheets that crisp up wonderfully when baked, creating the perfect flaky exterior.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, tangy, and salty base inside the rolls.
- Fresh dill and mint: Both herbs add a bright, herbal fragrance that livens up the feta perfectly.
- Lemon zest: Adds a citrusy zing that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Offers a mild heat and depth to the filling.
- Olive oil: Used for brushing the phyllo to ensure a golden crispy finish and a touch of fruity richness.
- Honey: The sweetness in the chili honey sauce that balances the salty feta wonderfully.
- Chili flakes: Bring a gentle warmth and kick to the honey drizzle.
- Lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity to the chili honey for a perfect tangy contrast.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready will help the assembly process go smoothly and keep the phyllo crisp.
Step 2: Make the Herbed Feta Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the crumbled feta, chopped dill, chopped mint, lemon zest, and a good crack of black pepper until everything is blended evenly. The fresh herbs and lemon zest brighten up the creamy feta, making it irresistibly tasty inside each roll.
Step 3: Layer and Oil the Phyllo Sheets
Lay one sheet of phyllo on a clean, dry surface and lightly brush it with olive oil. Follow by placing a second sheet on top, brushing it with oil too. These layers will provide the ideal flaky and crunchy texture once baked.
Step 4: Cut and Fill
Slice the double-layered phyllo sheets into four equal strips lengthwise. Spoon about a tablespoon of your herbed feta mixture onto one end of each strip, preparing them for rolling.
Step 5: Roll Up the Feta Rolls
Fold the sides of each strip over the filling to seal it in and then carefully roll the pastry into a neat cylinder. Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to prevent unrolling during baking.
Step 6: Repeat and Bake
Once all rolls are assembled, brush their tops with olive oil to help them brown beautifully. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and irresistibly crisp.
Step 7: Prepare the Chili Honey Drizzle
While the rolls bake, combine honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat until slightly runny, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors. This drizzle adds a luscious, spicy-sweet finish that ties the whole dish together.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Either drizzle the warm chili honey over them or serve it on the side as a dip, so everyone can enjoy the vibrant sweet heat as they like.
How to Serve Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped mint or dill on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A little extra cracked black pepper or a thin lemon wedge on the side also complements the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair delightfully with a crisp green salad or a simple cucumber yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast. They also work well alongside roasted vegetables or as part of a mezze platter for a festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the rolls on a wooden board drizzled with chili honey and dotted with lemon wedges for an inviting look. You can also skewer them individually with cocktail sticks for easy grab-and-go finger food at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chili honey separately to maintain the rolls’ crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftover rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes to bring back their crispy texture. Avoid the microwave as it can make the phyllo soggy. Warm up the chili honey gently before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Feta’s tangy and salty flavor is key to this recipe, but you could experiment with halloumi or ricotta mixed with a little salt for a different spin. Keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary.
Is phyllo pastry difficult to work with?
Phyllo can be delicate, but brushing each sheet with olive oil and working gently makes it easy to handle. Keep the sheets covered with a damp towel as you work to prevent drying out.
How spicy is the chili honey sauce?
The chili flakes add a warm, gentle heat rather than intense spiciness. Adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your preference and enjoy that perfectly balanced sweet and spicy combo.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, try using a plant-based cheese alternative and swap honey with maple syrup or agave, infused with chili flakes and lemon juice, for a similar effect.
What occasions work best for Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe?
These rolls are fantastic for casual gatherings, parties, or an elegant appetizer course. Their bold flavors and attractive presentation make them a crowd-pleaser anytime.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want an impressive yet simple dish that always gets rave reviews. The harmony of crispy phyllo, creamy herbed feta, and that spicy-sweet chili honey drizzle will have you coming back for seconds, guaranteed. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll win a special place in your recipe collection!
Print
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey combine crispy, golden phyllo pastry filled with a savory herb-infused feta cheese mixture, perfectly complemented by a sweet and spicy drizzle of warm chili honey. This delightful appetizer is quick to prepare and baked to crispy perfection, making it ideal for entertaining or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Feta Rolls
- 8 sheets of phyllo pastry
- 200 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Chili Honey
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Prepare Feta Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, chopped mint, lemon zest, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the herbs and zest.
- Layer Phyllo Pastry: Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean, dry surface and brush lightly with olive oil. Place a second sheet on top and brush it with olive oil as well, creating a layered base.
- Cut Phyllo Sheets: Cut the layered phyllo sheets lengthwise into 4 equal strips to create individual roll portions.
- Fill Rolls: Spoon about one tablespoon of the feta mixture onto the end of each phyllo strip, preparing to roll.
- Roll Pastry: Fold the sides over the filling to encase it, then roll the pastry into a tight cylinder, ensuring the filling is sealed inside to prevent leakage during baking.
- Arrange Rolls: Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to ensure they keep their shape while baking.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with remaining olive oil to help them brown and crisp evenly.
- Bake Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Chili Honey: While the rolls bake, combine honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is slightly runny and infused.
- Cool Rolls: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly to set their shape and temperature for serving.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm chili honey over the rolls before serving or provide it on the side as a dipping sauce for a spicy-sweet finish.
Notes
- Handle phyllo pastry gently as it can dry out quickly; cover unused sheets with a damp towel while working.
- For extra crispiness, brush the rolls with melted butter instead of olive oil if preferred.
- Adjust chili flakes in the honey to control the level of spiciness according to taste.
- These rolls can be served warm or at room temperature and are great for parties or appetizers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
