If you’re searching for a snack that wows with a perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and sweet heat, then let me introduce you to the unforgettable delight of the Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe. These golden, flaky phyllo rolls stuffed with a tangy, herb-packed feta and cream cheese filling are drizzled with a luscious chili-infused honey that brings just the right hint of warmth and sweetness. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a sophisticated snack, these rolls will quickly become your go-to dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you. Each one plays a star role in crafting a flavor profile that’s fresh, savory, and perfectly balanced with a kick. From the delicate layers of phyllo dough that crisp up beautifully in the oven to the aromatic herbs and creamy cheeses—they all come together to create magic. And let’s not forget the chili honey that takes these rolls from tasty to totally irresistible.
- Phyllo dough (8 sheets, thawed): Provides the irresistibly crispy outer shell that holds the whole roll together.
- Feta cheese (6 ounces, crumbled): Brings that iconic tangy, salty flavor essential to these rolls’ character.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Smooths out the filling to a luscious, creamy texture.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a bright, herbal note that elevates every bite.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers a fresh, slightly peppery undertone that balances the richness.
- Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle citrus zing that lifts the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a gentle spiciness to round out the filling.
- Olive oil or melted butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for brushing the phyllo to ensure golden, flaky perfection.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The sweet foundation for the chili honey drizzle.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Imparts a lively, spicy kick to the honey glaze.
- Chili powder (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds depth and warmth to the chili honey if you want extra heat.
- Salt (a pinch): Balances the chili honey’s sweetness and spice perfectly.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Filling
Start by combining the crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, fresh dill, parsley, lemon zest, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all the flavors are evenly distributed. This creamy, herb-infused cheese mixture is what makes these rolls so delightfully flavorful.
Step 2: Layer and Cut the Phyllo Dough
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough flat on your clean workspace, then brush it lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush that as well. This layering builds the structure for a perfectly crispy, flaky crust. Next, cut the doubled phyllo sheets into three equal strips lengthwise. These strips will become the individual rolls you fill and bake.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Dough
Place about a tablespoon of the cheese filling on the bottom end of each phyllo strip. Fold the sides in over the filling to prevent any spills, then carefully roll it up like a spring roll. Repeat this process until you have 12 beautifully wrapped rolls ready for baking. The folding and rolling are essential to achieve that neat, golden appearance after baking.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place the rolls seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then brush their tops with a little more olive oil or butter. Bake them in your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they’re gorgeously golden and irresistibly crispy. The aroma alone will have you eagerly anticipating the first bite.
Step 5: Make the Chili Honey Drizzle
While the rolls are baking, whisk together honey, red pepper flakes, optional chili powder, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm it gently over low heat for just a couple of minutes, allowing those spicy flavors to infuse the honey beautifully. Once ready, remove it from heat and let it steep to deepen the flavor before drizzling over the hot rolls.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
As soon as the feta rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the warm chili honey generously over them. This sweet-spicy glaze is the perfect partner for the salty cheese and flaky crust, creating an explosion of textures and tastes in every bite. Serve immediately for best results.
How to Serve Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your presentation and add brightness to the dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top for a pop of color and herbal freshness. You can also add a few extra red pepper flakes if your guests love an extra spicy kick, or even a light dusting of lemon zest for a citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
These rolls are fantastic on their own but pairing them with some simple sides can make a meal or a party spread. Try a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some roasted vegetables seasoned with Mediterranean spices. These combinations ensure your palate stays refreshed after each deliciously rich roll.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching appetizer platter, arrange your oven fried feta rolls around a small bowl of extra chili honey for dipping. You can also skewering two or three rolls on decorative picks for easy serving at gatherings. Another fun idea is to serve the rolls atop a bed of arugula or baby spinach, which adds a peppery bite and vibrant look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining most of their crispiness if properly wrapped and reheated.
Freezing
You can also freeze the unbaked, rolled feta rolls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To revive the crispy goodness of these rolls, reheating in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes works best. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve their delightful crunch. Drizzle a little fresh chili honey after warming for that perfect finish.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh herbs provide the best flavor and color, dried dill and parsley will work in a pinch. Just reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated; about one-third of the fresh amount is ideal.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on cheese, so a vegan version would require substituting feta and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives. There are some crumbly vegan feta and cashew-based cream cheeses on the market that should work well. Just double-check their moisture content to avoid soggy rolls.
How spicy is the chili honey?
The chili honey offers a gentle warming spice that complements the cheese without overwhelming it. However, you can easily adjust the heat by using more or less red pepper flakes and chili powder to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the rolls in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls a few hours or even a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready, so the phyllo stays crisp and flaky.
What’s the best way to eat these rolls?
These rolls are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven when their flaky layers melt in your mouth. Pairing them with the chili honey drizzle makes each bite a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Final Thoughts
The Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity, elegance, and bold flavors in one bite-sized package. I can’t recommend these enough for any occasion where you want to impress without fuss—flaky, cheesy, sweet, and spicy all at once. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.
Print
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a crispy and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring creamy feta and cream cheese wrapped in flaky phyllo dough, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet and spicy chili-infused honey.
Ingredients
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)
Chili Honey
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, chopped dill, parsley, lemon zest, and black pepper, mixing until well blended.
- Prepare Phyllo Dough: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Layer a second sheet on top and brush again. Cut the layered sheets lengthwise into 3 equal strips.
- Assemble Rolls: Place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling at the bottom of each phyllo strip. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly like a spring roll, ensuring the seam is underneath. Repeat with remaining dough and filling to form 12 rolls.
- Bake the Rolls: Arrange the rolls seam side down on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with additional olive oil or melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Chili Honey: While the rolls bake, combine honey, red pepper flakes, chili powder (if using), and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat and let steep.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm chili honey over the freshly baked feta rolls just before serving. Enjoy them hot or warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- These rolls can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving to save time.
- For convenience, use pre-crumbled feta cheese and dried herbs if fresh are not available.
- Adjust the spice level in the chili honey by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes.
