If you love a perfect blend of crispy pastry and creamy, tangy cheese with a little spicy-sweet kick, then you are going to adore this Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe. These delightful rolls combine flaky phyllo layers with a luscious feta and ricotta filling, baked until golden and crisp, then drizzled generously with a warm chili honey that brings them to life. It’s an irresistible dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and charm—perfect as an appetizer or a standout snack that impresses every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the star of this recipe, each bringing something special to the party—from the creamy cheeses to the golden phyllo and that unforgettable chili honey glaze.
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled: Choose high-quality feta for a bold, tangy flavor that forms the heart of the filling.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a smooth creaminess that balances the feta’s saltiness perfectly.
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional): Provides a subtle, earthy freshness that elevates the filling.
- 6 sheets phyllo pastry: Thawed if frozen and cut in half; the delicate, crispy layers make these rolls unforgettable.
- ¼ cup melted butter or olive oil: Brushed generously for that beautiful golden, crisp texture.
- ¼ cup honey: Opt for a light, runny honey that’s perfect for drizzling and mixing with chili flakes.
- ½ tsp red chili flakes: Adds a spicy kick, adjustable to suit your heat preference.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the crumbled feta, ricotta, and fresh thyme (if using) in a bowl. Stir gently yet thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. This creamy, savory filling is the soul of the dish, marrying sharp and mellow flavors in every bite.
Step 2: Prep the Phyllo Pastry
Unroll your phyllo sheets carefully and keep them covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out. Cut each sheet lengthwise into two strips, creating a total of 12 thinner phyllo sheets ready for rolling. This step is key to ensuring crisp, flaky layers that melt beautifully in your mouth.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take one strip of phyllo and brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil—this step guarantees a golden finish. Spoon about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture near one end, fold the sides inward, and roll it up tightly. Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Repeat with the rest for a perfect batch ready to bake.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Leave space between each roll on the baking sheet and give them another brush of butter or oil on top to ensure that irresistible golden crispness. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rolls are beautifully golden and crisp on the outside, while still soft and creamy inside. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is simply hypnotic.
Step 5: Make the Chili Honey
While baking, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the red chili flakes and let the flavors marry for a couple of minutes. The warm chili honey adds that perfect balance of sweetness and heat that elevates these rolls from delicious to downright unforgettable.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, drizzle generously with the warm chili honey or serve it on the side for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh thyme on top provides a lovely pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous aroma that ties everything together. Now you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Garnishes
A few sprigs of fresh thyme or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can make these rolls look as stunning as they taste. The fragrance of fresh herbs complements the savory, spicy, and sweet layers perfectly.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine best alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or served with roasted vegetables. They also pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh citrus.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the rolls on a wooden board with small bowls of chili honey for dipping. You can also create mini skewers by threading rolls and fresh cherry tomatoes for a colorful, handheld treat that’s both eye-catching and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain tasty but best re-crisped before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked assembled rolls on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once firm. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep that delicate phyllo texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta gives a wonderful tang, you can substitute it with goat cheese or a mild queso fresco. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly.
Is it necessary to use fresh thyme?
Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbaceous note, but if you don’t have it, dried thyme or even oregano works well. Or simply leave it out for a more straightforward cheese roll.
How spicy are the rolls with the chili honey?
The chili flakes give a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the honey. You can adjust the amount of chili flakes to make it milder or more intense based on your preference.
Can these rolls be made vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies on the rich texture and flavor of cheeses, but you could experiment with vegan cheese alternatives and a plant-based butter substitute to make a dairy-free version.
What’s the best way to prevent the phyllo pastry from drying out?
Keeping the phyllo covered with a damp kitchen towel while you work is crucial. This prevents it from becoming brittle and tearing, making rolling easier and the final texture amazing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about these Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe. They’re crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once—and so simple to make! Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this dish will quickly become a beloved favorite. Give it a try and watch how these irresistible rolls vanish in no time.
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Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls (serves 12)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are crispy, golden phyllo pastry rolls filled with a creamy blend of feta and ricotta cheeses, baked to perfection and served with a sweet and spicy chili-infused honey drizzle. Perfect as a savory appetizer or party snack, they combine salty, creamy, and spicy flavors with a delightful crispy texture.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Phyllo Pastry Rolls
- 6 sheets phyllo pastry (thawed if frozen, cut in half lengthwise to create 12 smaller sheets)
- ¼ cup melted butter or olive oil, for brushing
Chili Honey
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, and fresh thyme leaves (if using). Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the cheeses are well blended. Set aside the filling.
- Prep the Phyllo Pastry: Unroll the phyllo pastry sheets and keep them covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out. Cut each sheet in half lengthwise to yield 12 strips total.
- Assemble the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a clean surface, place one phyllo strip and brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Spoon about one tablespoon of the cheese filling near one end. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly to form a neat roll. Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all strips and filling.
- Bake the Rolls: Arrange the rolls evenly on the baking sheet, allowing a little space between each. Brush the tops with more melted butter or olive oil to achieve a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are crisp and golden brown.
- Make the Chili Honey: While the rolls are baking, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the red chili flakes and allow the mixture to warm for 1-2 minutes, infusing the flavors. Remove from heat.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the warm chili honey over the rolls or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra thyme leaves for a fresh, colorful touch if desired.
Notes
- Keep phyllo pastry covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying while assembling.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the honey to suit your preferred spice level.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and warm filling experience.
- These rolls can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.
