Delicious Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

What Are Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey?

Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey take the classic pairing of feta and honey and turn it into a bite-sized, party-ready snack. Instead of serving a whole slab of baked feta, you wrap a creamy feta filling in thin sheets of phyllo dough, roll it up like a small cigar, and bake it until the layers turn shatteringly crisp.

Then comes the fun part: chili honey. This is simply honey infused with chili—either chili flakes, fresh chili, or a splash of hot sauce—so it has a gentle or fiery kick. When you drizzle it over hot, salty feta rolls, you get that irresistible combination of:

• Salty and tangy from the feta
• Sweet and sticky from the honey
• Warm heat from the chili

Ingredient Breakdown for Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

Before you start, let’s walk through the key ingredients and how to choose them for the best flavor and texture.

Feta Cheese

Feta is the heart of these rolls, so using a good one matters. For the best results:

• Choose block feta in brine if possible. It’s usually creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled feta.
• Traditional Greek feta, made with sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat, tends to have a rich, tangy taste that’s perfect for this recipe.
• Pat the feta dry if it’s very wet so your filling isn’t watery.

You can use feta on its own for a bold, crumbly filling, or mix it with a small amount of another soft cheese for a smoother texture.

Phyllo Dough

Phyllo dough is what gives these rolls their flaky, crisp layers. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Use frozen phyllo and thaw it in the fridge overnight.
• Keep the phyllo covered with a clean, lightly damp towel or plastic wrap while you work so it doesn’t dry out.
• Don’t panic over small tears—phyllo is forgiving, and you’ll be layering and rolling it anyway.

Thin phyllo sheets bake quickly and give that delicate, layered crunch that makes each bite special.

Chili Honey

The chili honey is the final flourish that makes this recipe truly memorable. You’re simply infusing honey with heat. You can use:

• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Fresh minced chili
• A splash of your favorite hot sauce

Adjust the amount to make it mild, medium, or fiery. The honey balances the saltiness of the feta and adds that glossy, sticky finish that clings to every roll.

Supporting Ingredients

To round everything out, it helps to have:

• Olive oil or melted butter – for brushing the phyllo and giving it color and crunch
• Garlic – for a deeper, savory note in the filling
• Fresh herbs – such as dill, parsley, oregano, or thyme
• Lemon zest – to brighten the filling and lift the richness of the feta
• Sesame seeds or crushed pistachios – for garnish and a little extra texture on top

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any special tools to make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey, just:

• Baking sheet (or two, if you’re making a big batch)
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl and spoon
• Small saucepan for the chili honey
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step: How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

1. Prepare the Feta Filling

Start by making the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Finely minced garlic
• Chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or oregano work beautifully)
• Lemon zest
• Optional: a spoonful of cream cheese or ricotta if you want a creamier filling

2. Set Up Your Phyllo Station

Phyllo can dry out quickly, so a simple setup makes all the difference:

• Unroll the thawed phyllo.
• Cover the stack with a clean, slightly damp towel or plastic wrap.
• Only expose one sheet at a time while you work.

3. Cut and Layer the Phyllo

Take one sheet of phyllo and lay it on your work surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter or oil, then:

• Place another sheet directly on top.
• Brush again with a thin layer of fat.

4. Add the Feta Filling

Place a small spoonful of the feta mixture near one end of each strip, leaving a border:

• Aim for a compact line of filling rather than a big mound.
• Don’t overfill; too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open in the oven.

5. Roll the Feta Cigars

To roll each strip:

1. Fold the sides of the strip inward over the filling to seal the edges.
2. Start rolling from the filled end, keeping the roll snug but not so tight that the phyllo tears.
3. Place the finished roll seam-side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining strips and filling, spacing the rolls slightly apart on the tray.

6. Brush and Bake

Once all your rolls are assembled:

• Brush the tops lightly with more melted butter or oil.
• If you like, sprinkle sesame seeds or crushed pistachios over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Bake in a preheated oven (around 400–425°F / 200–220°C, depending on your oven) until:

• The rolls are deep golden on top
• The edges are crisp and the layers are visibly flaky

How to Make the Chili Honey Drizzle

While the rolls bake, make your chili honey. In a small saucepan:

1. Add honey to the pan (enough to drizzle generously over your batch of rolls).
2. Stir in your choice of heat:
   • Red pepper flakes for a warm, even heat
   • Fresh minced chili for a brighter, sharper kick
   • A dash of hot sauce for a customizable level of spice
3. Add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

Warm the mixture gently over low heat, just until the honey thins and the flavors start to infuse. It should never boil violently—just a gentle warmth is enough.

You can also add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for a touch of acidity if you like that sweet-tangy contrast.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Part of the charm of these feta rolls is how easy they are to serve and style.

Plating Suggestions

Arrange the rolls on a large platter or wooden board:

• Pile them in a loose pyramid so the textures and browned edges show.
• Drizzle more chili honey over the top.
• Sprinkle with:
  • Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme)
  • Sesame seeds
  • Crushed pistachios or walnuts

What to Serve Alongside

These rolls fit beautifully into a mezze or appetizer spread. Try pairing them with:

• Bowls of olives and marinated roasted peppers
• Sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
• Hummus, tzatziki, or a simple yogurt-based dip
• Pita chips or warm flatbread
• Crisp, sparkling drinks with citrus slices

Flavor Variations and Creative Twists

Cheese Variations

You can keep feta as the base but tweak the texture by blending it with other cheeses:

• Feta + ricotta for a creamier, smoother filling
• Feta + cream cheese for a rich, velvety center
• Feta + goat cheese for a tangier, more pronounced flavor profile

Herb and Spice Ideas

Flavor the filling with different herbs and spices to suit your mood:

• Fresh dill and lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor
• Oregano and thyme for a more traditional Mediterranean vibe
• Smoked paprika for a warm, smoky note
• A pinch of cumin or chili flakes in the filling for extra depth

Chili Honey Variations

You can also play with the chili honey:

• Add orange or lemon zest to the honey while it warms.
• Infuse a sprig of rosemary or thyme in the honey, then remove before serving.
• Use different kinds of chili flakes—chipotle for smoke, Aleppo pepper for a gentle warmth, or a mix.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

One of the biggest advantages of these rolls is how convenient they are for entertaining.

Make-Ahead (Unbaked Rolls)

You can assemble the rolls a few hours ahead:

• Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
• Brush lightly with oil or butter.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate.

When you’re ready, transfer them straight from the fridge to the hot oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Freezing

You can also freeze the rolls:

• Assemble the rolls but do not bake.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen rolls to a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment.

Bake them from frozen, adding extra time until they’re fully crisp and golden, or thaw in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Leftover rolls can be revived easily:

• Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer until the phyllo is crisp again.
• Avoid relying on the microwave, as it can make the phyllo soft and chewy instead of crisp.

Tips for Success and Common Mistakes

To make sure your Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey come out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

Working with Phyllo

• Keep the unused phyllo covered at all times.
• Work with one or two sheets at a time.
• If a sheet tears, just layer it or patch it—once rolled and baked, small imperfections disappear.

Avoiding Leaky Rolls

• Don’t overfill; a small amount of filling goes a long way.
• Fold in the sides before rolling to tuck the filling in.
• Place the rolls seam-side down on the tray so they don’t unravel.

Getting the Right Balance of Sweet and Spicy

• Start with a moderate amount of chili in the honey. You can always add more heat next time.
• Taste the chili honey before drizzling; adjust the spice level until it makes you smile.

FAQ: Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

Conclusion

Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are one of those recipes that look and taste more impressive than the effort involved. With simple ingredients, a straightforward rolling technique, and a quick, customizable chili honey drizzle, you can turn a block of feta and a stack of phyllo into a platter of golden, irresistible bites.

Delicious Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

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• Author: Velma
• Total Time: PT35M
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a golden, crunchy treat bursting with creamy feta and drizzled with spicy-sweet honey. Baked (not fried) for the perfect crisp texture, they make an elegant appetizer or snack that combines Mediterranean flavors with a bold modern twist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Feta Rolls

• 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 12 phyllo sheets or spring roll wrappers
• 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

For the Chili Honey

• ¼ cup honey
• ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Filling

• In a bowl, mix feta, cream cheese, herbs, and lemon zest until creamy but slightly chunky.

3. Assemble the Rolls

• Lay out one phyllo sheet or wrapper on a clean surface.
• Place about 1 tablespoon of filling near the edge, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
• Brush with olive oil or butter and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.

4. Bake Until Crisp

• Bake for 18–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy.

5. Make the Chili Honey

• Warm honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice in a small saucepan for 1–2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in a pinch of salt.

6. Serve

• Drizzle warm chili honey over baked feta rolls or serve on the side for dipping.

• Prep Time: PT15M
• Cook Time: PT20M
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Oven-Baked
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 155 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg