If you’re in the mood for something absolutely irresistible, Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey will knock your socks off. Imagine a delicate, golden-crispy phyllo roll giving way to warm, savory feta, all drizzled with a dreamy, sweet-and-spicy chili honey that tickles your taste buds. This Mediterranean-inspired treat is a celebration of textures and flavors, perfect for parties, a special appetizer, or whenever you crave a snack that looks as good as it tastes. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey lies in its smart simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, bringing its own flair to the final dish. From creamy feta to flaky phyllo, it’s all about balance and a few key flavor boosters for maximum impact.
- Feta Cheese (8 ounces, cut into 8 sticks): Salty, tangy, and wonderfully creamy when warm, feta is the heart of every roll.
- Phyllo Pastry (8 sheets, thawed if frozen): Provides that signature shatteringly crisp exterior—handle gently for best results.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Brushed between the layers for flavor and perfect crispness; you can mix with olive oil for extra Mediterranean notes.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used with butter to boost flavor and deliver golden color.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Sweetens and balances the saltiness of feta, forming the base of the show-stopping chili honey drizzle.
- Chili Flakes (1–2 teaspoons, adjust to taste): Adds a subtle, tingling heat to the honey; you get to decide the spice level.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Brings a bright, citrusy zing to the chili honey, making those flavors pop.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves (for garnish, optional): A fragrant finishing touch that lifts the rolls, both visually and on the palate.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients
Start by getting everything organized. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set out your phyllo pastry, feta sticks, melted butter, and olive oil so you can work quickly and keep the pastry from drying out. Phyllo can be a bit delicate, so keep a clean, damp towel handy to cover the sheets as you go.
Step 2: Layer and Butter the Phyllo
Lay one phyllo sheet flat on your work surface and give it a gentle brush with melted butter. Place a second sheet directly on top and brush again—this double-layering gives you just the right balance of crunch without overwhelming the cheese. Work with one roll at a time to keep things neat and crisp.
Step 3: Roll Up the Feta
Position a stick of feta near the bottom edge of the buttered phyllo. Fold in the sides to hug the cheese, then roll everything up into a tight little bundle, making sure the seam is on the bottom to keep it from unrolling during baking. Place each finished roll on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining feta and pastry.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake
For an irresistible golden crust, stir together any remaining butter with the olive oil and brush the tops of each roll. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, giving them a careful turn halfway through so they crisp evenly all over. You’re looking for a deep golden color and audible crunch.
Step 5: Make the Chili Honey
About five minutes before the rolls are done, combine honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat. Let it warm for just a minute or two—just until runny and fragrant. This simple sauce will take the feta rolls to a whole new level!
Step 6: Drizzle, Garnish, and Serve
As soon as the Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey come out of the oven, arrange them on a platter and generously drizzle with the warm chili honey. Sprinkle with fresh thyme if you’d like a bit of herbal flair. Serve right away, while the phyllo’s at its crispiest and the cheese is melty and luscious.
How to Serve Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Garnishes
A handful of garnishes turns these rolls into instant showstoppers. Finish with fresh thyme or oregano, a scattering of finely chopped parsley, or a twist of freshly cracked black pepper. Even a few threads of extra chili or a dusting of sumac adds beautiful color and zing.
Side Dishes
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey pair brilliantly with light, refreshing fare. I love to serve them alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon and olive oil, or a platter of mixed Mediterranean olives. They’d also shine next to a cucumber-yogurt dip or a chilled glass of white wine.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these as finger food on a big sharing board, nestled with extra lemon wedges and herbs. For something fun at a party, skewer each roll and serve with the chili honey in little dipping cups. Or try slicing the rolls in halves or thirds for bite-sized apps that look gorgeous on a platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey (rare, but possible!), let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The phyllo will soften, but they’re still delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolls! Wrap them individually in plastic and tuck into a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. When ready to bake, brush with melted butter and olive oil, and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To regain that crispy texture, reheat leftover rolls in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Skip the microwave, which can make phyllo soggy. If reheating from frozen, bake until piping hot and golden throughout.
FAQs
Can I use another cheese besides feta?
Absolutely, though feta’s briny bite is part of the charm! Halloumi or a firm goat cheese can also work. Just avoid very soft cheeses that might ooze out during baking.
Can I make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey vegan?
With a few swaps, yes! Use your favorite vegan feta-style cheese, vegan butter, and a plant-based honey alternative. The results are still wonderfully crispy and flavorful.
How spicy is the chili honey?
This is adjustable! One teaspoon of chili flakes gives gentle warmth, two makes it fiery. Taste as you go and stop when you find your perfect heat level.
Can I assemble the rolls in advance?
You can assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 6 hours before baking. Brush with butter and oil just before they go in the oven for best results.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme for garnish?
No worries! Leave it out, or try fresh parsley, basil ribbons, or a sprinkle of dried oregano for a flavor twist. The chili honey will still shine just as bright.
Final Thoughts
These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are one of those special appetizers that always spark conversation and disappear in a flash. Once you see how easy and crowd-pleasing they are, you’ll be tempted to make them a signature at your next gathering. Give them a try and watch everyone swoon over the irresistible crunch, creamy cheese, and sweet chili kick!
Print
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These oven-fried feta rolls with chili honey are a delightful appetizer featuring crispy phyllo pastry wrapped around tangy feta cheese, drizzled with a sweet and spicy chili-infused honey. Perfect for any gathering or as a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Feta Rolls:
- 8 ounces feta cheese, cut into 8 sticks
- 8 sheets phyllo pastry, thawed if frozen
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Chili Honey Drizzle:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1–2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare phyllo rolls: Layer phyllo sheets with melted butter, wrap feta sticks, and bake until golden.
- Make chili honey: Heat honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice until runny.
- Drizzle and serve: Pour warm chili honey over baked feta rolls, garnish with thyme, and enjoy hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, include roasted red pepper or fresh herbs with the feta.
- Best served fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
