If you are looking for a delightful appetizer that instantly impresses with its crispy exterior and bold, sweet-spicy finish, then let me introduce you to the Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe. This dish combines flaky phyllo dough wrapped around creamy feta cheese, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with a luscious chili honey glaze that beautifully balances heat and sweetness. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired treat that’s not only simple to make but also irresistibly delicious—perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in when you want something extraordinary on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe lies in its simple yet meticulously chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role. From the salty richness of feta to the crisp texture of phyllo dough and the fiery sweetness of the chili honey, every component brings something special to the dish.
- 8 oz block feta cheese: Choose a firm, good-quality feta for easy slicing into sticks that hold their shape when baked.
- 8 sheets phyllo dough: Thawed phyllo provides the delicate, flaky wrapping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: Brushing the phyllo ensures a golden-brown, crisp finish and adds rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional): Adds a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal on top of the rolls.
- ¼ cup honey: The base for the chili honey glaze, adding luscious sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives the chili honey its spicy kick; adjust to your heat preference.
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional): Adds a gentle tang that balances the honey’s sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Phyllo
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Lay out one sheet of thawed phyllo on a clean surface and gently brush it with olive oil or melted butter. Folding it lengthwise creates a sturdy base that will cradle the feta stick perfectly.
Step 2: Wrap the Feta
Take a feta stick and place it at the short end of the folded phyllo. Fold the sides in snugly, then roll it tightly like a spring roll, ensuring the edges are sealed so nothing escapes during baking. Lay each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep their shape intact while they bake. Repeat this for all eight rolls—each one is a promise of crunchy, melty goodness.
Step 3: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of your feta rolls with a little more oil or melted butter to encourage that perfect golden crust. If you’re using sesame seeds, now’s the time to sprinkle them over the rolls. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, until the phyllo is irresistibly crisp and golden brown. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into crispy, savory bites.
Step 4: Make the Chili Honey Sauce
While the rolls bake, combine the honey, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Warm gently just until the honey becomes pourable—about 20 to 30 seconds. This warm, spicy-sweet glaze is going to elevate the feta rolls to new levels of deliciousness when drizzled over the top.
Step 5: Serve with a Drizzle
Once your Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe has baked to crispy perfection, take them out of the oven and immediately drizzle the warm chili honey over each roll. The contrast between the hot, crunchy roll and the sticky, spicy honey is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Consider garnishing these feta rolls with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or oregano to add a fresh burst that complements the rich cheese and honey glaze. A sprinkle of crushed pistachios or toasted sesame seeds can also add another layer of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh salads such as a cucumber and tomato salad or a crisp Greek salad to keep the Mediterranean theme flowing. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted vegetables or grilled meats to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, arrange the rolls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra chili honey and olives for dipping. You can also slice them into bite-sized pieces to serve as finger food at parties. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can turn this humble appetizer into a striking centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover oven-fried feta rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep them as crisp as possible, avoid stacking them and try to separate with parchment paper.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls before baking by wrapping them tightly and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best crispness.
Reheating
Reheat the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible as this can make the phyllo soggy. Drizzle fresh chili honey after reheating to revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta is classic for this recipe, halloumi or goat cheese work wonderfully and provide slightly different textures and flavors that are equally delicious.
Is phyllo dough difficult to work with?
Phyllo is delicate but manageable with a gentle touch. Keep the sheets covered with a damp towel when not in use to prevent drying out and tearing.
How spicy is the chili honey?
The heat can be easily adjusted by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference. Start with a small amount if you’re sensitive to spice and increase gradually.
Can I prepare these rolls in advance?
You can assemble the rolls ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking, which helps save time when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe warm with extra chili honey on the side for dipping, alongside a variety of light dips, olives, and crunchy vegetables for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about the crunchy layers of phyllo wrapped around creamy feta cheese, all brought together by the sweet-spicy punch of chili honey. This Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, perfect for any occasion when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try and watch how these little rolls disappear from the plate, every single time!
Print
Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a crispy and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring creamy feta cheese wrapped in delicate phyllo dough, oven-baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy chili honey sauce.
Ingredients
Feta Rolls:
- 8 oz block feta cheese (cut into 8 sticks)
- 8 sheets phyllo dough (thawed)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
Chili Honey:
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Phyllo and Wrap Feta: Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and lightly brush it with olive oil or melted butter. Fold the sheet in half lengthwise. Place one feta stick at the short end of the phyllo, then fold the sides in and roll the dough tightly around the feta stick like a spring roll to encase it completely. Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat Wrapping for Remaining Rolls: Continue the process with the remaining phyllo sheets and feta sticks until all are wrapped and placed on the baking sheet.
- Brush and Add Sesame Seeds: Lightly brush the tops of all the wrapped rolls with more olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if using for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp, and the feta is warmed through.
- Prepare Chili Honey Sauce: While the rolls bake, combine honey, red pepper flakes, and optional apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Warm gently for 20–30 seconds until the mixture is thin and pourable.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm chili honey generously over the baked feta rolls just before serving to add a sweet and spicy kick.
Notes
- Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or over a salad for a bold, sweet-and-savory bite.
- You can substitute the feta with halloumi or goat cheese if preferred for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and crispy straight out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
