Introduction

These Easy Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Cranberry Honey are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack. Creamy feta is wrapped in flaky dough and baked until golden, then drizzled with a vibrant cranberry honey sauce. For another delightful pairing of similar flavors, try the Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe.

Ingredients

These rolls combine the creamy, salty tang of feta with the sweet-tart pop of cranberries and floral honey, all wrapped in shatteringly crisp, golden phyllo.

• 8 oz (225g) block of feta cheese
• 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup fresh or dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• Black pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes these Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Cranberry Honey about 20% faster than similar recipes, getting you from prep to plate in well under an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Feta Filling

In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of black pepper. Use a fork or hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. For the best texture, ensure both cheeses are at room temperature before mixing.

Step 2 — Assemble the Rolls

Unroll one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Spread half of the feta mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border along one long edge. Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Repeat with the second pastry sheet and remaining filling.

Tip: Chill the rolled logs in the freezer for 15 minutes before slicing; this makes cutting cleaner and prevents the filling from squeezing out.

Step 3 — Slice and Arrange

Using a sharp serrated knife, slice each chilled log into 1-inch thick rounds. Arrange the rounds, spiral-side up, in a parchment-lined baking dish or sheet pan, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion as they bake.

Step 4 — Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, brush the tops of the rolls lightly with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) for a deep golden shine. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden brown.

Doneness Cue: The rolls should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, and the cheese filling will be visibly hot and bubbly.

Step 5 — Make the Cranberry Honey Glaze

While the rolls bake, prepare the sweet cranberry honey. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm 1/2 cup of honey with 1/4 cup of dried cranberries. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until the cranberries soften and the honey becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest for brightness.

Step 6 — Glaze and Serve Warm

As soon as the Golden Baked Feta Rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the warm cranberry honey generously over the top. The heat from the pastry will help the glaze soak in slightly. Garnish with extra dill or chopped pistachios for crunch if desired. Serve immediately while the cheese is deliciously molten and the pastry is crisp.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~9g
Carbohydrates	~38g
Fat	~15g
Fiber	~2g
Sodium	~480mg

Note: These values are estimates for one Golden Baked Feta Roll with Sweet Cranberry Honey, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

These Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Cranberry Honey are wonderfully adaptable. Here are practical ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Alternative — Swap the feta for crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based feta alternative. For a richer taste, try mashed roasted chickpeas seasoned with nutritional yeast and lemon zest.
• Lower-Carb Option — Use large, sturdy collard green leaves or thinly sliced zucchini as wraps instead of phyllo dough. The rolls will be more savory and pack a veggie-forward punch.
• Dairy-Free Version — Opt for a high-quality vegan feta cheese. The brine from a jar of marinated artichoke hearts can also mimic the tangy, salty profile when mixed with nuts.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — Gluten-free phyllo pastry is available in some specialty stores. Alternatively, use rice paper wrappers for a crisp, different texture, or gluten-free puff pastry.
• Low-Sodium Twist — Choose a low-sodium feta cheese or rinse regular feta briefly under cold water. Reduce or omit any added salt in the filling and use fresh herbs to boost flavor.
• Nut-Free Filling — Replace pine nuts with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas). They add a similar crunch and richness without the common allergen.
• Sweetener Swap — For the Sweet Cranberry Honey, use pure maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to keep the recipe vegan. A sugar-free berry jam can also work for a lower-sugar version.
• Herb Refresh — Instead of dill, try fresh mint or basil for a brighter, more aromatic flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the cranberry.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these warm Golden Baked Feta Rolls with a light, crisp salad like arugula with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory cheese and sweet cranberry honey.
• Serve as a stunning appetizer for holiday gatherings or dinner parties, arranged on a wooden board with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for garnish.
• Offer alongside a bowl of warm tomato soup or a creamy pumpkin soup for a cozy and complete autumn or winter meal.
• Transform them into a brunch centerpiece by pairing with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh orange juice.
• For an elegant touch, drizzle extra sweet cranberry honey over the plated rolls just before serving and sprinkle with crushed pistachios for added color and crunch.
• Create a Mediterranean-inspired spread by serving these rolls with other small plates like olives, marinated artichokes, and hummus.

These Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Cranberry Honey are versatile enough for any occasion, from a casual family snack to an impressive party starter. The key is to serve them warm so the feta is perfectly soft and the pastry remains flaky.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold feta straight from the fridge. Fix: Let the feta come to room temperature for easier crumbling and more even baking.
• Mistake: Overfilling the phyllo sheets. Fix: Use a modest tablespoon of filling to prevent the delicate pastry from tearing during rolling.
• Mistake: Brushing phyllo with cold, hard butter. Fix: Gently melt and cool the butter to a liquid state for a thin, even coat that ensures crispiness.
• Mistake: Baking on a cold sheet pan. Fix: Preheat your baking tray in the oven so the rolls start cooking immediately for a golden, flaky bottom.
• Mistake: Cranberry sauce is too thin and runs everywhere. Fix: Simmer the cranberries with honey until the mixture thickly coats the back of a spoon.
• Mistake: Serving the rolls straight from the oven. Fix: Let them rest for 5 minutes so the molten feta filling sets slightly, preventing messy bites.
• Mistake: Storing leftover rolls stacked while warm. Fix: Cool completely in a single layer to keep the phyllo crisp; then store airtight.
• Mistake: Skipping the final drizzle of honey. Fix: The warm, sweet glaze is essential for balancing the salty feta and tangy cranberry.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the baked rolls completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Place cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven until warmed through and crisp, about 5-10 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

The sweet cranberry honey is best stored separately in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Gently warm it before serving with your reheated Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Cranberry Honey.

Conclusion

We hope you love making these irresistible Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Cranberry Honey. They’re the perfect blend of savory and sweet for any occasion. Give them a try and let us know what you think in the comments! For more delicious ideas, check out our Tzatziki Chicken Naan Pizza Recipe or Homemade Honey Mustard Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Cranberry Honey ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture. The cranberry honey can be made in advance and gently reheated. Freshly baked rolls ensure the pastry stays flaky and the feta filling is perfectly warm.

What can I use as a substitute for feta cheese?

For a similar tangy and salty profile, try ricotta salata or a mild goat cheese. If you prefer a milder flavor, a well-drained ricotta mixed with a pinch of salt works. The key is to use a cheese that holds its shape when baked in these Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Cranberry Honey.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness. The microwave is not recommended as it will make the pastry soggy.