Introduction

These Crispy Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are the ultimate 5-ingredient appetizer! Golden, flaky phyllo wraps a creamy feta center, baked until perfectly crisp. A quick drizzle of spicy-sweet chili honey creates an irresistible flavor contrast. It’s a simple yet impressive dish for any gathering. For another fantastic feta pairing, try the Baked Pears with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe.

Ingredients

These rolls combine creamy, briny feta with crisp, golden phyllo, finished with a sweet and spicy chili honey that crackles with flavor.

• 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 18 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili flakes
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• ⅓ cup honey

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	27 minutes

Context: This recipe for Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to a streamlined assembly and a hot oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Feta Filling

Crumble 200g of good-quality feta cheese into a bowl. Finely chop a handful of fresh dill and mint, then mix them into the feta along with a pinch of black pepper. For the best flavor and texture, use full-fat feta stored in brine.

Step 2 — Assemble the Rolls

Lay out 8 sheets of phyllo pastry, keeping the rest covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Brush one sheet lightly with melted butter or olive oil, place another on top, and brush again. Spoon a portion of the feta mixture onto the shorter end and roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to create a sealed parcel.

Step 3 — Create the Crumb Coating

In one shallow dish, place a beaten egg. In another, combine 100g of panko breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and a pinch of salt. This double layer ensures maximum crispiness.

Step 4 — Coat and Chill

Carefully dip each assembled feta roll first in the egg, letting any excess drip off, then roll it thoroughly in the seasoned panko mixture until fully coated. Place the coated rolls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This helps the coating set and prevents it from falling off during baking.

Step 5 — Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the chilled rolls on a baking sheet with space between them. Lightly spray or brush them with a little more oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway, until they are deeply golden brown and crisp all over.

Step 6 — Make the Chili Honey

While the Oven Fried Feta Rolls bake, gently warm 4 tablespoons of honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili, adjusting to your preferred heat level. Warm for just 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavor, then remove from heat.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

As soon as the feta rolls come out of the oven, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the warm chili honey. The contrast of the hot, crispy pastry, salty melted feta, and sweet-spicy syrup is incredible when served fresh from the oven.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~9 g
Carbohydrates	~28 g
Fat	~15 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~650 mg

Note: These are approximate per-serving values for Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Lower-Fat Cheese — Swap the feta for a reduced-fat version or even ricotta for a milder, lighter filling.
• Protein Alternative — For a meatier twist, mix in some finely chopped cooked spinach or lentils with the feta for added plant-based protein.
• Dairy-Free Option — Use a firm, brined vegan feta alternative. The salty, tangy profile works perfectly with the chili honey.
• Gluten-Free Wraps — Use your favorite gluten-free tortillas or spring roll wrappers to make these Oven Fried Feta Rolls accessible to all.
• Lower-Carb Version — Wrap the feta mixture in large, blanched cabbage or collard green leaves before baking for a delicious low-carb alternative.
• Low-Sodium Adjustment — Opt for a low-sodium feta cheese and reduce or omit any added salt in the seasoning.
• Whole Wheat Upgrade — Use whole wheat tortillas or phyllo for added fiber and a nuttier flavor that complements the feta.
• Spice Control — Adjust the heat in the chili honey by using mild Aleppo pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika instead of fiery chili flakes.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy, savory Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for how to serve them to make the most of their delicious flavor.

• As a Standalone Appetizer: Serve them hot from the oven on a platter with the chili honey drizzled over the top or in a small bowl for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or mint adds a nice color contrast.
• With a Fresh Salad: Balance the richness of the feta and pastry with a simple, crisp side salad. A mix of arugula, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes with a lemon vinaigrette works perfectly.
• As Part of a Meze Spread: Create a Mediterranean-inspired feast by pairing these rolls with other small plates like hummus, olives, stuffed grape leaves, and grilled pita bread.
• For a Brunch Twist: These rolls make a fantastic savory addition to a brunch table. Serve them alongside dishes like shakshuka, fresh fruit, and pastries.
• With a Creamy Dip: Offer a cool, creamy dip like tzatziki or a garlic yogurt sauce alongside the spicy chili honey. The combination of hot, cold, spicy, and tangy is exceptional.
• Elevated Party Food: For a more elegant presentation, cut the pastry into smaller squares to create bite-sized “feta parcels.” Skewer each one with a decorative pick for easy serving.

No matter how you choose to serve your Oven Fried Feta Rolls, ensure the chili honey is warm so it pours easily and clings to every crispy, cheesy bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using soggy or warm filo dough, which tears easily and won’t crisp. Fix: Keep the pastry chilled and work quickly with one sheet at a time, covering the rest with a damp towel.
• Mistake: Overfilling the rolls with feta, causing leaks and a greasy, soggy result. Fix: Use about a tablespoon of filling per roll and ensure it’s well-contained before rolling.
• Mistake: Brushing with butter only at the end, leading to uneven browning. Fix: Lightly brush each layer of filo with melted butter or oil as you assemble for all-over golden color.
• Mistake: Crowding the baking sheet, which steams the rolls instead of frying them crisply. Fix: Space the Oven Fried Feta Rolls at least an inch apart on a parchment-lined tray.
• Mistake: Baking at too low a temperature, resulting in a pale, soft texture. Fix: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for a hot, fast cook that mimics true frying.
• Mistake: Adding honey to the chili oil too early, causing it to burn and taste bitter. Fix: Warm the chili in oil gently, then remove from heat before stirring in the honey.
• Mistake: Serving the Chili Honey drizzle cold, which hardens on contact with the hot rolls. Fix: Gently warm the honey mixture just before serving for a perfect, pourable consistency.
• Mistake: Not sealing the filo rolls properly, allowing the cheese to ooze out during baking. Fix: Use a final brush of butter on the seam and tuck the ends under to create a secure packet.
• Mistake: Using pre-crumbled feta, which is often drier and lacks the creamy texture needed. Fix: Opt for a block of high-quality feta in brine and crumble it yourself for maximum flavor and moisture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool leftover Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey completely, then store in an airtight container 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 bag or airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: For best texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes until hot and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

The chili honey should be stored separately in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. For frozen rolls, reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the oven time.

Conclusion

These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and sweet heat. They’re an impressive yet simple appetizer or snack. If you love this recipe, try our Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Cranberry Honey Recipe for another delicious twist. Let us know how yours turned out in the comments, and subscribe for more tasty ideas!

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Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

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Pin Recipe

Crispy phyllo rolls filled with feta, dill, and garlic, baked to golden perfection and served with sweet-spicy chili honey drizzle.[1]

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x
• Method: Appetizer
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces feta cheese crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
• 1 clove garlic grated
• 18 sheets phyllo dough thawed
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus more for brushing
• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili flakes
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• ⅓ cup honey

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and grated garlic in a bowl until well blended.
3. Lay out 3 sheets of phyllo dough, brush with olive oil, add filling along one edge, roll tightly into a log, and place seam-side down on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining sheets.
4. Brush tops of rolls with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
5. While baking, melt butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over low heat. Add chili flakes and cumin, sizzle for 1 minute, remove from heat, and stir in honey.

Notes

Use extra phyllo sheets as the first rolls may not be perfect; practice improves rolling. Rolls can be prepared ahead and baked before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.[1][2]

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

FAQs

Can I make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey ahead of time?

You can prepare the rolls and chill them for a few hours before baking. For the best texture, bake them just before serving. The chili honey can be made in advance and gently warmed.

What is the best way to keep the phyllo dough from drying out while assembling?

Keep the sheets you are not actively using covered with a damp kitchen towel. Work quickly and seal each roll tightly to prevent the feta from leaking during baking.

Can I use a different cheese or adjust the spice level?

Feta provides the ideal salty, crumbly texture for these Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey. For less heat, reduce the chili flakes in the honey. A firm goat cheese could be a suitable substitute.