There is something utterly irresistible about the delightful contrast between crunchy phyllo dough wrapped around a creamy, tangy feta filling, especially when paired with a luscious, spicy-sweet drizzle. The Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe captures that magic perfectly. This dish is a showstopper appetizer or snack, marrying fresh herbs and garlic in a way that excites your palate and leaves you craving more with every bite. Whether you’re serving guests or indulging on a cozy night in, these rolls bring warmth, flavor, and a bit of zing to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and fresh ingredients is key to ensuring these rolls turn out crispy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Each component plays a unique role—from the crumbly saltiness of feta to the aromatic kick of chili flakes in the honey drizzle, making the final dish vibrantly satisfying.
- Feta cheese, 8 ounces: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy base that bursts with Mediterranean flavor in every bite.
- Fresh chopped dill, 2 tablespoons: Dill brings a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the richness of the cheese.
- Garlic clove, 1 grated: Garlic lends a subtle savory depth enhancing the filling’s complexity.
- Phyllo dough sheets, 18 thawed: Thin and delicate, phyllo becomes irresistibly crisp when baked, creating a perfect roll exterior.
- Extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon plus more for brushing: Olive oil ensures moisture and golden crispness without greasiness.
- Salted butter, 1 tablespoon: Butter adds richness and helps infuse the chili honey sauce with a smooth texture.
- Chili flakes, 1 ½ teaspoons: These bring a warming heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet honey.
- Cumin seed, ½ teaspoon: Cumin seeds introduce an earthy, slightly nutty aroma that elevates the sauce.
- Honey, ⅓ cup: Honey creates a luscious sweetness, balancing the spicy and savory elements seamlessly.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Station
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for that perfect crispy finish. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper—this simple step keeps your rolls from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
Step 2: Whip Up the Flavorful Feta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta, freshly chopped dill, and grated garlic. This fresh filling will be creamy, tangy, and bursting with herbal and garlicky notes that make each roll incredibly flavorful.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls Carefully
On a clean, flat surface, lay out one sheet of thawed phyllo dough and fold it in half. Using a brush, lightly coat the edges with olive oil; this helps seal the dough and ensures a golden crust. Spoon a generous amount of feta mixture onto one end and roll tightly, folding the sides as you go to contain the filling. Place each roll seam-side down on your baking sheet. Repeat this process until all filling and dough are used up.
Step 4: Bake to Golden, Crispy Perfection
Brush the tops of your assembled rolls with a bit more olive oil for that irresistible shine and crunch. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes until they are beautifully golden and irresistibly crispy. The aroma as they bake will have your kitchen buzzing with excitement.
Step 5: Create the Irresistible Chili Honey Sauce
While the rolls are baking, melt the butter with olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the chili flakes and cumin seeds, cooking just long enough to release their fragrant oils—this step is vital to achieving that complex spice layer. Remove from heat and slowly stir in the honey, combining everything into a silky, sticky sauce that delivers sweet heat with every drizzle.
Step 6: Serve and Savor!
Once your rolls emerge from the oven, hot and crisp, plate them alongside a small bowl of your spicy chili honey for dipping. This combination makes for the perfect bite, with crispy exterior, creamy tangy interior, and a sweet-spicy finish.
How to Serve Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or a few extra chili flakes on top adds freshness and a pop of color that makes an inviting presentation. A tiny drizzle of extra honey right before serving gives a glossy, tempting look that catches the eye and the taste buds.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair beautifully with simple Greek salad, juicy sliced tomatoes, or crunchy cucumber ribbons tossed in lemon juice and olive oil. A light, fresh salad balances the richness of the rolls, while roasted vegetables can add warmth and substance to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe on a long wooden board for rustic charm or on individual plates with small dipping bowls for a more polished look. You can also stack a few rolls vertically in a ring shape, surrounding a bowl of chili honey in the center—ideal for entertaining and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely because they are so delicious), place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the feta filling fresh, though the phyllo will lose some crispness over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled, unbaked rolls by placing them on a lined tray and freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to one month. When ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they crisp through.
Reheating
To revive leftover or thawed rolls, warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This helps re-crisp the phyllo dough without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the rolls soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
While feta provides a distinct saltiness and creaminess that defines this dish, you can experiment with cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor, though the texture and taste will change.
Is it necessary to use phyllo dough?
Phyllo is key for that signature crispy, flaky exterior. Puff pastry can be a substitute, but the texture won’t be quite as light and delicate as phyllo.
How spicy is the chili honey sauce?
The sauce has a gentle warmth from the chili flakes balanced by sweetness from the honey, creating a mild but noticeable kick that complements rather than overwhelms the rolls.
Can I prepare the rolls in advance and bake later?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
What beverages pair well with these rolls?
These rolls pair nicely with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon. They also make a brilliant match with light beers or herbal teas, depending on your mood.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe box. The crunchy phyllo, creamy herby filling, and that unforgettable chili honey drizzle come together to create a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether for a special occasion or simply a delicious snack, these rolls bring warmth and joy with every bite—go ahead and treat yourself!
Print
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are crispy, golden phyllo pastries filled with a flavorful blend of feta cheese, fresh dill, and garlic, baked to perfection and served with a sweet and spicy chili honey dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they combine crunchy textures with savory and sweet-spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Feta Roll Filling
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- 1 clove garlic, grated
Dough and Assembly
- 18 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
Chili Honey Sauce
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon cumin seed
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the rolls bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Prepare Feta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, fresh chopped dill, and grated garlic. Mix well to incorporate all flavors evenly.
- Assemble Rolls: Lay one sheet of thawed phyllo dough on a clean surface and fold it in half to form a rectangle. Lightly brush the edges with olive oil to help seal the rolls. Spoon a generous amount of the feta mixture onto one end of the dough and roll it tightly, folding in the sides to seal the filling inside. Repeat this process with all phyllo sheets and place the assembled rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Brush the tops of the rolls with additional olive oil to promote crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown and crisp.
- Prepare Chili Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter along with the olive oil. Stir in chili flakes and cumin seeds, cooking until fragrant and aromatic, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the honey thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: After baking, transfer the crispy feta rolls to a serving plate and serve immediately with the warm chili honey sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the contrast of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Notes
- Handle phyllo dough gently to prevent tearing as it is very delicate.
- Brush each roll generously with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Adjust chili flakes in the honey sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Serve these rolls warm to maintain their crisp texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for best texture.
