Imagine sinking your teeth into golden, crispy phyllo rolls filled with creamy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a zing of lemon zest. These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey offer a delightful crunch combined with a luscious filling that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors. The sweet and spicy chili honey drizzle adds a perfect finishing touch, balancing savory and heat in each bite.
This effortless appetizer brings elegance to your table without complicated steps—ideal for entertaining or a special treat during the week. With fresh dill and mint enhancing the feta’s tanginess, these rolls are a harmonious marriage of textures and tastes that will quickly become a favorite.
- Crispy, flaky phyllo pastry encases a flavorful herb-infused feta filling.
- The chili honey drizzle adds a perfect sweet and spicy contrast to savory rolls.
- Quick to prepare and bake, delivering gourmet appetizer vibes with beginner-level ease.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite herbs or cheeses for variation.
Ingredients
- Phyllo pastry sheets (8 sheets): Thin, crisp pastry layers that bake to a flaky and delicate golden crust perfect for rolling.
- Feta cheese (200 g, crumbled): Tangy and creamy cheese providing a savory, crumbly filling with a salty richness.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): Aromatic herb adding a bright and slightly grassy flavor to the feta mixture.
- Fresh mint (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers a refreshing, cool herbal note balancing the salty feta.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds citrus brightness and subtle zing that lifts the filling’s flavor.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Adds gentle heat and depth, enhancing the overall filling taste.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Used for brushing the phyllo, ensuring crispness and golden color on baking.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Provides natural sweetness in the chili drizzle, complementing the savory rolls.
- Chili flakes (1 tablespoon): Infuses a warm, spicy kick into the honey sauce, balancing sweetness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds acidity to the chili honey, enhancing flavor complexity and brightness.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
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Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking, ensuring your rolls crisp beautifully.
- Mix the Feta Filling
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In a medium bowl, combine crumbled feta, chopped dill, mint, lemon zest, and pepper. Mixing these fresh herbs and zest with the salty cheese evenly infuses each bite with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
- Layer and Brush Phyllo Sheets
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Lay one phyllo sheet on a clean surface and lightly brush with olive oil. Add a second sheet on top, brushing again. This layering and oiling create the delicate, crispy texture needed for perfect rolls without tearing the fragile pastry.
- Cut and Fill the Pastry Strips
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Cut the layered sheets into four equal strips lengthwise. Spoon about a tablespoon of the feta mixture onto one end of each strip, making sure not to overfill, so rolling is easy and neat.
- Roll up the Feta Rolls
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Fold in the sides of each strip over the filling and carefully roll it into a cylinder. Sealing the filling inside avoids spillage and helps maintain the shape while baking.
- Arrange Rolls on Baking Sheet
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Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them closed during baking. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil for an even golden crust.
- Bake Until Golden and Crispy
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Bake rolls for 18 to 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a crisp texture. The heat ensures the feta filling warms through while the phyllo attains perfect crunchiness.
- Prepare the Chili Honey Drizzle
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Combine honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until runny. This creates a balanced, sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce perfect for drizzling or dipping.
- Serve with Chili Honey
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Remove rolls from the oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle the warm chili honey over the rolls or serve it alongside for dipping to add that irresistible sweet and fiery finish.
- Handle phyllo pastry gently; it’s very thin and tears easily, so keep it covered with a damp cloth when not in use.
- If you like milder heat, reduce chili flakes in the honey mixture or serve it on the side.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven to maintain crispiness.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven to regain crispness rather than using a microwave. You can also freeze the uncooked rolls on a tray, then transfer them to a bag for up to a month.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these feta rolls warm with a fresh greens salad or roasted vegetables for a light appetizer or snack. They pair wonderfully with a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast.
- Brush each phyllo layer generously with olive oil to ensure even browning and a crispy texture.
- For extra flavor, crumble a bit of feta on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Try swapping fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to customize the filling to your taste.
FAQs
- Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
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Yes, halloumi or goat cheese are excellent alternatives that bring different textures and tanginess to the rolls.
- How should I store leftover chili honey?
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Store chili honey in a sealed jar at room temperature. It will keep for several weeks and can be warmed before serving.
- Is it necessary to brush the phyllo with olive oil?
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Brushing with olive oil is essential to achieve that golden, crispy texture and prevent the phyllo from drying out or burning.
- Can I make these rolls vegan?
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To make vegan versions, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese and honey with agave syrup or maple syrup infused with chili flakes.
- Can I prepare these rolls in advance?
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Yes, assemble and freeze them uncooked, then bake from frozen. Increase baking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Oven Fried Feta Rolls Chili Honey
Equipment
- 1 oven preheated to 375°F
- 1 baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- 1 medium bowl
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 brush for oiling phyllo pastry
Ingredients
- 8 sheets phyllo pastry
- 7 oz feta cheese crumbled
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix crumbled feta, dill, mint, lemon zest, and black pepper until combined.
- Place one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and lightly brush with olive oil; layer a second sheet on top and brush with oil.
- Cut the layered phyllo into 4 equal lengthwise strips.
- Place about one tablespoon of the feta mixture at the end of each strip, fold sides over, and roll into cylinders, sealing the filling inside.
- Place rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet and brush tops lightly with olive oil. Repeat with remaining sheets and filling.
- Bake rolls for 18-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, warm honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat until slightly runny, stirring occasionally.
- Remove rolls from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Drizzle warm chili honey over rolls before serving or serve alongside as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Handle phyllo pastry gently to avoid tears.
- Substitute herbs or cheeses like halloumi or goat cheese for variations.
- Prepare and freeze rolls uncooked for make-ahead convenience.
- Adjust baking time when baking from frozen.
- Pairs well with fresh green salads.
