There is something truly irresistible about the combination of crisp, flaky layers and creamy, tangy cheese that makes the Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe a standout appetizer or snack. These delicate phyllo rolls are filled with a luscious blend of feta, fresh dill, and garlic, baked until beautifully golden, and then finished with a drizzle of spicy, fragrant chili honey that brightens every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting bite with a twist, this recipe hits all the sweet, salty, and spicy notes perfectly, delivering a dish that feels both elegant and utterly approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but crucial to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in the Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe. Each element plays its part—from the creamy saltiness of feta to the aromatic punch of cumin and the sweet heat of chili honey—to create a dish that’s packed with character yet light on effort.
- Feta cheese (8 ounces, crumbled): The star of the filling, providing tangy creaminess and a rich, salty depth.
- Fresh chopped dill (2 tablespoons): Adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous brightness to balance the cheese.
- Garlic (1 clove, grated): Infuses a subtle warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors beautifully.
- Phyllo dough (16-20 sheets, thawed): Creates the irresistibly flaky, golden crust that keeps these rolls light and crispy.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon plus more for brushing): Essential for brushing the phyllo, it adds richness and helps the rolls crisp up perfectly.
- Salted butter (1 tablespoon): Blends with spices to create the luscious chili honey sauce.
- Chili flakes (1-2 teaspoons): Provides a gentle kick in the glaze to awaken the palate without overpowering.
- Cumin seed (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an earthy warmth that complements the chili’s heat and the feta’s tang.
- Honey (1/3 cup): Brings a natural sweetness that balances the spice and salt, making each bite irresistible.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 425° F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the rolls don’t stick. While the oven warms up, mix the crumbled feta, freshly chopped dill, and grated garlic in a bowl; this is the vibrant, flavorful filling that will burst inside every roll.
Step 2: Preparing the Phyllo Dough
Lay a single sheet of thawed phyllo dough on a clean surface and gently fold it in half crosswise to create a sturdier base for rolling. Keep the dough covered with a light cloth to prevent drying as you work. Brush the edges generously with olive oil—it’s the secret to achieving that perfect golden crispness.
Step 3: Filling and Rolling the Phyllo
Place about one rounded tablespoon of the feta mixture on the short end of the phyllo. Starting from that end, roll the dough tightly over the filling, folding in the side edges burrito-style to seal in all the cheesy goodness. Place each seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process until you have created 12 to 16 rolls—each one a little bundle of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Brush the tops of the rolls with a bit more olive oil for that extra shine and crisp. Bake them for about 20 minutes or until their surface turns a gorgeous golden brown shade — this is when that flaky texture really comes alive.
Step 5: Making the Chili Honey Sauce
While the rolls bake, melt the butter and combine it with olive oil, chili flakes, and cumin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook until the spices release their aroma, usually about one to two minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the honey, creating an irresistible spicy-sweet drizzle perfect for dipping.
Step 6: Serving Your Rolls
Serve these warm, fresh out of the oven with the chili honey sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling on top. The combination of textures and flavors at this stage is truly delightful!
How to Serve Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh dill or finely chopped fresh parsley over the rolls just before serving to add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note that enhances the overall flavor. For an added touch, a light dusting of chili flakes or a drizzle of extra honey can elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of tangy tzatziki for extra creaminess. They also complement Mediterranean grains like couscous or quinoa to make a fuller, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange the rolls in a circle on a large serving platter surrounding a bowl of warm chili honey sauce to encourage sharing and dipping. Consider serving alongside rustic bread or fresh vegetable crudités for variety and contrast. You can even skewer smaller rolls on toothpicks for a fun, bite-sized appetizer format.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rolls left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To retain their crispiness, avoid stacking them and keep the chili honey sauce separate until you’re ready to serve again.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, place them on a parchment-lined tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. This makes for a convenient, quick snack option anytime.
Reheating
To bring back their flaky texture and warm filling, reheat rolls in a preheated oven at 350° F for about 10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the phyllo soggy and lose that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s unique tangy and crumbly texture is key to this recipe, but you can experiment with similar brined cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta salata for a different twist. Just keep in mind the saltiness and moisture content will affect the final flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to use phyllo dough, or can I use puff pastry?
Phyllo dough is preferred for its ultra-thin, crisp layers that bake into a delicate crunch. Puff pastry will give you a richer, flakier texture but is thicker and may overshadow the lightness of the filling.
How spicy does the chili honey sauce get?
The heat level can be adjusted easily by varying the amount of chili flakes. The sauce is meant to have a gentle, warming kick that complements the creamy rolls without overpowering them.
Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just cover them well to prevent the phyllo from drying out and bring them back to room temperature before baking for best results.
What is the best way to thaw phyllo dough?
Thaw phyllo dough slowly in the refrigerator overnight or on your kitchen counter for a few hours, keeping it wrapped tightly to retain moisture. Handle it gently as it’s very delicate and can dry out quickly.
Final Thoughts
There is so much joy packed into these Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe — from the crisp, golden layers of phyllo to the rich, tangy filling and the unexpected spice-sweet finish of the chili honey. Whenever you’re in the mood for something both comforting and a little adventurous, this recipe is a must-try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough to whip up on a weekday but special enough to impress guests. Go ahead and make it your new favorite snack or appetizer!
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Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 rolls (serves 12)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey combine flaky phyllo dough filled with a savory feta, dill, and garlic mixture, baked to golden perfection and served with a sweet and spicy chili honey dipping sauce. This appetizer is perfect for entertaining or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Feta Roll Filling
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- 1 clove garlic, grated
Phyllo Rolls
- 16–20 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
Chili Honey Sauce
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 teaspoons chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
- 1/3 cup honey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, fresh chopped dill, and grated garlic until evenly mixed to create the flavorful filling.
- Prepare Phyllo Sheets: Place one sheet of thawed phyllo dough on a clean surface and fold it in half crosswise. Brush the top of the phyllo lightly with olive oil, focusing around the edges to help it crisp and seal.
- Fill and Roll: On the short end of the folded phyllo, spoon about one rounded tablespoon of the feta mixture. Roll the phyllo over the filling, folding the side edges in as you go, similar to wrapping a burrito, to seal the filling inside. Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process to make 12 to 16 rolls total.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of the prepared rolls with olive oil to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the rolls are crisp and golden brown on top.
- Make Chili Honey Sauce: While the rolls bake, melt the butter together with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chili flakes, and cumin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the honey to combine into a smooth sauce.
- Serve: Remove the baked feta rolls from the oven and serve them warm alongside the chili honey sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Handle phyllo dough gently as it tears easily; keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the honey sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the chili honey sauce.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead by assembling the rolls and refrigerating them, then baking just before serving.
- Leftover rolls can be reheated in the oven to regain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean