Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Crispy, creamy, and irresistibly savory, Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are my new obsession—and the moment you sink your teeth into that flaky phyllo and taste the mingling of salty feta, luscious ricotta, and a fiery-sweet drizzle, I know you’ll be hooked too. These rolls deliver a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite: golden, shattering pastry wraps around tangy cheese, while a ribbon of spicy honey brings everything alive. Whether you’re planning a vibrant appetizer spread or simply crave something bold and snackable, Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a revelation you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey lies in its short, carefully chosen ingredient list—each component contributes its own magic, from creamy cheeses to silky honey. Don’t skip or skimp: every bite depends on the quality and those little flavor boosters.
- Feta cheese (8 oz, crumbled): The star of the show, feta adds an essential tang and salty kick.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Brings a silky, creamy contrast that balances out the feta beautifully.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 tsp, optional): Earthy fragrance that brightens every bite—use fresh for the best flavor.
- Phyllo pastry (6 sheets, halved): These delicate layers crisp up dramatically, forming those signature shattering rolls.
- Melted butter or olive oil (¼ cup): A golden touch brushed between each layer, ensuring maximum crispness and flavor.
- Honey (¼ cup): Choose a light, runny honey for that beautiful drizzle and hint of natural sweetness.
- Red chili flakes (½ tsp): Brings a subtle kick that wakes up all the other flavors—add more or less to suit your chili tolerance.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining your cheeses in a medium mixing bowl: crumble the feta with your hands or a fork, then add the ricotta and thyme leaves (if using). Mix well until your filling is smooth and flecked with herbs. You’re aiming for a blend that’s spreadable but not runny, with every bite delivering a touch of creamy and sharp.
Step 2: Prep the Phyllo Pastry
Gently unroll your phyllo pastry on a clean, dry surface and quickly cover with a damp kitchen towel—the sheets dry out in seconds, so keep them protected whenever you’re not actively working with one. Slice each sheet lengthwise to make 12 strips. This is how you get that perfect appetizer size!
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to avoid sticking and extra cleanup. working with one strip at a time, lightly brush it with melted butter or olive oil—don’t skimp, this is what brings the crunch. Place about a tablespoon of filling near one end, fold the sides in like you’re making a tiny burrito, then roll it up snuggly. Set each finished roll seam-side down. Repeat with the rest—this is when it’s fun to get hands-on!
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Arrange your assembled rolls with space between them so hot air can circulate. Give the tops another brush of butter or oil for extra golden color. Bake in your preheated oven for 15–20 minutes. You’re looking for glorious golden-brown rolls—listen for that crackle when you tap them!
Step 5: Make the Chili Honey
While your rolls bake, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat (don’t boil). Stir in the chili flakes, letting them infuse for a minute or two until you notice the aroma bloom. Remove from the heat, and your spicy-sweet drizzle is ready to go.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the rolls emerge bubbling and golden, let them cool for a minute so nobody burns their fingers in excitement. Either arrange them on a platter and drizzle with your warm chili honey or serve the honey on the side for dipping—your call! Scatter over a few extra thyme leaves or a pinch of chili for color and a fragrant finish.
How to Serve Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh thyme leaves or a quick grate of lemon zest adds brilliant color and freshness to the platter. Don’t forget an extra pinch of chili flakes if you want to give guests a hint of what’s inside! The honey drizzle alone is a showstopper, but a small bowl on the side for extra dipping makes the experience even more interactive.
Side Dishes
Pair these Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey with a crisp, bright salad—think arugula, citrus, and toasted nuts—to balance their richness. For an appetizer spread, they’re perfect alongside other Mediterranean nibbles like olives, marinated artichokes, or roasted peppers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, line the rolls up in neat rows on a slate board with individual honey dipping bowls. For family-style, pile them high and scatter herbs and edible flowers over the top. You can even cut the rolls in half for bite-sized cocktail snacks—each cross-section will reveal the gorgeous filling and crunchy layers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (which rarely happens in my kitchen), let the rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor for up to three days, even if the pastry softens a bit.
Freezing
Assembled but unbaked Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Pull out as many as you need and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Drizzle with chili honey just before serving.
Reheating
To restore that satisfyingly crisp exterior, reheat rolls in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) for 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it will soften the phyllo and you’ll lose the crunch that makes these so irresistible!
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
While feta is key to the classic tangy flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses for a milder or creamier roll—crumbled goat cheese or a soft blue cheese could work, but the distinct taste of Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey comes from good-quality feta.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
No worries! You can skip it entirely, or substitute with a pinch of dried thyme. Other fresh herbs like dill or oregano would also be delicious. The herbs add freshness, but the rolls shine even without them.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—just substitute with gluten-free phyllo pastry, now widely available at many grocers. The filling and honey are naturally gluten-free, so you only need to swap the pastry for everyone to enjoy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey.
Is it possible to prepare these in advance?
Yes! Assemble the rolls up to a day ahead, store covered in the fridge, then bake them off just before serving. The honey can be infused in advance as well; just rewarm gently before drizzling.
How spicy is the chili honey?
The chili honey has a warming, gentle kick that most people find pleasant—not fiery. You can adjust the chili flakes to taste or leave them out for a purely sweet drizzle. But for that signature zing, a hint of heat is perfect!
Final Thoughts
If you love a snackable, show-stopping appetizer that truly delights the senses, Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a must-try. It’s my go-to whenever I want to wow guests or just treat myself. I hope you fall just as in love with the crispy layers, creamy filling, and that bold, sweet heat—happy rolling and even happier eating!
Print
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These oven-fried feta rolls with chili honey are a delightful blend of tangy feta and creamy ricotta cheese wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry, drizzled with a sweet and spicy chili-infused honey.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Phyllo Pastry:
- 6 sheets phyllo pastry
- ¼ cup melted butter or olive oil
Chili Honey:
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling – Combine feta, ricotta, and thyme. Set aside.
- Prep the Phyllo Pastry – Cut phyllo sheets in half lengthwise.
- Assemble the Rolls – Fill and roll phyllo strips with cheese mixture.
- Bake the Rolls – Brush with butter, bake until golden.
- Make the Chili Honey – Warm honey with chili flakes.
- Finish and Serve – Drizzle chili honey over baked rolls.
Notes
- Ensure phyllo pastry is kept covered to prevent drying out.
- Adjust chili flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: oven-fried feta rolls, chili honey, appetizer, Mediterranean, vegetarian
