If you’re craving a snack that hits all the right notes—crispy, creamy, tangy, and just a touch spicy—look no further than this Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe. These golden pockets of flaky phyllo dough wrapped around a luscious blend of feta, ricotta, fresh dill, and lemon zest create an irresistible appetizer that’s perfectly balanced by the sweet warmth of chili-infused honey drizzled on top. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply want to indulge yourself, these rolls bring Mediterranean-inspired flavors together in a way that feels both elegant and comfortingly familiar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe just right depends on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role. From creamy cheeses to fragrant herbs and a touch of sweetness with heat, every component lends its unique flair to deliver that unforgettable bite.
- 8 ounces feta cheese (crumbled): Provides the salty, tangy foundation with a crumbly texture that melts perfectly inside the rolls.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess to balance the sharpness of the feta for a luscious filling.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped): Brings a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the Mediterranean vibe.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Injects a fragrant citrus lift that brightens every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers subtle warmth that rounds out the cheese mixture.
- 12 sheets phyllo dough (thawed): Creates the ultra-crispy, flaky shell that’s essential to the “fried” texture without the oil.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Ensures a golden, crisp finish to the phyllo layers.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Combined with butter for brushing, it helps achieve the perfect crispy exterior.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional): Add delightful crunch and a nutty flavor topping the rolls.
- 1/3 cup honey: Sweetens the dish and balances the saltiness of the cheese wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes: Infuses the honey with a warming, subtle kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy rolls.
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Introduces a touch of tanginess that enhances the chili honey glaze.
How to Make Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cheese Filling
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crumbled feta, creamy ricotta, chopped fresh dill, bright lemon zest, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix them well until you have a cohesive, flavorful filling that’s the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and fresh.
Step 2: Layer the Phyllo Dough
Lay one sheet of thawed phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it lightly with melted butter to ensure tenderness and a golden finish. Place a second phyllo sheet on top and brush again with butter. This layering creates that coveted flaky texture once baked.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Feta Mixture
Place about two tablespoons of the cheese mixture near one short edge of your layered phyllo sheets. Fold in the sides carefully to encase the filling and then roll tightly into a neat cylinder, much like a spring roll. Repeat this process to make a total of six rolls, using all the phyllo and filling.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Arrange the rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. For that final golden crunch, brush each roll generously with a mix of the remaining melted butter and olive oil. If you’re a fan of extra texture and nuttiness, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before sliding the tray into your oven.
Step 5: Bake and Make the Chili Honey
Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes until they are beautifully golden and crispy. While the rolls bake, gently warm honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in red chili flakes and apple cider vinegar, letting the flavors meld for 2 to 3 minutes. This warm chili honey glaze will be the perfect finishing touch.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Once the rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the warm chili honey evenly over them. The combo of crisp, savory rolls with sweet, spicy honey is truly irresistible and will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped dill or cilantro add a pop of color and a fresh aroma, complementing the rolls beautifully. A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a quick zesting of lemon over the top can enhance visual appeal and tantalize the taste buds even more.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine as an appetizer but also pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of chilled cucumber yogurt dip. For an extra Mediterranean touch, serve alongside roasted red peppers or marinated olives.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls on a rustic wooden board interspersed with small bowls of chili honey for dipping. You can also skewer the rolls on cocktail sticks for easy finger food at parties. Layering on a bed of mixed greens adds an elegant touch that fits any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days while maintaining most of their crispiness if properly stored.
Freezing
If you want to make these in advance for a big event, freeze the assembled but unbaked rolls on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven crispness, reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the phyllo soggy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought chili honey or should I make it fresh?
While store-bought chili honey can be a convenient option, making the chili honey fresh allows you to control the heat level and acidity perfectly to suit your taste, enhancing the rolls’ flavor beautifully.
Is it necessary to use both feta and ricotta cheese?
Using both cheeses creates the best texture and flavor balance: feta lends the signature tangy saltiness, while ricotta adds a creamy softness that prevents the filling from being too crumbly or dry.
Can I make these rolls vegan or dairy-free?
Substituting dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives might work but the flavor and texture will differ. Consider using a vegan ricotta and a firm tofu with lemon juice to mimic feta, then adjust seasoning to taste.
What if I don’t have phyllo dough? Can I use another dough?
Phyllo’s signature crispness and flakiness are key here, but you could experiment with crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a different yet delicious fold and texture.
How spicy is the chili honey, and can I adjust the heat?
The chili honey offers a gentle warming kick that complements the salty cheese. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more or less red chili flakes or opting for milder chili powders depending on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe that makes it a standout in any appetizer lineup. The combination of flaky, buttery phyllo with tangy, creamy cheese and that sweet-spicy drizzle feels like a warm Mediterranean hug on your plate. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll want to keep it on speed dial whenever you need a crowd-pleaser that’s as impressive as it is easy to make.
Print
Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring a savory blend of feta, ricotta, and fresh herbs wrapped in buttery phyllo dough, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a warm, spicy chili honey glaze.
Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Phyllo Rolls
- 12 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
Chili Honey Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly blended to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Prepare the phyllo sheets: Lay one sheet of the thawed phyllo dough on a clean work surface and brush lightly with melted butter. Place a second sheet on top and brush again with butter. This layering creates a crispy, flaky texture when baked.
- Assemble the rolls: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture near one short end of the layered phyllo sheets. Fold in the sides to seal the filling and then roll the dough tightly, similar to a spring roll. Repeat this process with the remaining filling and phyllo to form a total of six rolls.
- Prepare for baking: Place the assembled rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling. Brush each roll with a mixture of the remaining melted butter and olive oil, then sprinkle with sesame seeds if using for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake the rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
- Make the chili honey glaze: While the rolls bake, combine honey, red chili flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes fragrant and slightly thinned but not boiling.
- Serve: Once the rolls are baked to a crispy golden finish, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm chili honey glaze over the top for a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- These rolls are best served warm and crispy right from the oven to maintain their texture and flavor.
- You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and bake them just before serving to save time.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the honey glaze to increase or decrease the spiciness according to your preference.
