Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey combine crispy, flaky phyllo dough wrapping a moist, tangy feta cheese block, enhanced by a sweet and spicy chili honey drizzle. This elegant appetizer balances rich, nutty sesame flavors and fresh thyme garnish, perfect for entertaining or a flavorful snack.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- Feta Cheese Block (8 oz)
- Phyllo Dough (1 package, about 14-16 sheets)
- Olive Oil (for brushing and baking)
- Sesame Seeds (white & black, for garnish)
- Fresh Thyme Sprigs (optional, for garnish)
For the Chili Honey
- Honey (1/4 cup)
- Chili Flakes (1-2 teaspoons, or to taste)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 teaspoon)
- Prepare the Feta: Gently pat the block of feta cheese dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the phyllo dough adheres well and the rolls bake up crispy.
- Thaw Phyllo Dough: If using frozen phyllo dough, thaw it fully in the refrigerator overnight as per package instructions. Keep it covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying out while working.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Assemble the Rolls – Layering the Phyllo: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface, brush lightly with olive oil, then layer with additional sheets, brushing each with olive oil, until you have 4-5 layers to achieve flaky, crispy texture.
- Cut the Phyllo Stack: Cut the phyllo layers lengthwise into strips 2-3 inches wide, enough to wrap around the feta block. This will yield 4-6 rolls depending on size and cutting.
- Place Feta & Roll: Put the feta block at one end of a phyllo strip, fold over the dough and tuck in the sides, rolling tightly like a cigar to fully enclose the feta.
- Repeat Rolling: Continue with remaining phyllo and feta, making additional rolls as needed.
- Brush Rolls with Olive Oil: Place rolls seam-side down on baking sheet and brush top and sides generously with olive oil to ensure golden crispness when baking.
- Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: Evenly sprinkle white and black sesame seeds on each roll for flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake rolls in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until phyllo is golden brown and crispy, monitoring closely near the end to prevent burning.
- Prepare Chili Honey While Baking: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, chili flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Warm for 5-7 minutes, stirring until infused but not boiling. Adjust chili flakes or add pinch of salt to taste.
- Cool Slightly & Drizzle: Remove rolls from oven, cool on baking sheet for a few minutes to let the feta settle and ease handling.
- Drizzle with Chili Honey: Generously drizzle warm chili honey over the rolls or serve on the side for dipping.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired and serve immediately while warm and crispy for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure phyllo dough remains covered with a damp towel to prevent drying and tearing during assembly.
- Adjust chili flakes in the honey according to your preferred spice level.
- Use good quality feta in brine for flavor and moisture balance.
- Brush olive oil thoroughly between phyllo layers for the best flaky texture.
- The rolls are best eaten fresh from the oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: Feta rolls, phyllo dough appetizer, baked feta, chili honey drizzle, Mediterranean appetizer, crispy cheese rolls, sesame seed garnish