Crispy phyllo rolls filled with creamy feta cheese, drizzled with sweet and spicy chili honey for a delightful appetizer or snack. Perfect for any festive gathering or cozy evening treat.
Ingredients
- 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- 100g (3.5 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 8 sheets phyllo pastry
- 4 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
For the Chili Honey:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Filling
- In a small bowl, mix feta cheese, cream cheese, and fresh thyme until smooth and combined.
- Prepare Phyllo Rolls
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and brush lightly with melted butter. Fold it in half lengthwise.
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture along one short end, then roll tightly to form a cylinder. Tuck the sides as you roll.
- Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling.
- Bake the Rolls
- Arrange the rolls seam-side down on a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with more melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using).
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Chili Honey
- In a small saucepan, gently warm honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice over low heat. Stir until combined and remove from heat.
- Serve
- Drizzle the warm chili honey over the baked rolls just before serving. Garnish with additional thyme leaves if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Keep Phyllo Covered
- While working with phyllo pastry, keep unused sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Roll Tightly
- Ensure the rolls are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
- Customize the Heat
- Adjust the chili flakes in the honey drizzle to suit your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if desired.
- Use Pre-Cut Phyllo
- If available, pre-cut phyllo sheets can save time and reduce waste when making smaller rolls.
- Reheat for Crispiness
- If preparing in advance, reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions:
- Cheese Options
- Replace feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese for a milder flavor.
- Vegan Option
- Use vegan feta and agave syrup instead of honey for a plant-based version.
- Phyllo Alternative
- Substitute phyllo pastry with spring roll wrappers or puff pastry for a different texture.
Variations:
- Herb-Infused
- Add fresh thyme, dill, or parsley to the feta mixture for added aroma and flavor.
- Nutty Twist
- Sprinkle crushed pistachios or walnuts inside the rolls for added crunch.
- Sweet & Savory
- Add a dollop of fig jam or apricot preserves alongside the feta for a sweet contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these Oven-Fried Feta Rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls a day in advance, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the crispiest texture.
2. Can I freeze the feta rolls?
Absolutely. Assemble the rolls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. Can I use store-bought phyllo cups instead?
Yes, phyllo cups work well for a bite-sized version. Simply fill them with the feta mixture and bake until golden, then drizzle with chili honey.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy.
5. Can I adjust the spice level?
Of course! Add more chili flakes for extra heat, or use a milder alternative like smoked paprika if you prefer a less spicy kick.
Relevant Recipes
Here are some similar recipes to explore:
- Spinach Rolls with Puff Pastry: Spinach Rolls with Puff Pastry
A delightful recipe featuring flaky puff pastry filled with spinach and cheese, perfect as an appetizer or snack. - Feta Cheese and Herb Bread Rolls: Feta Cheese and Herb Bread Rolls
Soft, herby bread rolls stuffed with creamy feta, ideal for serving alongside soups or salads. - Pesto Feta Rolls: Pesto Feta Rolls
A flavorful combination of feta cheese and pesto wrapped in a tender, golden pastry roll.
Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey – Crispy & Sweet Delight
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy phyllo rolls filled with creamy feta cheese, drizzled with sweet and spicy chili honey for a delightful appetizer or snack. Perfect for any festive gathering or cozy evening treat.
Ingredients
- 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- 100g (3.5 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 8 sheets phyllo pastry
- 4 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
For the Chili Honey:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Filling
- In a small bowl, mix feta cheese, cream cheese, and fresh thyme until smooth and combined.
- Prepare Phyllo Rolls
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and brush lightly with melted butter. Fold it in half lengthwise.
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture along one short end, then roll tightly to form a cylinder. Tuck the sides as you roll.
- Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling.
- Bake the Rolls
- Arrange the rolls seam-side down on a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with more melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using).
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Chili Honey
- In a small saucepan, gently warm honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice over low heat. Stir until combined and remove from heat.
- Serve
- Drizzle the warm chili honey over the baked rolls just before serving. Garnish with additional thyme leaves if desired.
Notes
- Substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter filling.
- Add finely chopped roasted red peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Oven-fried feta rolls, crispy phyllo appetizers, chili honey drizzle, Mediterranean snacks, festive finger food