Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

Honestly, when I first stumbled upon the idea of oven-fried feta rolls drizzled with chili honey, I was intrigued but also a tiny bit skeptical. Feta and honey? Oven-fried instead of traditionally fried? It sounded a bit…different. But let me tell you, the moment I took my first bite of these golden, crispy rolls, any doubts vanished. My family, usually a tough crowd to please when it comes to appetizers, devoured them. The salty, tangy feta encased in a flaky, oven-baked crust, perfectly balanced by the sweet and spicy kick of chili honey – it’s a flavor explosion in your mouth. These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey have become a staple in our house, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering, and a delightful treat even just for a cozy night in. Trust me, you absolutely need to try this recipe; it’s far easier than you might think and delivers restaurant-quality deliciousness right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey. We’ve kept the ingredient list simple and focused on quality for the best flavor.

• Feta Cheese Block (8 oz): The star of the show! Opt for a block of feta in brine, not pre-crumbled. The brine keeps it moist and flavorful. We’ll be using the whole block, so make sure it’s a good quality feta for the best taste.
• Phyllo Dough (1 package, about 14-16 sheets): This is what gives our rolls that incredibly light and crispy texture. You can usually find phyllo dough in the freezer section. Remember to thaw it properly before use!
• Olive Oil: We’ll use olive oil to brush between the layers of phyllo and to create that lovely golden crispness when baking. Extra virgin olive oil will add a richer flavor, but regular olive oil works just as well.
• Sesame Seeds (White & Black, for garnish): These add a subtle nutty flavor and a beautiful visual appeal. The mix of white and black sesame seeds provides a nice contrast.
• Fresh Thyme Sprigs (optional, for garnish): Thyme complements the feta and honey perfectly, adding a fresh, herbaceous note. It’s also a beautiful garnish.
• For the Chili Honey:
  • Honey (1/4 cup): Use a good quality honey. Local honey is always a great choice if available.
  • Chili Flakes (1-2 teaspoons, or to taste): This is where the heat comes in! Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your spice preference. Start with 1 teaspoon for a mild kick and increase if you like it hotter.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar (1 teaspoon): A touch of acidity balances the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the feta, adding depth to the chili honey.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfect Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey. Don’t be intimidated by phyllo dough; with a little patience, it’s easier than you think!

1. Prepare the Feta: Gently pat the block of feta cheese dry with paper towels. This helps the phyllo dough adhere better. You want to remove excess moisture so the rolls bake up crispy.
2. Thaw Phyllo Dough (if frozen): If using frozen phyllo dough, make sure it’s fully thawed according to package instructions. This is crucial to prevent tearing. Usually, thawing in the refrigerator overnight is recommended. Once thawed, keep it covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out while you work.
3. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
4. Assemble the Rolls – Layering the Phyllo: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean, flat surface. Brush it lightly with olive oil. Top with another sheet of phyllo dough and brush again with olive oil. Repeat this process until you have a stack of 4-5 phyllo sheets. Brushing each layer with olive oil is key to achieving that flaky, crispy texture.
5. Cut the Phyllo Stack: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the stack of phyllo sheets lengthwise into strips that are slightly wider than the block of feta. You should aim for strips that are approximately 2-3 inches wide. The length will depend on the size of your phyllo sheets and how many rolls you want to make. For an 8oz block of feta, you’ll likely get 4-6 rolls depending on how you cut them.
6. Place Feta & Roll: Place the block of feta at one end of a phyllo strip. Fold the phyllo dough over the feta, tucking in the sides as you roll it up tightly, like a cigar. Make sure the feta is fully enclosed in the phyllo.
7. Repeat Rolling: Repeat steps 4-6 with the remaining phyllo dough and feta to create more rolls. You might need to create multiple stacks of phyllo depending on the size of your sheets and how many rolls you are aiming for.
8. Brush Rolls with Olive Oil: Place the rolled feta rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops and sides of each roll generously with olive oil. This is what helps them get beautifully golden and crispy in the oven.
9. Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the tops of the feta rolls evenly with a mixture of white and black sesame seeds. This adds flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
10. Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the phyllo rolls are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent burning, as ovens can vary.
11. Prepare Chili Honey While Baking: While the feta rolls are baking, prepare the chili honey. In a small saucepan, combine honey, chili flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over low heat, stirring until the honey is warmed through and the chili flakes have infused their flavor, about 5-7 minutes. Do not boil. Taste and adjust the amount of chili flakes to your liking. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness if desired.
12. Cool Slightly & Drizzle: Once the feta rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This makes them easier to handle and allows the feta to settle a bit.
13. Drizzle with Chili Honey: Generously drizzle the warm chili honey over the baked feta rolls. You can also serve the chili honey on the side for dipping, if preferred.
14. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs (if using) and serve immediately while warm and crispy. These are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general idea of the nutrition facts per serving for these Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Let’s assume a serving size of 2 rolls.

• Calories per serving (2 rolls): Approximately 350-400 kcal. This will depend on the amount of olive oil and honey used.
  • Description: Provides energy for your body. Be mindful of calorie intake as part of a balanced diet.
• Fat: Approximately 20-25g per serving.
  • Description: Includes healthy fats from olive oil and feta. Feta is a source of saturated fat, so moderation is key.
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 8-10g per serving.
  • Description: Primarily from the feta cheese. Consuming in moderation is recommended as part of a heart-healthy diet.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g per serving.
  • Description: Mainly from the phyllo dough and honey. Includes natural sugars from honey and complex carbohydrates from the dough.
• Protein: Approximately 10-12g per serving.
  • Description: A good source of protein, primarily from the feta cheese. Protein is essential for muscle building and satiety.

Disclaimer: These are estimated nutritional values. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Let’s break down the time you’ll need to make these delicious feta rolls:

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes. This includes thawing phyllo (if needed), preparing ingredients, layering phyllo, and rolling the feta. The layering and rolling are the most time-consuming parts, but once you get the hang of it, it goes quite quickly.
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes. Baking in the oven until golden brown and crispy. While they bake, you can prepare the chili honey, making efficient use of your time.
• Total Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes. From start to finish, you can have these delightful appetizers ready in under an hour, making them perfect for both planned gatherings and spontaneous cravings.

How to Serve

These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas:

• Appetizer: Perfect as a starter for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers. They are impressive yet easy to make and will definitely wow your guests.
• Party Snack: Ideal for game days, cocktail parties, or any event where you need finger foods. They are easy to eat standing up and are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Mezze Platter Addition: Include them as part of a Mediterranean or mezze platter alongside olives, hummus, pita bread, roasted vegetables, and other dips. They fit perfectly into this type of spread.
• Light Lunch or Brunch: Serve a couple of rolls with a fresh salad for a satisfying and flavorful light lunch or brunch. A simple green salad or a Greek salad would complement them beautifully.
• With Yogurt Dip: While the chili honey is fantastic, you can also serve them with a cooling yogurt dip, especially if you want to tone down the sweetness. A Greek yogurt dip with herbs like dill or mint would be delicious.
• Alongside Grilled Meats or Vegetables: Serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken, lamb, or vegetables. The salty feta and sweet-spicy honey provide a wonderful contrast to grilled flavors.

Additional Tips for Perfect Feta Rolls

Want to ensure your Oven Fried Feta Rolls are absolutely perfect every time? Here are some helpful tips and tricks:

1. Keep Phyllo Dough Moist: Phyllo dough dries out very quickly, making it brittle and prone to tearing. Always keep it covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel while you are working with it. Only take out a few sheets at a time and re-cover the rest immediately.
2. Don’t Overdo the Olive Oil: While olive oil is essential for crispiness, using too much can make the rolls greasy. Brush lightly and evenly between layers. A fine mist sprayer can be helpful for even application.
3. Work Quickly with Phyllo: Once you start assembling the rolls, work relatively quickly to prevent the phyllo from drying out. Have everything prepped and ready to go before you start layering and rolling.
4. Tightly Roll the Feta: Roll the feta rolls tightly to ensure they hold their shape during baking and to get a good ratio of crispy phyllo to creamy feta. Tucking in the sides as you roll helps create a neat and secure roll.
5. Adjust Chili Honey Spice Level: Customize the chili honey to your preference. If you prefer less heat, use fewer chili flakes or milder flakes. For more heat, use more chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use fresh chili instead of dried flakes for a different flavor profile.
6. Experiment with Cheese: While feta is classic, you could experiment with other cheeses like halloumi (which needs no pre-cooking and will hold its shape even better) or a blend of feta and ricotta for a milder flavor.
7. Make Ahead Preparation: You can assemble the feta rolls ahead of time and store them, unbaked, in the refrigerator for a few hours. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Bake them just before serving for the best crispiness. Do not drizzle with honey until just before serving.
8. Reheating Instructions: While best served fresh, you can reheat leftover feta rolls. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the phyllo soggy.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions to help you succeed:

1. Can I use pre-crumbled feta?
   • Answer: It’s not recommended to use pre-crumbled feta for this recipe. Block feta in brine is moister and holds its shape better when rolled. Pre-crumbled feta tends to be drier and may not roll as well.
2. Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo dough?
   • Answer: While puff pastry could work, it will result in a different texture. Phyllo dough creates a much lighter and crispier roll. Puff pastry will be richer and denser. For the authentic recipe, phyllo is best.
3. How do I prevent phyllo dough from sticking together?
   • Answer: Make sure your phyllo dough is fully thawed and keep it covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel while working. Handle it gently and peel off sheets carefully. If sheets stick slightly, gently separate them.
4. Can I make these rolls vegetarian/vegan?
   • Answer: This recipe is already vegetarian! To make it vegan, you would need to find a vegan feta alternative and use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey for the chili drizzle. Vegan phyllo dough is widely available.
5. How long do these feta rolls stay crispy?
   • Answer: They are best served immediately for maximum crispiness. They will start to soften over time, especially once drizzled with honey. However, they will remain delicious for a few hours at room temperature. Reheating can help restore some crispiness.
6. Can I freeze these feta rolls?
   • Answer: It’s not recommended to freeze baked feta rolls as the phyllo can become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the unbaked, rolled feta rolls. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Drizzle with chili honey after baking.
7. What if I don’t like chili honey? Can I use a different sauce?
   • Answer: Absolutely! If you don’t like chili honey, you can use plain honey, maple syrup, or a different sweet and savory sauce like balsamic glaze, pesto, or even a simple yogurt dip. The feta rolls are delicious on their own or with various accompaniments.
8. Can I add herbs or spices to the feta filling?
   • Answer: Yes, you can definitely customize the feta filling! Try adding chopped fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley to the feta before rolling. You could also add a pinch of dried oregano, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest for extra flavor.

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