Description
These Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are the ultimate sweet and savory appetizer. Featuring flaky layers of phyllo dough wrapped around a garlic-dill feta filling, they are baked until shatteringly crisp and served with a warm, spicy honey drizzle. Perfect for parties or a fancy snack, these golden rolls deliver a gourmet experience with surprisingly simple preparation.
Ingredients
The Feta Rolls
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (use a block for best texture)
- 16–20 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
The Chili Honey Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
Instructions
Prep
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Crucial Setup
Keep your stack of thawed phyllo dough covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel while you work. If exposed to air, the sheets dry out and crumble instantly.
Make Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and grated garlic until combined.
Roll
Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface. Gently fold it in half crosswise to create a sturdier rectangle. Lightly brush the surface with olive oil. Place 1 rounded tablespoon of the feta mixture on the short end of the dough rectangle. Roll the phyllo up over the filling, tucking the side edges in as you go (like a burrito) to seal the cheese inside.
Arrange
Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat to make 12–16 rolls.
Bake
Generously brush the tops of all the rolls with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes, or until deep golden brown and crispy.
Make Chili Honey
While rolls bake, place a small skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil, chili flakes, and cumin seeds. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and the cumin seeds sizzle. Remove from heat and stir in the honey until smooth and warm.
Serve
Transfer hot rolls to a platter and drizzle with the warm chili honey, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
Seam Side Down: This is non-negotiable! The weight of the roll keeps it sealed while baking. If placed seam-side up, they will unravel in the oven.
Don’t Overstuff: Stick to 1 tablespoon of filling. Overfilling causes the cheese to expand and burst out of the delicate pastry shell.
Phyllo Handling: Phyllo is delicate. If a sheet tears, don’t worry just patch it up or use the next one. The oil and baking process hide most imperfections.
Reheating: Phyllo loses its crunch in the microwave. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore the crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Rolls
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: feta rolls, phyllo dough recipes, spicy honey, savory appetizers, party finger food, vegetarian appetizers, crispy feta