Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, filled with tangy feta cheese that pairs perfectly with a sweet and spicy…
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Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, filled with tangy feta cheese that pairs perfectly with a sweet and spicy drizzle of chili honey. These little rolls have a satisfying crunch that makes them a great snack or appetizer when you want something a little special but easy to make.
I love making these rolls when friends come over because they’re always a hit—there’s just something about the way the salty feta melts inside the flaky crust, balanced by the kick and sweetness of the honey drizzle. A little tip I’ve learned is to make sure the rolls are golden and crispy before taking them out of the oven so you get that perfect texture every time.
Serving these rolls warm right from the oven with a side of extra chili honey for dipping makes the experience even better. I find they’re great for sharing, and everyone asks for the recipe. They bring a nice mix of flavors that keeps you reaching for more, and they’re a fun twist if you want to add a little flare to your usual snacks.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Feta Cheese: This is the star filling. Choose a firm block of feta to hold its shape well. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a firm tofu or vegan feta alternative for a similar texture.
Phyllo Pastry: Phyllo creates the crispy wrap around feta. Keep the sheets covered while working to stop them from drying out. You can substitute with spring roll wrappers for a similar crisp effect.
Bread Crumbs: I prefer panko for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work fine. For a gluten-free option, use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free crumbs.
Chili Honey: Honey sweetens and smooths the chili heat. If honey isn’t your thing, try maple syrup or agave with some chili flakes for a similar sweet-spicy drizzle.
How Do You Get the Rolls Crispy Without Frying?
Oven-frying these rolls needs a few tricks to get a perfect crisp:
- Brush each phyllo sheet with olive oil before layering—this helps create a golden, flaky crust.
- Double-layer the phyllo sheets to make the wrap sturdy enough to hold the feta without breaking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs as a coating for extra crunch after dipping in flour and egg wash.
- Lightly brush or spray the rolls with oil before baking—this mimics frying and helps browning.
- Bake at a high temperature (around 400°F/200°C) to crisp the outside without overcooking the cheese inside.
Be patient—let the rolls cool slightly after baking so the coating sets up crispier. That way, you get the crunch you want without the mess of frying!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for laying out rolls evenly for crisp baking.
- Parchment paper – keeps the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Pastry brush – helps you brush olive oil evenly on phyllo for golden, crispy rolls.
- Mixing bowls – handy for setting up your flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb stations.
- Sharp knife – to cut the feta and phyllo sheets cleanly and safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier, tangier roll that’s still deliciously melty inside.
- Add finely chopped fresh mint or dill for a fresh herb flavor that pairs well with the chili honey.
- Mix in some crushed walnuts or pine nuts into the breadcrumb coating for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Try a drizzle of balsamic glaze instead of chili honey for a sweet and tangy twist.
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rolls:
- 200g block of feta cheese
- 8 sheets of phyllo (filo) pastry
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for brushing)
For the Chili Honey Drizzle:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tbsp red chili flakes or fresh chopped red chili (adjust heat preference)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for a bit of tang)
Time You’ll Need
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes to bake, so plan for around 40 minutes total. This includes making the rolls and warming the chili honey sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cut the Feta and Phyllo:
Cut the feta block into 8 equal finger-length pieces. Lay one phyllo sheet down, and keep the rest covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out. Brush the sheet lightly with olive oil, then place another sheet on top and brush again. Do this twice to make a double layer of phyllo. Cut the layered sheets into 8 rectangles large enough to wrap each feta piece.
3. Roll the Feta:
Place a feta piece near the edge of a phyllo rectangle. Fold in the sides and roll it up, sealing edges with a little water or olive oil to keep it closed.
4. Bread the Rolls:
Set up three dishes: flour in one, beaten eggs mixed with milk in the second, and seasoned breadcrumbs (mixed with chili flakes, parsley, and oregano) in the third. Dip each roll first in flour, then in egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mix.
5. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Place the breaded rolls on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and crunchy.
6. Make the Chili Honey Drizzle:
While baking, gently warm the honey in a small pan or microwave. Stir in the chili flakes (or fresh chili) and lemon juice if using. Warm just until combined and fragrant – don’t boil.
7. Serve:
Take the rolls out of the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Drizzle generously with the chili honey and sprinkle with extra herbs or chili flakes if you like. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Feta for this Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This helps the phyllo wrap stick better and prevents sogginess.
What Can I Substitute for Phyllo Pastry?
Spring roll wrappers work well as an alternative since they also crisp up nicely in the oven. Just be gentle when wrapping as they can be a bit more fragile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Chili Honey?
Definitely! You can reduce the chili flakes for a milder drizzle or add extra if you like it hotter. Using fresh chili will give a sharper heat, while flakes tend to be a bit smoky.
