Name: Indulgent Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 oz Feta Cheese (Can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta.); 2 tbsp Fresh Dill (Use fresh for best flavor.); 2 tbsp Fresh Mint (Basil can be a substitute.); 1 tbsp Lemon Zest (Use zest from unwaxed lemons.); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 8 sheets Phyllo Pastry (Keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.); 4 tbsp Olive Oil (Brush between layers and on tops.); 1/2 cup Honey (Use high-quality honey.); 1 tbsp Chili Flakes (Adjust according to desired spice level.); 1 tsp Lemon Juice (To brighten the chili honey glaze.)

Introduction

There’s something utterly delightful about the moment you take your first bite of crispy oven-fried feta rolls with chili honey. The phyllo pastry shatters gracefully, revealing a warm, creamy feta filling blended with fresh herbs that dance on your palate. This quick snack not only satisfies your cravings but also elevates your gatherings with its Mediterranean flair.

The image shows five golden brown pastry rolls filled with a creamy white cheese mixed with green herbs, arranged closely on a white plate. The pastries have multiple thin, flaky layers with a shiny, slightly crisp surface, sprinkled with sesame seeds and small herb pieces. The ends of the rolls clearly reveal the soft, textured cheese filling, and small herb leaves are scattered on the plate around the pastries, all set on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz Feta Cheese (Can substitute with goat cheese or ricotta)

2 tbsp Dill (Use fresh for best flavor)

2 tbsp Mint (Basil can be a substitute)

1 tbsp Lemon Zest (Use zest from unwaxed lemons)

8 sheets Phyllo Pastry (Keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out)

4 tbsp Olive Oil (Brush between layers and on tops)

1/2 cup Honey (Use high-quality honey)

1 tbsp Chili Flakes (Adjust according to desired spice level)

1 tsp Lemon Juice (for chili honey)

Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta, chopped dill, chopped mint, lemon zest, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper until well incorporated.

Step 3: Lay two sheets of phyllo pastry on a clean surface, brushing each sheet lightly with olive oil to keep layers crisp. Cut the stacked sheets into strips about 2 inches wide.

Step 4: Place a tablespoon of the feta mixture at one end of each phyllo strip. Fold in the edges and roll tightly to enclose the filling completely.

Step 5: Brush the tops of the rolls generously with olive oil, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: While the rolls bake, prepare the chili honey by combining honey, chili flakes, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm gently, stirring occasionally until fragrant.

Step 8: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle generously with the warm chili honey before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor, but dried can work in a pinch—just reduce the amount by half.

For a milder heat, reduce the chili flakes or substitute with smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

To keep phyllo pastry from drying out while working, always cover unused sheets with a damp cloth.

Try adding chopped toasted walnuts or pine nuts to the feta filling for extra texture.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bake fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

What can I substitute for phyllo pastry?

If phyllo is unavailable, you can use puff pastry sheets, though the texture will be different—puff pastry will be flakier and richer rather than crisp and delicate.