Oven Fried Feta Rolls Chili

Crispy golden feta rolls drizzled with spicy chili honey are one of my favorite party appetizers because they hit that perfect note between salty and sweet with a little kick of heat. The creamy filling is irresistible and the crackly phyllo shell is so much easier to get right than you might expect.

I remember making these for a family movie night and everyone ended up arguing over the last roll. They vanished before the credits rolled.

Ingredients

• Feta cheese: crumbled for briny flavor and salty bite choose creamy feta that is not too dry
• Ricotta cheese: softens the filling and adds creaminess go for full fat and drain excess liquid for the best texture
• Fresh thyme leaves: for an extra herbal lift totally optional but try to find bright green fresh sprigs if you use it
• Phyllo pastry: forms the paper thin crisp shell keep it covered with a damp towel so it stays workable and check the box to ensure sheets are not torn
• Butter or olive oil: for brushing gives the pastry a beautiful golden color a good quality olive oil or real butter adds flavor
• Light honey: the base for the chili drizzle lighter in flavor so the chili shines choose a runny honey for ease of drizzling
• Red chili flakes: bring the heat adjust to your taste and use fresh chili flakes for vibrant kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Combine crumbled feta ricotta and thyme leaves in a mixing bowl Stir together with a fork or spatula until smooth well blended and no big chunks remain This helps the flavor meld and prevents the filling from leaking

Prepare the Phyllo:

Unroll the phyllo pastry immediately cover with a damp towel to prevent drying Use a sharp knife to cut each sheet in half lengthwise creating 12 strips This size is perfect for rolling and keeps them easy to handle

Shape the Rolls:

Lay one phyllo strip flat on a clean work surface Gently brush the whole strip with melted butter or olive oil Place a tablespoon of cheese filling near one end Fold in the long edges over the filling then roll up tightly so the filling is sealed inside Finish seam side down and repeat with all pastry and filling Work quickly so the pastry stays pliable

Bake the Rolls:

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment Arrange the rolls seam side down with space between each for air circulation Brush the tops with a little more butter or oil Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown and crisp

Make the Chili Honey:

While the rolls bake warm honey in a small pan over low heat Add the chili flakes and let them gently infuse for 1 to 2 minutes Watch closely and remove from heat before the honey bubbles so it does not scorch This step unlocks the flavor of the chili

Finish and Serve:

Let baked rolls cool for a minute or two so they set up Drizzle with the warm chili honey or serve the honey on the side Scatter with a little extra thyme if you like Serve while fresh and crisp for the best experience

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This recipe always makes me think of a summer evening when my niece tried her first feta roll and declared it her new favorite snack She loved the honey so much she ate the leftovers with a spoon

Storage Tips

Leftover feta rolls store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Recrisp in a hot oven for five minutes to restore crunch The chili honey keeps at room temperature for one week if sealed tightly

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ricotta for soft goat cheese or cream cheese for a tangier filling Try other herbs like oregano or basil If you want a gluten free version use rice paper for wrapping instead of phyllo

Serving Suggestions

Serve these feta rolls with a simple salad on the side or plate them up with extra herb sprigs for a pretty presentation They pair well with sparkling wine or a cold beer for parties

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Cultural and Historical Context

Phyllo wrapped cheese pastries are traditional in many Mediterranean cuisines Each region puts its twist on the filling This baked version is inspired by Greek tiropita but with a modern spicy honey finish

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving for maximum crispness.

→ How can I prevent phyllo pastry from drying out?

Keep the phyllo covered with a damp kitchen towel while working to maintain its pliability and prevent cracking.

→ Can I substitute ricotta cheese?

Absolutely—goat cheese or cream cheese both work well and add distinct flavor variations to the filling.

→ How spicy is the chili honey?

The honey offers a mild kick; simply increase or decrease the chili flakes to suit your personal preference.

→ What’s the best way to serve these rolls?

Serve them slightly cooled with warm chili honey drizzled over or on the side as a dipping sauce.

→ Do I need to use fresh thyme?

Fresh thyme is optional, but it adds a lovely herbal note. You can omit it or substitute another herb if desired.