Golden Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Sweet & Spicy Chili Honey
Looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to make? These golden oven-fried feta rolls with chili honey are the answer! Imagine crispy, flaky phyllo dough enveloping creamy, tangy feta cheese, all drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey glaze. This recipe delivers a delightful explosion of flavors and textures, perfect for parties, game nights, or a special snack. Best of all, they are ready in under 40 minutes!
Why You’ll Love These Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
These aren’t your average appetizers. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of salty feta, crispy phyllo, sweet honey, and spicy chili is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, anyone can make these.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
- Oven-Fried Goodness: Healthier than deep-fried, but still incredibly crispy.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious feta rolls:
- Feta Cheese: The star of the show! Use a block of good-quality feta in brine for the best flavor and texture.
- Phyllo Dough: Essential for creating that flaky, crispy exterior. Make sure it’s fully thawed before using.
- Olive Oil: For brushing the phyllo dough and adding richness.
- Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Honey: Forms the base of the sweet and spicy glaze.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For the heat! Adjust the amount to your desired spice level.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth of flavor to the chili honey.
Looking for a substitute? Try these:
- For a spicy variation, check out this recipe for baked chili rellenos.
- Instead of honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different flavor profile in the chili drizzle.
How to Make Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Follow these simple steps to create these irresistible appetizers:
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Layer the Phyllo Dough: Brush one sheet of phyllo dough lightly with olive oil. Layer another sheet on top and brush with olive oil again. Repeat with two more sheets for a total of four layers.
- Assemble the Rolls: Cut the layered phyllo dough in half lengthwise. Place one piece of feta at the end of each strip. Fold the phyllo dough over the feta, creating a roll. Brush the top of the roll with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake: Place the feta rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Chili Honey: While the rolls are baking, prepare the chili honey. In a small saucepan, combine honey, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the honey is slightly thinned, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to boil.
- Serve: Remove the oven-fried feta rolls from the oven and drizzle generously with the chili honey. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your feta rolls turn out perfectly:
- Keep Phyllo Dough Covered: Phyllo dough dries out quickly, so keep it covered with a damp towel while you’re working.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the rolls with feta, as this can make them difficult to roll and bake evenly.
- Bake on the Top Rack: For extra crispy rolls, bake on the top rack of the oven.
- Adjust the Spice: Customize the amount of red pepper flakes in the chili honey to your desired level of spice.
Serving Suggestions
These feta rolls are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:
- As an Appetizer: Serve as a standalone appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- With a Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and satisfying lunch.
- With Dips: Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as hummus, tzatziki, or a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
- Consider serving with a similar appetizer, like this cheesy chicken pasta recipe from Fork Haven.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftover feta rolls are best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chili honey can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the feta rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: While feta is the traditional choice, you could experiment with other cheeses like halloumi or mozzarella. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. However, it’s best to bake them fresh for the best results.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the phyllo dough can become soggy.
Q: Can I use ground chili instead of red pepper flakes?
A: Yes, but use it sparingly as ground chili can be quite potent. Start with a small pinch and adjust to taste.
Q: Can I grill the feta rolls?
A: Yes, you can grill the feta rolls. Place them on a grill preheated to medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
These golden oven-fried feta rolls with chili honey are a guaranteed winner. The combination of salty, tangy, sweet, and spicy is simply addictive. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family with this unforgettable appetizer!
Golden Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Sweet & Spicy Chili Honey
Craving a unique and flavorful appetizer or snack? These oven-fried feta rolls are the answer! Crispy on the outside, creamy and tangy on the inside, and drizzled with a homemade sweet and spicy chili honey, these rolls are incredibly easy to make and will disappear in minutes. Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a satisfying treat. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The oven-frying method keeps things light and healthy, while still achieving that perfect golden-brown crisp. Forget boring appetizers, this is the new star of your table!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) feta cheese, cut into 8 equal pieces
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for brushing
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush one sheet of phyllo dough lightly with olive oil. Layer another sheet on top and brush with olive oil again. Repeat with two more sheets for a total of four layers.
- Cut the layered phyllo dough in half lengthwise. Place one piece of feta at the end of each strip.
- Fold the phyllo dough over the feta, creating a roll. Brush the top of the roll with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Repeat with the remaining phyllo dough and feta.
- Place the feta rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the chili honey. In a small saucepan, combine honey, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the honey is slightly thinned, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to boil.
- Remove the feta rolls from the oven and drizzle with the chili honey. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispy rolls, bake on the top rack of the oven. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spice. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili honey for extra heat. Store leftover chili honey in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg