Oven Fried Feta Rolls Chili

These oven fried feta rolls are my go-to appetizer when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Each roll wraps tangy feta and silky ricotta in crisp layers of phyllo pastry, all brought to life by a warm drizzle of chili honey. The combination hits every note—creamy, salty, sweet, and just a little bit spicy—making them vanish fast at any gathering.

Every time I serve these, friends immediately ask for the recipe. The first time I brought them to a potluck, I came home with nothing but an empty plate and a dozen requests to make them again.

Ingredients

• Feta cheese: Choose a block of feta in brine whenever possible for the richest flavor and best texture
• Ricotta cheese: Go for whole milk ricotta for a creamy mouthfeel and mild tang
• Fresh thyme leaves: This is optional but adds an aromatic layer that works beautifully with the cheese
• Phyllo pastry: Look for thin sheets in the freezer section and opt for trusted brands with no cracks or dryness
• Melted butter or olive oil: Either works to help make the pastry golden and crisp, choose a good quality olive oil for extra flavor or real butter for richness
• Honey: Pure honey is best as it will blend smoothly with the chili flakes
• Red chili flakes: These add heat, use more or less to adjust the spice level to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Filling:

In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta, ricotta, and fresh thyme leaves if you like. Mash with a fork or spatula until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy. This filling should be spreadable and hold together nicely.

Handle the Phyllo Pastry:

Unroll your thawed phyllo sheets and immediately cover with a damp towel. This protects them from drying out as you work. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the sheets lengthwise so you have two long rectangles from each piece.

Fill and Roll:

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius while you prep. Place one strip of phyllo on the counter and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the surface with melted butter or olive oil. Scoop about one tablespoon of your cheese filling near one end. Fold each long side toward the middle to enclose the cheese. Now roll the strip up snugly, starting from the cheese-filled end. Lay the roll seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Continue with all rolls.

Bake Until Golden:

Brush the tops of all assembled rolls with a little more melted butter or olive oil. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes. Watch for the phyllo to become deep golden and evenly crisp.

Prepare Chili Honey:

While the rolls bake, add honey to a small saucepan over low heat. Sprinkle in the chili flakes and let the mixture warm gently for one to two minutes. This infuses the honey with heat without burning the spices. Take off the heat when it smells fragrant and lightly spicy.

Finish and Serve:

Allow the baked rolls to cool for a couple of minutes so the filling sets slightly. Either drizzle with warm chili honey before serving or pour into a tiny bowl for guests to dip. Garnish with fresh thyme for a beautiful finish.

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These rolls remind me of family Sunday dinners when everyone gathered round and someone was always sneaking a hot roll off the tray. The creamy feta filling is hands down my favorite part and it gets even better with a hint of spicy honey on top.

Storage Tips

Leftover rolls cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly and keep in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a hot oven for about eight minutes to re-crisp before serving. The chili honey can be made in advance and stored in a small jar at room temperature.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find ricotta, goat cheese or cream cheese makes a lovely substitute. For the chili honey, a few shakes of hot sauce in regular honey works too in a pinch. Gluten free phyllo can also be used for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

Pile these on a platter for a crowd with extra chili honey in a dipping bowl. These also work beautifully alongside a fresh Greek salad or as part of a mezze spread with olives and grilled vegetables.

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A Bit of Culinary Context

Phyllo-wrapped cheese is a classic across Mediterranean cuisines, but this recipe brings in a playful modern twist with the sweet spicy honey. Sharing these at a family table always brings a little extra warmth and a lot of flavor.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep phyllo pastry from drying out?

Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel while you work to maintain pliability and prevent cracking.

→ Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake for fresh, crispy results.

→ What cheese substitutes work well for the filling?

Goat cheese or cream cheese can replace ricotta for a unique flavor and texture in the filling.

→ Is the chili honey very spicy?

The chili honey offers mild heat, but you can adjust the level by increasing or reducing chili flakes.

→ Can these rolls be made vegan?

For a vegan alternative, use plant-based feta, ricotta, and melt vegan butter or olive oil for brushing.

→ How should I serve the rolls?

Serve warm with chili honey drizzled on top or as a dip for added flavor and a delightful finish.