Oven Fried Feta with Chili

Oven fried feta rolls are my go—to when I need a crowd—pleasing appetizer that feels special but never stressful. Crispy phyllo pastry hugs creamy feta and fresh herbs while a drizzle of chili honey brings a sweet pop of heat that always makes people reach for seconds. It is the perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors and comfort food.

These rolls never last long at any party and I love how guests always ask for the recipe after tasting them. The honey and chili on top add something unexpected and get everyone talking.

Ingredients

• Phyllo pastry sheets: provide the shattering crunch Look for thin sheets at the grocery store and keep them covered so they do not dry out
• Feta cheese: gives that briny creamy richness Choose a block over crumbles if possible for better flavor
• Fresh dill: brings a grassy bright note to balance the salt
• Fresh mint: adds lift and keeps the filling refreshing
• Lemon zest: perfumes the filling and cuts through the richness
• Black pepper: sharpens the flavor and ties the herbs together
• Olive oil: makes the pastry golden and helps crisp the layers Choose extra virgin if possible for best taste
• Honey: is the sweet base for your drizzle Use a good quality floral honey for depth
• Chili flakes: add a mellow spicy heat Adjust the spice to your liking
• Lemon juice: wakes up the honey and makes the drizzle pop

Instructions

Prepare and Preheat:

Set your oven to 375 F which is 190 C and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks

Make the Filling:

In a medium bowl combine crumbled feta fresh dill chopped mint lemon zest and black pepper Mix gently but thoroughly so every scoop has herbs and zest

Layer the Phyllo:

On a clean table lay out one phyllo sheet and brush it lightly with olive oil Top with a second sheet and brush again to seal moisture and add crunch

Cut and Fill:

Cut your stacked phyllo sheets lengthwise into four even strips Place about one tablespoon of feta filling onto the end of each strip so there is enough to taste but not overfill

Shape and Seal:

Fold the sides of each strip over the filling then roll up into tight tubes with the filling sealed inside Place seam side down on your pan

Finish Rolling:

Continue this process with remaining pastry sheets and filling brushing each with oil for maximum crispness

Bake:

Brush the tops once more with olive oil Place pan in your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until rolls are deeply golden and crisp

Make the Chili Honey:

While the rolls bake mix honey chili flakes and lemon juice in a small saucepan Warm over low heat to blend flavors and thin out the honey stirring gently

Cool and Serve:

Let the rolls rest about five minutes so the cheese sets a little Drizzle with warm chili honey just before serving or put dipping bowls on the side for guests to help themselves

The first time I made these I was not sure if my family would go for the chili honey but now it is the one ingredient we will never skip. The sticky spicy drizzle over crispy pastry feels like such a treat and reminds me of our late summer get togethers.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge They are best the day they are made but you can reheat them in the oven at 350 F for five to eight minutes to crisp back up Avoid microwaving since it makes the phyllo soggy You can keep the honey drizzle at room temperature for a few days and give it a quick stir before using again

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor No fresh herbs on hand use a sprinkle of dried dill or mint just reduce the amount a little for dried zest Add more or less chili flakes to the honey depending on your preferred heat level If you want to make it vegan try a well seasoned plant based feta

Serving Suggestions

I love serving these with a tangy yogurt sauce or alongside olives nuts and sliced cucumbers for the full mezze experience Slice large rolls in half for bite size snacks or serve whole for a more substantial starter These rolls are great with crisp salads or alongside a vegetable soup

Cultural And Historical Context

Phyllo wrapped cheese pastries have roots in Mediterranean cuisine especially Greek and Turkish traditions where feta and honey often meet in both savory and sweet dishes Bringing in chili honey is a fun contemporary twist inspired by my travels through the Greek isles where I experienced feta and honey together for the first time Rolling these up always makes me nostalgic for those sunny outdoor meals

Seasonal Adaptations

In the summer swap in basil or parsley for a fresher taste Use orange zest instead of lemon for a milder sweeter note Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the honey for added warmth

Success Stories

One of my friends made these for her baby shower and they disappeared so fast she made a double batch the next time I know people who bring these to work potlucks because they pack so easily and hold up well at room temperature My nephew learned to roll them at age eight and now asks if he can help every holiday

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can assemble the rolls and freeze them in a single layer before baking Cover tightly to avoid freezer burn Bake straight from frozen just add a few extra minutes to the oven time Wait to add the honey drizzle until just before serving

These oven fried feta rolls are always a hit and are sure to impress at any gathering. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet spicy tang with every bite.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent phyllo pastry from tearing?

Work quickly with phyllo sheets, keeping unused sheets covered with a damp towel. Gently brush with oil to maintain flexibility and avoid tearing.

→ Can I substitute the fresh herbs?

Yes, swap dill and mint for parsley, basil, or chives to suit your flavor preference, but keep herbs fresh for the best result.

→ Is it possible to prepare the rolls ahead?

Assemble the rolls up to a few hours in advance and chill. Bake just before serving for optimal crispiness.

→ What pairs well with these feta rolls?

Serve alongside crisp salads, olives, or roasted vegetables to create a vibrant appetizer spread or mezze plate.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free phyllo if available, or substitute with sturdy gluten-free wraps, brushing with oil for a golden finish.

→ How spicy is the chili honey?

The heat can be adjusted by varying the chili flakes. Use less for mildness or add extra for a spicy kick.