Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a delightful mix of crispy, gooey, and sweet-spicy flavors that make for a perfect snack or appetizer. These rolls have a crunchy…
Tip: save now, cook later.Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a delightful mix of crispy, gooey, and sweet-spicy flavors that make for a perfect snack or appetizer. These rolls have a crunchy outer shell with warm, melty feta cheese inside, and drizzled with chili honey for just the right balance of heat and sweetness.
I love making these rolls when I want something that feels special but is surprisingly easy to put together. The spicy honey drizzle is my favorite touch—it gives just enough kick without overpowering the creamy feta. I usually make a big batch because they always disappear quickly whenever I bring them out for friends or family.
These rolls are great served warm right out of the oven, especially with a cold drink or as a part of a bigger spread. They’re perfect for casual get-togethers or when I want to treat myself to something tasty without a lot of fuss. I find that the combination of crispy edges, soft cheese, and that sweet-spicy honey really hits the spot every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Feta Cheese: The star here is feta, which is salty and tangy. Use a firm block so it holds shape when wrapped. For a milder flavor, try mozzarella or halloumi instead.
Phyllo or Spring Roll Wrappers: Phyllo gives a delicate crunch but can tear easily. Spring roll wrappers are sturdier and crisp well too. Keep phyllo covered while working to prevent drying.
Panko Breadcrumbs & Sesame Seeds: Panko makes the roll coating extra crunchy. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs work but might be less crisp. Sesame seeds add nuttiness and texture you don’t want to skip.
Chili Honey: Honey’s sweetness balances the heat from chili flakes. Adjust chili amount to your spice tolerance. Maple syrup is a great alternative if you need a different sweetener.
How to Get Crispy Rolls Without Oil Frying?
Oven-frying the rolls is a healthier way to get crispiness but requires some care to avoid sogginess or burning.
- Brush or spray olive oil on rolls before baking—this helps the coating turn golden and crunchy without deep frying.
- Use a wire rack on your baking sheet if possible; this allows hot air to circulate all around for even crisping.
- Turn the rolls halfway through baking to promote even browning on all sides.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give space so they crisp up instead of steam.
- Serve immediately once out of the oven to keep that crunch—coating softens quickly as it cools.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – to arrange the rolls for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Parchment paper or silicone mat – prevents sticking and helps crisp the rolls.
- Small saucepan – for gently warming and mixing the chili honey sauce.
- Shallow bowls – perfect for setting up flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb stations for quick coating.
- Pastry brush – great for brushing olive oil on phyllo to get that golden crispy finish.
- Sharp knife – to cut the feta into neat, rollable pieces easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap feta with goat cheese for a creamier, tangy twist that melts beautifully inside.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like dill or oregano into the filling for extra fragrant bites.
- Mix crushed red pepper or smoked paprika into the breadcrumb coating for smoky heat.
- Try drizzling the rolls with a lemon-basil honey instead of chili honey for a lighter, herbal flavor.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Rolls:
- 8 oz (225g) feta cheese block
- 8 sheets of phyllo pastry (or spring roll wrappers)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)
For The Chili Honey:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1-2 tbsp red chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari (optional, for umami depth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. You’ll also need a few minutes to warm and mix the chili honey sauce. Overall, plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy these crispy, flavorful rolls.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Feta:
Cut the feta block into 16 equal-sized small sticks or rectangles. This makes it easy to roll and ensures each roll has just the right amount of cheese inside.
2. Wrapping the Feta:
Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and cover the rest with a damp towel to prevent drying. Lightly brush the phyllo sheet with olive oil. Place one piece of feta near an edge, fold the edges over it, and roll it tightly into a neat roll. Repeat with the rest.
3. Setting up Breading Stations:
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.
4. Coating the Rolls:
Roll each wrapped feta in flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs. Finally, coat it thoroughly with the panko and sesame seed mixture. Place each coated roll on a lined baking sheet.
5. Baking:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush or spray the rolls with olive oil to help crisp the coating. Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crunchy, turning them halfway through baking for even crispiness.
6. Making the Chili Honey:
While the rolls bake, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in red chili flakes, toasted sesame seeds, and soy sauce if you’re using it. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.
7. Serving:
Arrange the crispy rolls on a platter, then drizzle generously with the chili honey. Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley on top for an extra fresh touch.
8. Enjoying:
Serve immediately while the rolls are warm and crunchy for the best experience.
Can I Use Frozen Feta for These Rolls?
It’s best to use fresh, fully thawed feta for wrapping. If using frozen feta, thaw it overnight in the fridge and pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which helps the phyllo wrap hold better and prevents sogginess.
Can I Substitute Phyllo Pastry?
Yes! Spring roll wrappers are a great alternative and tend to be sturdier. Just be gentle when handling phyllo as it dries out quickly—keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover rolls are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain some crispiness.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Chili Honey?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the chili flakes for a milder honey drizzle, or add extra for more heat. You can also swap red chili flakes for fresh chopped chili if you prefer a brighter flavor.
