Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a delightful snack that brings together crispy, golden rolls filled with creamy feta cheese and a sweet, spicy drizzle of chili honey. The outside gets perfectly crunchy from baking in the oven, while the feta inside stays soft and tangy, making every bite a tasty surprise.
I love making these rolls when I want something a little special but easy to share with friends and family. The chili honey adds just the right kick of heat and sweetness, which balances out the salty feta perfectly. When I make them, I always double the honey drizzle because it’s hard to get enough of that sticky, flavorful finish!
These rolls are great for a cozy night in or as a fun appetizer at a casual get-together. I usually serve them warm right out of the oven, with a side of extra chili honey for dipping. They’re such a crowd-pleaser that I’ve found people often come back for seconds—or thirds. It’s a simple treat that feels fancy but takes very little effort to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Feta Cheese
- Feta is the main flavor here, adding a tangy, salty bite. If you’re not a fan of feta, you can swap it for ricotta or goat cheese for a milder taste. Just be sure to crumble it well for easy rolling.
- Puff Pastry or Phyllo Dough
- Puff pastry gives a nice flaky crust, while phyllo makes it lighter and crispier. Both work great. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free puff pastry, though it may not puff as much.
- Chili Honey
- The honey brings sweetness that balances the salty feta, and chili flakes add heat. If you like less spice, use less chili or mild paprika instead. You can replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.
- Olive Oil
- Brushing the rolls with olive oil helps them brown nicely. You can use melted butter as an alternative for richer flavor.
How Do I Get Crispy, Golden Rolls Without Frying?
These rolls bake in the oven, making them crisp on the outside without deep frying. Here’s how to get that perfect crunch:
- Brush the rolled dough generously with olive oil on all sides before baking.
- Slice the roll evenly so each piece cooks at the same rate.
- Place the rolls cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Bake at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) to let the dough puff up and turn golden fast without drying out the feta.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
Following these steps ensures your rolls come out crisp and flaky with a warm, creamy center every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat surface to bake the rolls evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps rolls from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Sharp knife – to cut the rolled dough into neat, even rounds.
- Pastry brush – lets you brush olive oil evenly for a golden crust.
- Mixing bowl – for stirring together the chili honey drizzle.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap feta with halloumi for a firmer, grillable cheese that browns nicely.
- Add chopped fresh mint or basil into the feta before rolling for a fresh, herbal note.
- Sprinkle za’atar spice on the rolls before baking to add a bright, earthy flavor.
- Mix toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts into the filling for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 sheet puff pastry or phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or oregano, finely chopped (optional)
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, for a total of roughly 25-30 minutes. It’s quick and easy, with minimal hands-on time, followed by a short baking session.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough and Filling:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Roll out the puff pastry or phyllo dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 10×12 inches. Evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
2. Roll and Slice:
Carefully roll the dough from the longer side into a tight log, making sure to enclose the feta. Brush the outside of the roll with olive oil to help it brown nicely. Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into 1 to 1.5 inch thick rounds and place them cut side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a bit more olive oil.
3. Bake and Drizzle Chili Honey:
Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes until they puff up and turn golden brown. While they bake, mix together the honey, red chili flakes, sesame seeds, and parsley if using to create the chili honey drizzle. When the rolls are done, remove from the oven and immediately drizzle generously with the chili honey. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry or Phyllo Dough?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge according to package instructions before rolling. This will help the dough roll out smoothly and bake evenly.
How Should I Store Leftover Feta Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back crispiness.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level in the Chili Honey?
Absolutely! Reduce the red chili flakes for milder heat or add more if you like it spicy. You can also substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky but less spicy flavor.
Is There a Vegan Alternative for This Recipe?
Yes, use vegan puff pastry and substitute feta with a plant-based cheese that crumbles well, like almond or tofu-based feta alternatives. Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for the drizzle.