Oven Fried Feta Chili Honey

These savory oven fried feta rolls with chili honey bring golden, crispy phyllo pastry around creamy ricotta and bold feta cheese for a satisfying appetizer with a zingy sweet heat on top. This is my trusted treat for gatherings and weekdays alike whenever I want something crowd-pleasing yet simple. A drizzle of spicy honey over each roll creates the perfect balance and always leaves people reaching for one more.

My friends raved when I showed up to book club with these. Now they are a regular request for every get together with loved ones.

Ingredients

• Feta cheese: for a briny punch choose authentic sheep’s milk feta when possible for the best flavor
• Ricotta cheese: gives a mild creaminess and balances out feta’s natural saltiness pick fresh and soft ricotta if you can
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional): for a note of earthy brightness pluck from sprigs just before using
• Phyllo pastry: brings signature crunch use fresh or fully thawed frozen and keep it covered so it stays supple
• Melted butter or olive oil: for brushing the pastry adds rich flavor and helps create the golden crust
• Honey: go for a light floral honey so it drizzles easily and complements the cheese
• Red chili flakes: for a savory sweet heat use fresh flakes and adjust to taste so the honey is just spicy enough

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Gently crumble the feta and combine it with ricotta and fresh thyme in a medium mixing bowl Stir very well until you no longer see streaks and the mixture is creamy This ensures every bite is blended with both cheeses

Prep the Phyllo Pastry:

Place the stacked phyllo sheets on your work surface and cover lightly with a damp towel Cut all sheets lengthwise to make twelve strips Work quickly so the phyllo does not dry out

Assemble the Rolls:

Preheat the oven to two hundred degrees Celsius Line a baking sheet with parchment Lay a phyllo strip on the counter and brush evenly with melted butter or olive oil Spoon a tablespoon of cheese filling at one end Fold both edges inward so the filling stays inside then roll up tightly to create a neat compact roll Place seam side down on your sheet Repeat until all filling and pastry are used

Bake the Rolls:

Space the rolls evenly on your baking sheet Brush tops with more melted butter or oil for even browning Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes or until deep golden and crisp

Make the Chili Honey:

While rolls bake gently heat honey in a small saucepan over low heat Add chili flakes and stir well Let the flakes infuse the honey for a couple of minutes Remove from heat before it boils

Finish and Serve:

Let the rolls cool for a minute or two after baking Drizzle generously with the warm chili honey or serve the honey on the side for dipping Scatter a few fresh thyme leaves over the top for extra color and aroma

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The real standout in this dish for me is the feta The tangy cheese makes every roll pop I still remember my niece’s delighted face the first time she bit into one and announced it was her new favorite party food

Storage Tips

Leftover rolls should be cooled completely before storing Seal them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days To reheat bake at a high temperature for five minutes to regain crispness Avoid microwaving as it softens the pastry

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use goat cheese or cream cheese in place of ricotta for a different taste Swap fresh oregano for the thyme if that is what you have Add a few chopped spinach leaves for color and nutrients if you want a twist

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these as an appetizer on a party platter with extra chili honey on the side They also make an amazing side to a light salad or roasted vegetables Pair with fruity white wine for a delicious match

A Bit of Background

Feta and phyllo are classic partners in cuisine from across the Eastern Mediterranean These rolls take inspiration from traditional Greek pastries like tiropita but give them a modern spicy edge The sweet heat of chili honey brings a new layer of flavor that feels both comforting and fresh

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the ricotta with another cheese?

Yes, you can replace ricotta with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor profile, though the result will be slightly tangier or richer depending on your choice.

→ How do I keep phyllo pastry from drying out?

Keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel as you work. Only uncover one sheet at a time to maintain its flexibility and prevent cracking.

→ What other herbs can I use instead of thyme?

Fresh oregano, dill, or parsley work well as alternatives to thyme, each adding a different aromatic note to the cheese filling.

→ Can the rolls be made in advance?

The assembled rolls can be stored in the refrigerator before baking. Bake just before serving for the crispiest texture. Reheat leftovers in the oven to restore crunch.

→ Is it possible to adjust the amount of spice in the chili honey?

Absolutely! Increase or decrease chili flakes to your taste. For extra heat, try adding a touch of hot sauce or finely chopped fresh chilies to the honey as it warms.

→ What type of honey works best?

Use a light, runny honey for easy drizzling and optimal blending with chili flakes. Avoid thick or strongly flavored honey to let the cheese and spice shine.