How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

Oven fried feta rolls with chili honey are the kind of appetizer that people remember. Crispy on the outside, melty and tangy on the inside, and topped with a sweet, spicy drizzle, these rolls offer big flavor in every bite—and they’re baked, not fried. That means all the crunch with none of the grease.

Phyllo might look intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple once you know a few tricks. This guide on working with phyllo dough explains how to keep it pliable and tear-free. And if you’ve never experimented with chili honey, here’s how pro chefs use it to elevate everything from roasted veggies to dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

• Crispy, golden phyllo layers without deep-frying
• Rich, creamy feta filling
• A bold drizzle of homemade chili honey
• Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining

Pair these rolls with a spread of Turkish eggplant dip or a bowl of bulgur wheat pilaf for a delicious Mediterranean moment.

Ingredients

• 8 phyllo dough sheets, thawed
• 1 block feta cheese, sliced into sticks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce
• Optional: chopped thyme or oregano

Ingredient Tips

Use block feta for structure
Cover phyllo with a damp towel while working to prevent drying
Infuse your honey while the rolls bake for stronger flavor

How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Cut feta into ½-inch thick, 3-inch long sticks

Step 2: Assemble the Rolls

Lay one phyllo sheet flat on a clean surface
Brush lightly with olive oil or butter
Layer with another phyllo sheet and brush again
Place a feta stick near the bottom edge
Fold the sides inward, then roll up like a burrito
Repeat for all remaining pieces

Step 3: Bake the Rolls

Place rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet
Brush the tops with more oil
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown and crisp

Step 4: Make the Chili Honey

Heat honey gently in a small pan
Add chili flakes or hot sauce
Simmer for 3–5 minutes, then cool slightly

Step 5: Serve

Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes
Drizzle with warm chili honey
Serve warm and crispy

Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey Serving Suggestions

These rolls shine as appetizers but are also excellent as part of a mezze platter or paired with other sides like Costco mini quiche. For a full Mediterranean-inspired spread, try adding cheesy baked fajita chicken or creamette macaroni and cheese.

Variations: Creative Twists on Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

This recipe is endlessly customizable, allowing you to tweak flavors and textures to suit your palate or occasion. Here are several elevated and thoughtful variations that take these oven fried feta rolls from great to unforgettable:

Add fresh herbs inside the roll

Tuck finely chopped thyme, oregano, or parsley inside each roll before baking. These aromatic herbs infuse the filling with earthy depth and brighten the flavor of the rich feta. For a bolder twist, try crushed rosemary or za’atar seasoning for a Middle Eastern touch.

Swap feta with a creamy cheese blend

If you prefer a softer bite, mix equal parts feta and ricotta for a creamier, less salty filling. This combination balances the sharp tang of feta with the mildness of ricotta, making the rolls more kid-friendly and melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Add a crunch factor with seeds or nuts

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or crushed walnuts over the top before baking. This not only adds a beautiful golden finish but also layers in texture that contrasts the soft interior.

Use infused or pre-made hot honey

Short on time? Pre-made chili honey is widely available and perfect for busy weeknights. You can also make your own version ahead and infuse it with unique flavors like smoked paprika, lime zest, or rosemary for added complexity.

Make it sweet & savory

For a brunch version, drizzle with a honey-orange glaze instead of chili honey and top with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg. This version pairs beautifully with fruit platters or a light salad.

Include a dip on the side

Serve with a tangy tzatziki, whipped feta dip, or red pepper hummus to create a balanced appetizer spread that plays with temperature and texture.

Reheating and Storage: Keep the Rolls Crispy and Delicious

Proper storage and reheating can make all the difference between soggy leftovers and rolls that taste freshly baked. Follow these tips to maintain maximum crunch and flavor retention:

Storage Tips

• Let the rolls cool completely before storing to prevent condensation inside the container, which can cause sogginess.
• Place them in a single layer in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days—although they’re best enjoyed fresh, they hold up well when stored properly.

Reheating Best Practices

• Always reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps reactivate the crispness of the phyllo while warming the center.
• Avoid using the microwave, which tends to steam the phyllo and make it limp.
• If needed, cover loosely with foil during the first few minutes, then remove to let the tops re-crisp.

Pro tip: Reheat on a wire rack inside the oven if possible. This ensures even air circulation and keeps the bottom as crispy as the top.

Oven Fried Feta Rolls Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use puff pastry instead?

Yes, but the texture will be more buttery and flaky rather than light and crisp.

Is it better to use crumbled or block feta?

Block feta is ideal. Crumbled feta can leak and doesn’t hold together during baking.

Can I use store-bought hot honey?

Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut and widely available.

How do I prevent phyllo from cracking?

Keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel and work quickly. Brush oil between every layer.

Can I air fry these?

Yes, air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more Mediterranean-inspired or crowd-pleasing favorites to serve alongside these rolls? Explore these reader favorites from the blog:

• Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu – A light, fruity dessert that’s perfect for warm-weather entertaining
• Vegetarian Cig Kofte – A bold, no-cook option with authentic Turkish flavor
• What to Serve with Tilapia – A helpful guide full of creative, well-balanced side dishes for any fish dinner

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