Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

Introduction

When I first tried making these Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey, I was expecting something simple but delicious. Little did I know, they would quickly become a favorite in my household! The crispy phyllo pastry, the creamy, tangy feta and ricotta filling, and the sweet-spicy chili honey drizzle created a perfect balance of flavors. Everyone—my husband, kids, and even some guests—was hooked from the first bite. The sweetness of the honey paired with the heat from the chili flakes was just the right contrast to the richness of the cheese. These rolls are now a staple at family gatherings and have even become a go-to appetizer for dinner parties. If you’re looking for a quick yet impressive dish, this one checks all the boxes. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients

• 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• 6 sheets phyllo pastry, cut in half
• 1/2 cup melted butter or olive oil, for brushing

For the Chili Honey:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:
   In a medium-sized bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, and fresh thyme (if you’re using it). Mix well until the cheeses are smooth and fully blended into a creamy filling. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the phyllo sheets.
2. Assemble the Rolls:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place one half-sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface or cutting board. Brush it lightly with the melted butter or olive oil. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture near one end of the phyllo sheet. Carefully roll the pastry, folding in the sides as you go to form a neat roll. Repeat this process for the remaining phyllo sheets and cheese mixture.
3. Bake the Rolls:
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the prepared rolls on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy. The pastry should be flaky and crunchy, with the cheese filling hot and creamy inside.
4. Prepare the Chili Honey:
   While the rolls are baking, prepare the chili honey. In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat. Once the honey is warm, add the red chili flakes and stir until well combined. Remove from the heat and set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
5. Finish & Serve:
   Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the chili honey over the baked rolls or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8-10 rolls
• Calories per serving: 150-180 kcal (based on 10 rolls)
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• As an appetizer: Serve the feta rolls with a side of chili honey for dipping. They make an excellent appetizer for any occasion.
• With a salad: Pair the rolls with a fresh green salad, such as a simple arugula and cherry tomato salad, to balance the richness of the cheese.
• With drinks: These rolls are great for cocktail parties or casual gatherings. Serve them with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for an elevated experience.
• As a snack: The rolls also make for a great snack during the day. Enjoy them on their own or with a spicy dip on the side.
• As a party food: These rolls are easy to make in batches and serve on a platter at a party or get-together. Guests will love them!

Additional Tips

1. Keep the phyllo pastry covered: Phyllo dough dries out quickly. Keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth as you work to prevent them from becoming brittle.
2. Use a pastry brush for even butter distribution: Brushing melted butter or oil evenly across the phyllo ensures a golden, crispy texture.
3. Make ahead: You can assemble the rolls in advance and freeze them. Just bake them directly from the freezer—add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
4. Spice it up: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of chili flakes in the honey, or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese filling.
5. Serve with a dipping sauce: If you want to make the dish even more flavorful, serve the rolls with a tangy yogurt or tahini dip on the side.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: To make this dish vegetarian, simply leave out the thyme or substitute it with fresh rosemary for an added flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheeses like cashew-based ricotta and feta substitutes for a plant-based version of these rolls.
• Add greens: Incorporate spinach or kale into the cheese filling for added texture and nutrition. Sauté the greens lightly before adding them to the cheese mixture.
• Try different herbs: Swap out thyme for rosemary or oregano to give the rolls a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add a little jalapeño or chili paste to the cheese filling for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a cold drink: These rolls are delicious with a chilled glass of white wine, iced tea, or even sparkling water with lime.
• Serve as part of a mezze platter: Combine these feta rolls with other Mediterranean-inspired appetizers such as hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ganoush for a great appetizer spread.
• Add a fresh citrus salad: A bright citrus salad with orange, lemon, and a little olive oil will complement the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the chili honey.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: If you want to prepare these in advance, assemble the rolls and freeze them before baking. Place the rolls on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container. To bake, cook from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the baked rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.
• Reheating: Reheat the rolls in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as they may become soggy.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use different cheese in place of feta?
   Yes, you can use goat cheese, cream cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor, though it will change the texture of the filling.
2. Can I use something other than ricotta?
   Yes, mascarpone cheese or even cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta, depending on your flavor preference.
3. Can I make these rolls without butter?
   Yes, you can use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version, or if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
4. How do I know when the rolls are done?
   The rolls are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check by gently pressing them with a fork; they should feel firm but not soggy.
5. Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free phyllo pastry for a gluten-free version of these rolls.
6. Can I make the chili honey in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the chili honey ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
7. How do I keep the phyllo pastry from drying out while assembling the rolls?
   Keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out while you work.
8. Can I bake these rolls at a lower temperature?
   While 400°F is ideal, you can bake them at a lower temperature (375°F), but they may take a few extra minutes to become golden brown and crispy.
9. Can I use homemade phyllo dough instead of store-bought?
   Yes, homemade phyllo dough works just as well as store-bought. However, store-bought phyllo is quicker and easier for those short on time.
10. Can I serve these rolls cold?
    These rolls are best served warm, but they can also be eaten at room temperature if needed.

Conclusion

Oven-Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are an irresistible appetizer that blends the richness of creamy cheese with the crispness of phyllo pastry, finished off with a spicy-sweet drizzle of chili honey. This dish is simple to prepare yet impressive enough for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a casual snack or a festive gathering, these rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With their delightful combination of textures and flavors, they’ll quickly become a go-to in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy these crispy, cheesy delights today and watch them disappear in no time!

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