Introduction
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a unique side dish that feels fancy but is deceptively easy? These Crispy Baked Feta Rolls are just the ticket. Creamy, tangy feta is wrapped in golden, flaky pastry and baked until crisp. But the real magic? A luscious drizzle of spicy honey that melts into the warm rolls, adding a sweet kick that takes them over the top. Serve these at your next gathering — or just treat yourself on a cozy night in.
📝 Ingredients
For the Feta Rolls:
- 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- 100g (3.5 oz) cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6–8 sheets of phyllo pastry (or spring roll wrappers for a shortcut)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Spicy Honey Drizzle:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (like sriracha, harissa, or chili flakes — to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta, cream cheese (if using), chopped herbs, and black pepper.
- Mix until well blended. You want a slightly chunky but spreadable texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface. Keep the remaining sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
- Lightly brush the phyllo with olive oil or butter.
- Cut the sheet in half lengthwise to make 2 long strips.
- Place a spoonful of the feta mixture at one end of each strip, then roll up like a cigar, folding the sides in as you go (like a spring roll or burrito).
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Repeat with remaining filling and phyllo.
Step 4: Bake
- Brush the tops of the rolls with more olive oil or butter.
- Sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds, if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Make the Spicy Honey
- While the rolls bake, combine honey, hot sauce, vinegar/lemon juice, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir gently until warmed through and slightly thinned, about 2–3 minutes. Don’t boil.
- Taste and adjust spice level if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Drizzle the warm spicy honey generously over the hot feta rolls right out of the oven.
- Serve immediately while crisp and gooey inside.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a light salad or mezze platter.
- Excellent with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
- Leftovers? Reheat in the oven to re-crisp (don’t microwave!).
🔁 Variations
- Vegan: Use a vegan feta substitute and phyllo dough (usually vegan). Swap honey for agave or maple syrup with chili.
- Add-ins: Try adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the filling for more Mediterranean flair.
- Different Cheese: Use goat cheese or ricotta with feta for a lighter filling.