Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey Recipe
Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey deliver a perfect blend of textures and flavors—crispy golden phyllo pastry encasing creamy, salty feta cheese, finished with a warm drizzle of sweet and spicy honey. These easy-to-make rolls are ideal for parties, cozy nights in, or holiday gatherings and offer an irresistible sweet-heat kick that complements the savory cheese beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Feta Rolls
- Phyllo dough sheets (thawed) – 8 sheets
- Feta cheese (block, crumbled) – 8 oz
- Cream cheese or Greek yogurt (optional) – 1 to 2 tbsp
- Black pepper – a pinch
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing) – as needed
For the Hot Honey
- Honey – 1/4 cup
- Red pepper flakes or chili flakes – 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Optional: pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika – a pinch
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh thyme or oregano – for sprinkling
- Sesame seeds or chopped pistachios – for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Feta Filling: In a bowl, crumble the feta cheese and mix in cream cheese or Greek yogurt if using, along with a pinch of black pepper. This softens the filling and adds creaminess.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay one sheet of thawed phyllo dough flat and brush it lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Spoon a strip of the feta mixture near one edge, fold the sides inward to enclose the filling, and roll tightly to form a neat roll.
- Bake Until Crispy: Place the assembled rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the phyllo turns golden brown and crisp. Alternatively, shallow fry the rolls to achieve extra crunch if preferred.
- Make the Hot Honey: Gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the red chili flakes and optional cayenne or smoked paprika, allowing the flavors to infuse until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Finish & Serve: Drizzle the hot honey generously over the warm feta rolls. Garnish with fresh herbs and seeds or chopped nuts as desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crispy pastry and warm, creamy filling with sweet-spicy honey.
Notes
- Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out.
- Do not overfill the rolls; a little filling ensures a crisp finish.
- Brush phyllo lightly with oil or butter to maintain crispness; excess will soften the rolls.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
- For a milder version, omit chili flakes in the hot honey.
- To increase spiciness, add chili oil or extra hot honey drizzle.
- Try adding fresh thyme or oregano into the feta mixture for an herbed flavor.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios for a nutty crunch.
- Add a zest of lemon for a refreshing twist.
- These rolls can be assembled ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Hot honey can be prepared ahead and gently reheated.
Keywords: phyllo rolls, feta cheese appetizer, hot honey recipe, crispy feta rolls, savory snack, Mediterranean appetizer, party finger food, sweet and spicy appetizer
