Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are crispy little pockets of gooey, salty feta cheese wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. The rolls have a satisfying crunch on the outside,…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are crispy little pockets of gooey, salty feta cheese wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. The rolls have a satisfying crunch on the outside, and when you bite in, the warm, creamy cheese melts beautifully. The sweet and spicy chili honey drizzle on top adds a perfect kick that balances the rich cheese and crispy crust.
I love making these rolls because they come together quickly and make such an impressive snack or appetizer. I usually prepare a batch when friends come over, and they always disappear fast. One little tip I’ve learned is to brush the pastry with oil before baking to get that extra crispiness without deep frying, which keeps it a bit lighter but still delicious.
Serving these rolls warm right out of the oven with a drizzle of the chili honey is my favorite way to enjoy them. They’re great for sharing at parties or even as a tasty treat after a busy day. The mix of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors always keeps people coming back for more, and honestly, me too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Feta Cheese: This cheese gives a salty, tangy flavor and creamy texture. If you can’t find feta, try halloumi or goat cheese for a similar melt and tang, though they vary in saltiness and firmness.
Spring Roll Wrappers: These make the rolls crisp and flaky. If you don’t have them, phyllo dough sheets work well but are more delicate. Handle phyllo carefully to avoid tearing.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They add a crunchy, light coating. You can use regular breadcrumbs but panko’s larger flakes give better crispiness.
Chili Honey: The perfect sweet and spicy drizzle. Adjust chili flakes to your heat liking. If honey isn’t an option, maple syrup works but changes the flavor slightly.
How Do You Get the Rolls Crispy Without Deep Frying?
Oven frying is all about coating and heat. Here’s how to get great crispiness:
- Roll the feta tightly in the wrapper, sealing edges to prevent leakage.
- Coat each roll thoroughly with flour, egg, then panko breadcrumbs to create a crunchy layer.
- Brushing or spraying olive oil on rolls before baking adds color and crunch.
- Bake at a high temperature (400°F) so the coating crisps quickly without drying out the cheese.
- Turn rolls halfway to brown evenly on all sides.
These steps help you get that fried texture using just the oven, making the rolls lighter but still delightfully crispy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – for holding the rolls while they bake and ensuring even crisping.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Three shallow bowls or dishes – perfect for the flour, beaten eggs, and panko coatings.
- Brush or cooking spray – to lightly coat the rolls with oil for crispiness.
- Sharp knife – to cut the feta into neat sticks for rolling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap feta for halloumi for a firmer cheese that won’t melt as much, creating a different texture.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or oregano into the cheese filling for extra freshness and aroma.
- Mix red pepper flakes or smoked paprika into the breadcrumbs to boost spicy, smoky notes.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze instead of chili honey for a tangy-sweet twist.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Feta Rolls:
- 8 oz (225g) feta cheese block
- 6-8 spring roll wrappers (or phyllo dough sheets)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for brushing
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Chili Honey Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1-2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. In just around 30-35 minutes total, you’ll have crispy, flavorful feta rolls ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. Cut the Feta and Get Ready to Roll:
Cut your block of feta cheese into 8 equal sticks or rectangles. Prepare three shallow dishes: one with the seasoned flour (add a pinch of salt and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Wrap the Feta:
Place a feta stick near one edge of a spring roll wrapper. Roll tightly around the cheese, folding in the edges to seal it completely. Do this for all feta sticks.
4. Coat the Rolls:
Dip each roll first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally coat well with panko breadcrumbs. Lay the coated rolls on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Add Oil and Bake:
Lightly brush or spray the rolls with olive oil—this will help them get crispy and golden in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning the rolls halfway so they brown evenly. They should be nicely golden and crunchy.
6. Make the Chili Honey Sauce:
While the rolls bake, mix together the honey, red chili flakes, soy sauce (if using), and toasted sesame seeds in a small bowl. This will be your sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
7. Serve:
When the feta rolls are done, place them on a serving plate. Drizzle with the chili honey sauce and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious blend of crispy, salty, sweet, and spicy flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Feta for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh feta for the best texture and flavor. If you only have frozen feta, thaw it completely in the fridge and pat it dry to reduce moisture before rolling.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls and keep them refrigerated for up to 4 hours before baking. Just brush with oil right before placing them in the oven to ensure crispiness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes to restore their crispiness.
What Can I Substitute for Spring Roll Wrappers?
You can use phyllo dough sheets as a substitute, but handle them gently since they’re more delicate. Alternatively, small tortilla wraps can work but will give a different texture.