Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are a delightful mix of crispy, creamy, and just a little bit spicy. The flaky golden outside hides a delicious feta cheese filling, while the touch of chili honey adds a sweet and spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more. They’re a perfect little bite that’s easy to share or enjoy any time you want a snack with a twist.
I love making these rolls when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare. The oven does all the work, so you get that nice fried texture without the mess of actual frying. Drizzling the chili honey on top just takes things up a notch, and I always find myself adding a little extra because, why not? This combo of salty feta and spicy sweet honey is oddly addictive.
These rolls are great as an appetizer for a casual get-together or as a fun snack while watching a movie. I like to serve them with a simple green salad or some fresh veggies on the side to balance out the richness. Whenever I bring these to a party, they disappear fast—everyone can’t seem to get enough.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Feta Cheese: The salty and crumbly feta is the star filling here. If you prefer a milder flavor, try goat cheese or ricotta mixed with a bit of lemon zest for brightness.
Spring Roll Wrappers or Phyllo Sheets: These create the crispy, flaky outside. I like spring roll wrappers for extra crunch, but phyllo works well too—just be gentle when handling it to prevent tearing.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They add a crunchy coating that’s light and crispy. If unavailable, plain breadcrumbs can work, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
Chili Honey Sauce: Honey and chili balance sweet heat perfectly. Adjust the chili to your taste. If you want to skip soy sauce, try a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon juice instead for tang and umami.
How Do You Keep Feta Rolls Crispy and Prevent Leakage?
The key is rolling and sealing the wrapper tightly to hold the feta in during baking. Here’s how:
- Place the filling near one edge, fold in the sides, and roll firmly but gently.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg to help seal the roll securely—this acts like glue.
- Coat the rolls evenly with panko so the outside crisps without obvious soggy spots.
- Brush olive oil on top before baking to promote even golden color and crispness.
- Finally, bake on a parchment-lined tray without overcrowding so air circulates well.
Following these steps helps keep the rolls crispy and the cheese neatly inside, making every bite delightful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – provides a flat, even surface for crisping the rolls in the oven.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick and easy.
- Small mixing bowls – for beating the egg and making the chili honey sauce separately.
- Pastry brush – great for evenly coating the rolls with egg and olive oil for a golden finish.
- Sharp knife – helps chop the chili finely and cut the wrappers if needed.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap feta for halloumi for a firmer, saltier cheese that crisps well in baking.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like mint or dill to the cheese mix for fresh, bright flavors.
- Mix in finely diced sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy pop inside the rolls.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds before baking for extra crunch and a nutty note.
How to Make Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Feta Rolls:
- 200 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 6 to 8 spring roll wrappers or phyllo sheets (cut to appropriate size)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Extra crumbled feta (for garnish)
For the Chili Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp water (optional, for thinning sauce)
Time You’ll Need:
Prepare and assemble the rolls in about 15 minutes. Baking takes another 12–15 minutes. Mixing the chili honey sauce is quick, just a few minutes. In total, expect around 30 minutes from start to serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Chili Honey Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, chopped chili, and rice vinegar. Stir well and set aside so the flavors meld. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a teaspoon of water to thin it out slightly.
2. Prepare the Feta Rolls
Place a spoonful of crumbled feta near the edge of one spring roll wrapper or phyllo sheet. Carefully roll it up tightly into a small log, folding the ends in to seal the cheese inside. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and feta.
3. Coat the Rolls
Brush each roll lightly with beaten egg to help the coating stick. Roll each one in the panko breadcrumbs, making sure all sides are well coated for a nice crispy finish.
4. Bake the Rolls
Place the coated rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil to help them turn golden and crispy. Bake in your preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crunchy.
5. Serve and Garnish
Remove the rolls from the oven and arrange them on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the chili honey sauce and sprinkle with extra crumbled feta and some chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious mix of crispy, salty, and sweet-spicy flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Feta for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This helps keep the rolls from becoming soggy and ensures a crispy coating.
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the rolls and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Bake right before serving for best crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) to restore their crispiness, avoiding the microwave if possible.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level in the Chili Honey?
Absolutely! Use less chili for a milder sauce or swap the fresh chili for chili flakes or powder if preferred. You can also omit the chili entirely for a sweet honey drizzle.
