Crispy Feta Rolls

This hearty appetizer combines the tanginess of feta with a sweet-spicy honey drizzle, creating an irresistible flavor combination that will have your guests reaching for seconds. I discovered these crispy cheese rolls at a Mediterranean restaurant and have been perfecting my homemade version ever since.

I first made these for a dinner party where I needed something impressive but not complicated. The combination of the crispy phyllo with the creamy cheese filling and that sweet heat from the chili honey had everyone asking for the recipe before they even finished their first roll.

Ingredients

• Feta cheese: adds the signature tangy flavor and crumbly texture that makes these rolls special. Look for blocks packed in brine rather than pre crumbled for best flavor
• Ricotta cheese: provides creaminess and balances the saltiness of the feta. Choose whole milk ricotta for richness
• Fresh thyme leaves: bring a subtle earthiness that elevates the cheese filling. Strip leaves from stems just before using
• Phyllo pastry: creates that incredibly light crispy shell. Find it in the freezer section near pie crusts
• Melted butter: brushed between layers creates that golden flaky exterior. Use unsalted since feta provides plenty of saltiness
• Honey: forms the base of our sweet drizzle. Choose a lighter variety like clover for clean flavor
• Red chili flakes: provide the perfect amount of heat to balance the sweet honey. Adjust to your spice preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Combine crumbled feta and ricotta cheese in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. The texture should be somewhat smooth but with small bits of feta still visible for texture contrast. If using thyme leaves fold them in last. This mixture can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

Create Your Workspace:

Set up everything before touching the phyllo. Have your baking sheet lined with parchment paper your cheese mixture in a bowl with a spoon ready your melted butter with a pastry brush and a clean dry surface for assembly. Keep the phyllo covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel while working to prevent drying.

Master the Rolling Technique:

Work with one sheet at a time keeping others covered. Lay a strip of phyllo on your work surface and brush lightly with butter. Place about a tablespoon of filling at one end leaving a small border. Fold the sides inward first then roll up from the filled end. Ensure the seam is on the bottom when placing on the baking sheet. The roll should feel snug but not so tight that it tears the phyllo.

Achieve Golden Perfection:

Arrange rolls on baking sheet with a bit of space between each one. Brush tops generously with butter for that beautiful golden color. Bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes watching closely during the final minutes as they can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly. The ideal roll has a crisp exterior with audible crunch when bitten.

Create the Flavor Finish:

While rolls bake warm honey gently in a small saucepan. Add chili flakes and let them infuse for 1 to 2 minutes without boiling the honey. The heat helps release the oils from the chili flakes creating a more complex flavor. Remove from heat and let steep until ready to serve.

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The chili honey is truly what makes these rolls special. I discovered this combination when traveling through Greece where a small taverna served something similar with a drizzle of spiced honey. The way the sweetness cuts through the salty cheese while the heat lingers on your palate creates a surprisingly complex experience from such simple ingredients.

Make-Ahead Options

These cheese rolls can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply prepare the rolls as directed place them on a baking sheet cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats then bake as directed adding an extra 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time. The chili honey can also be made in advance and stored at room temperature for up to two weeks. Warm slightly before serving if it crystallizes.

Variations to Try

While the classic feta and ricotta combination is divine there are several delicious variations worth exploring. Try substituting goat cheese for the ricotta for a tangier filling or add finely chopped spinach that has been thoroughly drained for a spanakopita inspired twist. You can also experiment with the herbs adding fresh mint dill or oregano depending on your preference. For the honey drizzle try infusing with orange zest or a cinnamon stick instead of chili flakes for a different aromatic profile.

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Serving Suggestions

These crispy feta rolls make an elegant appetizer for dinner parties but can also star in other settings. Serve alongside a Greek salad for a light lunch or pair with grilled vegetables for a more substantial meal. For entertaining arrange the rolls on a wooden board with olives fresh figs and a small bowl of additional chili honey for dipping. They also pair beautifully with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light rosé which cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these feta rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Brush with butter or oil just before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled unbaked rolls for up to a month - just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

→ What can I substitute for phyllo pastry?

While phyllo creates the signature crispy texture, you could use puff pastry as an alternative. The result will be richer and less crispy, but still delicious. Cut the puff pastry into rectangles instead of strips and adjust baking time according to package instructions.

→ How spicy is the chili honey?

With ½ teaspoon of chili flakes, the honey provides a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily adjust this to your preference - use ¼ teaspoon for very mild heat or up to 1 teaspoon for a more pronounced spicy kick. Remember that the sweetness of the honey helps balance the heat.

→ What can I serve with these feta rolls?

These versatile appetizers pair beautifully with a Mediterranean spread including olives, hummus, and fresh vegetables. For a more substantial offering, serve alongside a Greek salad or as part of a mezze platter. They also complement grilled meats or can be served with soup for a light meal.

→ Why did my phyllo pastry dry out and crack?

Phyllo dries out very quickly when exposed to air. Always keep unused sheets covered with a damp (not wet) kitchen towel while working. Work quickly when assembling, and make sure to brush each sheet generously with butter or oil, which helps prevent cracking and adds flavor.

→ Can I use different cheeses in the filling?

Absolutely! While feta provides the signature tangy flavor, you can experiment with different cheese combinations. Try goat cheese for more tanginess, cream cheese for extra richness, or add a bit of parmesan for a nutty flavor. Just maintain a similar texture in your filling for the best results.