Oven Baked Feta Rolls with Chili Honey

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Fusion: The tangy feta cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet heat of chili honey.
• Texture Delight: Experience a satisfying crunch from the phyllo pastry enveloping a creamy center.
• Versatile Appetizer: Ideal for gatherings, parties, or a delightful snack.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pastry Brush: For applying melted butter or olive oil to the phyllo sheets.
• Baking Sheet: To bake the rolls evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Small Saucepan: For preparing the chili honey.

Preparation Tips

• Handle Phyllo with Care: Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
• Avoid Overfilling: Use about a tablespoon of filling per roll to prevent leaks.
• Seal Edges Well: Brush edges with butter or oil to secure and achieve a golden finish.

Ingredients

For the Feta Rolls:

• 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• 6 sheets phyllo pastry, halved
• ¼ cup melted butter or olive oil, for brushing

For the Chili Honey:

• ¼ cup honey
• ½ tsp red chili flakes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, and thyme leaves (if using). Mix until smooth.
2. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Place a phyllo sheet on a clean surface; keep others covered to prevent drying.
   • Lightly brush the sheet with melted butter or olive oil.
   • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture near one end of the sheet.
   • Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to form a neat roll.
   • Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Repeat with remaining sheets and filling.
3. Bake the Rolls:
   • Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter or olive oil.
   • Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Prepare the Chili Honey:
   • While the rolls are baking, warm ¼ cup of honey in a small saucepan over low heat.
   • Stir in ½ tsp of red chili flakes and let the mixture warm for 1–2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
   • Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Serve:
   • Drizzle the warm chili honey over the baked rolls or serve it on the side for dipping.
   • Enjoy the rolls warm for the best flavor and texture.

Part 2: Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Serving Suggestions

• Presentation: Arrange the rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an elegant touch.
• Accompaniments: Serve with additional chili honey on the side for those who prefer extra sweetness and heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing: Too much filling can cause the rolls to burst; stick to about 1 tablespoon per roll.
• Dry Phyllo: Prevent phyllo from drying out by keeping unused sheets covered with a damp cloth.
• Insufficient Brushing: Ensure all phyllo layers are adequately brushed with butter or oil for optimal crispiness.

Side Dish Recommendations

Enhance your meal with these complementary sides:

1. Greek Salad:
   • A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
2. Tzatziki Sauce:
   • A cool yogurt-based dip with cucumber and garlic, perfect for balancing the spice of the chili honey.
3. Roasted Vegetables:
   • Seasonal veggies roasted with herbs and olive oil add a hearty component to the meal.
4. Pita Bread:
   • Warm, soft pita slices are great for scooping up any extra cheese filling or honey.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas):
   • Grape leaves filled with rice and herbs offer a traditional Mediterranean flavor.
6. Marinated Olives:
   • A selection of olives marinated in herbs and citrus provides a briny contrast to the sweet and spicy rolls.
7. Tabbouleh Salad:
   • A light, bulgur-based salad with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice for a zesty side.
8. Serving Suggestions
   Presentation: Arrange the rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an elegant touch.
   Accompaniments: Serve with additional chili honey on the side for those who prefer extra sweetness and heat.
   Common Mistakes to Avoid
   Overstuffing: Too much filling can cause the rolls to burst; stick to about 1 tablespoon per roll.
   Dry Phyllo: Prevent phyllo from drying out by keeping unused sheets covered with a damp cloth.
   Insufficient Brushing: Ensure all phyllo layers are adequately brushed with butter or oil for optimal crispiness.
   Side Dish Recommendations
   Enhance your meal with these complementary sides:
   Greek Salad:
   A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
   Tzatziki Sauce:
   A cool yogurt-based dip with cucumber and garlic, perfect for balancing the spice of the chili honey.
   Roasted Vegetables:
   Seasonal veggies roasted with herbs and olive oil add a hearty component to the meal.
   Pita Bread:
   Warm, soft pita slices are great for scooping up any extra cheese filling or honey.
   Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas):
   Grape leaves filled with rice and herbs offer a traditional Mediterranean flavor.
   Marinated Olives:
   A selection of olives marinated in herbs and citrus provides a briny contrast to the sweet and spicy rolls.
   Tabbouleh Salad:
   A light, bulgur-based salad with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice for a zesty side.
   Sources
   
   Prepare the Phyllo Pastry:
   Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface.
   Lightly brush with melted butter or olive oil.
   Place another sheet on top and brush again.
   Assemble the Rolls:
   Spoon about a tablespoon of the feta mixture onto the lower end of the pastry.
   Fold the sides inward and roll tightly to form a log.
   Repeat with the remaining sheets and filling.
   Bake the Rolls:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam-side down.
   Brush the tops with more butter or oil for a golden finish.
   Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown.
   Prepare the Chili Honey:
   While the rolls bake, heat the honey in a small saucepan over low heat.
   Stir in the red chili flakes and let it infuse for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
   Drizzle and Serve:
   Drizzle the warm chili honey over the freshly baked rolls.
   Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped dill

• 1 clove garlic, grated

• 18 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix the crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and grated garlic in a bowl.

3. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a flat surface and brush it with olive oil.

4. Layer another sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush with olive oil again.

5. Cut the phyllo stack into strips, making about 6 strips from each two-sheet stack.

6. Spoon some of the feta mixture at the end of each strip.

7. Roll the phyllo dough around the filling, folding in the edges to seal as you roll.

8. Put the rolled feta on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with more olive oil.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

10. While the rolls bake, mix honey with a pinch of chili flakes to make chili honey.

11. Once baked, let them cool for a bit, then drizzle with chili honey before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Ideal Pairings: Serve with a fresh green salad or alongside dips like tzatziki or hummus.
• Presentation Tips: Arrange rolls on a platter with a small bowl of extra chili honey for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Watch closely after 15 minutes to avoid burning the delicate pastry.
• Soggy Rolls: Use a light hand when brushing oil or butter to prevent oversaturation.

Side Dish Recommendations

1. Fresh Greek Salad

A mix of cucumber, tomato, olives, and red onion, dressed with olive oil and lemon.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers seasoned with herbs.

3. Lemon Orzo Salad

A zesty pasta salad with lemon, parsley, and olive oil.

4. Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Crispy potatoes with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil.

5. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Crunchy, seasoned chickpeas for a healthy accompaniment.

6. Warm Pita Bread

Perfect for scooping up extra chili honey.

7. Tomato and Basil Bruschetta

Toasted baguette slices topped with fresh tomato and basil.

8. Yogurt Dip with Dill

A cooling contrast to the chili honey’s heat.

Part 3: Tips, Storage, and FAQs

Recipe Tips

• Adjusting Spice: Modify the amount of chili flakes in the honey to suit your heat preference.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls ahead of time and bake them fresh before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other cheeses?

A: Yes, goat cheese or cream cheese can be used as substitutes.

Q: How do I prevent the phyllo from drying out?

A: Cover unused sheets with a damp kitchen towel while assembling the rolls.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option?

A: Use gluten-free phyllo pastry if available.

Q: Can I make this vegan?

A: Substitute feta and ricotta with vegan cheese alternatives and use plant-based butter.

Conclusion

Oven Baked Feta Rolls with Chili Honey are an indulgent treat that brings together creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors in one bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the ultimate experience.