These crispy oven-fried feta rolls are a fun appetizer! Imagine creamy feta cheese wrapped in crunchy pastry and baked to golden perfection, then drizzled with sweet chili honey.
I love serving these at parties because they’re always a hit! Plus, the combination of cheesy goodness and sweet heat makes my taste buds dance. Who can resist that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Feta Cheese: Feta provides a rich, creamy texture and salty flavor. If you can’t find feta, try goat cheese or ricotta for a different spin. Just keep in mind that the taste will change slightly!
Spring Roll Wrappers: These are perfect for wrapping the filling. If unavailable, use phyllo pastry for that crispy crunch or even tortillas if you’re in a pinch. Just adjust your baking time as necessary!
Chili Honey Sauce: The mix of honey and chili creates a lovely sweet heat. You can swap honey for maple syrup if you’re vegan, and adjust the chili for preferred spice levels. A touch of Sriracha works well too!
Sesame Seeds: They add an extra crunch and flavor. If you don’t have them, you can omit or use breadcrumbs for a different texture. Or consider mixing in some poppy seeds for a twist!
How Do I Ensure My Feta Rolls Are Crispy?
Getting that golden, crispy texture is key one here! Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Preheat Your Oven: Always have your oven hot before baking. This helps the pastry crisp up right from the start!
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush or spray oil on each roll. This helps achieve a beautiful golden color.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give each roll space when placing them on the baking sheet. Air needs to circulate for even cooking.
- Flip Halfway: If you want extra crispiness, turn the rolls halfway through baking for even browning.
Follow these tips, and your feta rolls will come out crispy and delicious every time! Enjoy the crispy bites paired with that spicy-sweet dipping sauce!
Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Feta Rolls:
- 200 grams (7 oz) feta cheese, cut into thick rectangular sticks or blocks
- 8 sheets of spring roll wrappers or phyllo pastry sheets
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing wrappers)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for brushing)
For the Chili Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped or 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped herbs (such as parsley or mint), optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, totaling around 35-40 minutes. You’ll spend just a few moments mixing the chili honey sauce and assembling the rolls, making it a quick and delicious appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chili Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), chopped chili (or chili flakes), and toasted sesame seeds. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended. Set this aside to allow the flavors to develop.
2. Preheat the Oven:
While making the sauce, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the Feta Rolls:
Lay out one sheet of spring roll wrapper or phyllo pastry on a clean surface. If you’re using phyllo, keep the other sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Place one piece of feta at one corner of the wrapper. For extra crunchiness, you may sprinkle a little flour on the feta. Fold in the sides over the cheese and roll tightly to create a cigar shape. Seal the edge with a dab of beaten egg. Repeat this process with the remaining feta and wrappers.
4. Add Sesame Seed Coating:
Lightly brush each rolled feta with either the beaten egg or oil. Then roll or sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over all sides of each roll to give them a lovely toasted crust.
5. Bake the Rolls:
Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space around them. Give the tops a light spray or brush with oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For even crispness, you can flip them halfway through baking.
6. Serve:
Once baked, transfer the crispy feta rolls to a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the chili honey sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. If desired, garnish with extra sesame seeds and fresh chopped herbs!
Enjoy the delightful crunch of the crispy rolls paired with the creamy feta and the sweet-spicy kick from the chili honey. Perfect for sharing (or not!)
Can I Use Low-Fat Feta Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat feta cheese, but keep in mind that it may have a slightly different taste and texture. The rolls will still turn out delicious, just a little less creamy!
Can I Make These Rolls in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to keep them from drying out.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover feta rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through for that crispy texture!
Can I Add Other Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding herbs, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes along with the feta. Just be sure not to overfill the rolls, as they may burst while baking.
