If you love a perfect blend of savory and sweet with a touch of spice, you are going to be head over heels for this Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey Recipe. Imagine flaky, buttery phyllo dough enveloping tangy feta cheese, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with luscious hot honey that delivers just the right amount of kick. It’s a dish that’s as stunning as it is simple, making it an irresistible treat anytime you want to impress guests or indulge in a delicious snack at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each adding its own unique magic to make your Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey Recipe truly shine. From the flaky texture of the phyllo to the creamy saltiness of feta and the sweet heat of the honey, every element counts.
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed: Provides the signature crisp and flaky crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- 8 oz block feta cheese, cut into 8 sticks: Delivers a tangy, creamy center that’s packed with flavor and perfect for baking.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the phyllo dough crisp up to golden perfection.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Combines with butter to create a luscious coating that enhances texture and flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle kick to balance the feta’s saltiness.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who like a bit more spice.
- ¼ cup hot honey: The star drizzle that ties everything together with its sweet-spicy contrast.
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the rolls bake evenly and come off cleanly without sticking or burning underneath.
Step 2: Layer the Phyllo Sheets
On a clean surface, carefully lay down one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it lightly with melted butter. Then place another sheet on top and brush it with butter again. If you like your rolls extra crispy and sturdy, feel free to add a third layer and brush it as well. This layering is key to getting that delicate, flaky texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Add the Feta and Season
Take one stick of feta and place it near the bottom edge of your stacked phyllo sheets. Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper and if you’re feeling adventurous, add some red pepper flakes for a little heat. This seasoning elevates the flavors and ensures each bite has a balanced zing.
Step 4: Roll Up the Feta
Fold the sides of the dough inward to encase the cheese, then roll it up tightly like a spring roll. Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep them securely closed while baking. Repeat until all your feta sticks are wrapped and arranged.
Step 5: Brush and Bake
Brush the tops of the rolls with a mixture of melted butter and olive oil. This creates a gorgeous golden crust once baked. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rolls are beautifully crisp and golden brown.
Step 6: Drizzle with Hot Honey and Garnish
As soon as they come out of the oven and are still warm, drizzle your hot honey generously over the rolls. If you like, sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley for a lovely, fresh aroma and visual appeal. This final step is what makes the Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey Recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley not only add a splash of vibrant green but also brighten the rich flavors of the feta and honey. A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes can boost the heat if you crave more spice. A small handful of toasted sesame seeds or crushed pistachios can also add a pleasing crunch and nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to lighten the plate, or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. A simple bowl of olives and some fresh sliced tomatoes would also complement the salty, spicy, and sweet elements very well.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, arrange your Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra hot honey, olives, and fresh herbs. You can also serve them stacked in a shallow basket lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe. If it’s for a fancy gathering, plate them individually with a drizzle of hot honey artfully swirled on each dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain that crisp texture, store the whole rolls separately from any sauces or drizzles and add the hot honey fresh when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls before baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time until golden and crisp.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crispiness, reheat your rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the phyllo soggy. Once warm, drizzle with hot honey again to refresh the flavors fully.
FAQs
Can I make these rolls without phyllo dough?
Phyllo dough is what gives these rolls their signature crunch and delicate layers, so it’s highly recommended. However, if needed, you could experiment with puff pastry, though it will create a different texture.
How spicy is the hot honey in this recipe?
The hot honey can be adjusted to your heat preference. The recipe uses a subtle amount of chili flakes for warmth that complements but does not overpower the sweet honey and salty feta. You can increase or decrease the chili flakes to suit your taste.
Is feta cheese the only cheese option for these rolls?
Feta’s tangy, crumbly texture works perfectly here, but you could try halloumi for a firmer bite or goat cheese for a creamier, mild flavor. Just keep in mind that the saltiness and melting properties will vary.
Can I make the hot honey from scratch?
Absolutely! Making homemade hot honey is super simple and rewarding. Just gently heat honey with chili flakes for a few minutes and strain if you prefer a smooth finish. It gives you full control over the spice level and freshness.
Are these rolls suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey Recipe is perfect for vegetarians since it contains no meat or animal-based rennet in the cheese. It’s a great appetizer or snack option when catering to vegetarian guests.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of crunchy phyllo, salty feta, and sweet-spicy honey in the Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey Recipe. It’s a simple dish that feels special and will become an instant favorite whether you serve it at a party or enjoy it as a cozy treat at home. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll be requested over and over again!
Print
Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these Crispy Feta Rolls with Hot Honey, a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring flaky phyllo dough wrapped around creamy feta cheese, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with spicy-sweet hot honey for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Phyllo Rolls
- 8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
- 8 oz block feta cheese, cut into 8 sticks
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Hot Honey
- ¼ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Layer Phyllo Sheets: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface and brush lightly with melted butter. Place a second sheet on top and brush again with butter. For thicker rolls, add a third sheet and butter it as well.
- Add Feta and Season: Place one feta cheese stick near the bottom edge of the layered phyllo, then sprinkle a pinch of black pepper and optional red pepper flakes over the cheese for a gentle spicy kick.
- Roll the Phyllo: Fold the sides of the dough in over the cheese stick and roll up tightly like a spring roll, ensuring the seam is sealed to keep the filling inside. Place the rolled phyllo seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining feta sticks and phyllo sheets.
- Brush Rolls: Mix the melted butter and olive oil together, then brush the tops of each roll generously with this mixture to help them crisp and brown beautifully during baking.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the phyllo layers are golden brown and crisp.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Remove the rolls from the oven and while still warm, drizzle them with hot honey for a sweet and spicy finish. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- To make your own hot honey, gently heat ¼ cup honey with ½ teaspoon chili flakes over low heat for 5 minutes, then strain out the flakes if you prefer a smoother syrup.
- These rolls are best served fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness, but leftover rolls can be reheated in the oven to restore their crisp texture.
