Oven Fried Feta Chili Honey (Print Version)

Crispy feta and ricotta rolls in phyllo, drizzled with chili honey for a perfect salty-sweet bite.

# Components:

→ Filling

01 - 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
02 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
03 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, optional

→ Pastry

04 - 6 sheets phyllo pastry, each sliced in half lengthwise (12 strips total), thawed if frozen
05 - 1/4 cup melted butter or olive oil

→ Chili Honey

06 - 1/4 cup honey
07 - 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, blend the crumbled feta, ricotta cheese, and thyme leaves until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Set aside.
02 - Unroll the phyllo pastry sheets and cover them with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying. Slice each sheet in half lengthwise to yield 12 strips.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place one strip of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and brush lightly with melted butter or olive oil. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling near one end, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly to enclose the filling. Place seam side down on the prepared tray. Repeat until all phyllo and filling are used.
04 - Arrange filled rolls evenly on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Brush tops with additional melted butter or oil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
05 - During baking, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in chili flakes and infuse for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
06 - Allow the rolls to cool slightly. Drizzle with the warm chili honey or serve the honey on the side. Garnish with additional thyme leaves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crispy without deep frying for lighter but still satisfying crunch
  • Rich feta and creamy ricotta create the perfect cheese balance
  • Sweet and spicy chili honey adds zing and makes these extra special
  • Can be prepped ahead for party ease and baked straight from the fridge
02 -
  • Vegetarian friendly with ingredients you can easily find
  • Freezes beautifully before baking or after for quick appetizers
03 -
  • Try stacking two strips of phyllo for an even crispier shell and brush each layer with a bit of butter or oil
  • Do not skip the resting step after baking or the filling may ooze out when picking up the rolls If you love crunch serve with extra chili flakes sprinkled over the honey These are best enjoyed with friends and a cold drink