
These oven fried feta rolls are my absolute favorite when I want something savory with a little kick. The creamy mix of feta and ricotta bundled in crispy phyllo and finished with sweet chili honey makes for a showstopping party snack or an indulgent treat whenever you need a little comfort.
After serving these at my last family gathering everyone kept asking for the recipe. Now they request these rolls for every holiday—they disappear fast every time I put them out.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese crumbled: High quality feta gives you that bold tang and holds up to baking
- Ricotta cheese: Adds smoothness and balances the salty feta Choosing full fat ricotta brings the richest texture
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional): Offers an herby lift Try to use fresh for best flavor but dried will do in a pinch
- Phyllo pastry: This creates the shatteringly crispy exterior Always thaw phyllo in the fridge if frozen and keep it covered so it does not dry out
- Melted butter or olive oil: For brushing phyllo and achieving a golden finish Butter gives extra richness while olive oil brings a subtle fruity note
- Honey: A light variety gives the perfect drizzle consistency Acacia or clover honey works well
- Red chili flakes: The signature heat in your chili honey Use more or less to fine tune the spice to your liking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl combine the crumbled feta ricotta and optional thyme Use a fork or spatula to mash and thoroughly blend the cheeses until mostly smooth and evenly speckled with herbs
- Prep the Phyllo Pastry:
- Lay the phyllo sheets flat and immediately cover them with a barely damp towel to prevent drying out Slice each sheet in half lengthwise so you have enough strips for twelve rolls
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Take a phyllo strip and lay it on your work surface Give it a gentle brush of the melted butter or oil so the sheet stays supple and bakes up crisp Spoon about a tablespoon of filling near one short edge Fold both sides inward over the filling and roll up tightly so nothing can spill out Place seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet Continue with all the strips
- Bake the Rolls:
- Brush the tops with a little more butter or oil for beautiful color Bake at four hundred degrees until golden and very crisp usually about fifteen to twenty minutes
- Make the Chili Honey:
- Pour honey into a small pan and add chili flakes Warm over low heat just until it thins out and the flakes infuse their flavor into the honey Do not let it bubble Turn off the heat and let sit for a minute
- Finish and Serve:
- Let the hot rolls cool slightly Drizzle chili honey over the top or serve it on the side for dipping Sprinkle with extra thyme if you like for a pop of green

Feta is truly the star here I like to buy a sheep’s milk block and crumble it myself The flavor is unbeatable and it melts perfectly When my cousins visited last summer we made a double batch and there was not a single roll left by the end of the night
Storage Tips
Place any leftover rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate They keep well for up to three days To reheat pop them in a hot oven for seven minutes to refresh the crispness The chili honey can be held at room temperature but keep it covered
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want more tang try swapping ricotta with goat cheese Cream cheese is a good choice for a milder bite For a vegan version use a plant based feta and nondairy cream cheese and brush the phyllo with olive oil
Serving Suggestions
These rolls are at their best fresh out of the oven I like to serve them with extra chili honey and maybe a dollop of Greek yogurt They pair beautifully with a crunchy salad or as an addition to a mezze platter
Cultural Note
Phyllo pastry is a longtime staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern kitchens The way this dish combines feta and honey echoes classic Greek flavor pairings like in the famous saganaki fried cheese with honey
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare these feta rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Bake just before serving for best crispness.
- → What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You may substitute ricotta with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor and creamier texture.
- → How do I prevent phyllo pastry from drying out?
Keep unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel during assembly to maintain their flexibility.
- → Is the spice level adjustable?
Absolutely! Increase or decrease the chili flakes in the honey to suit your preferred heat level.
- → What is the best way to serve these rolls?
Serve warm, drizzled with chili honey or with the honey on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh thyme for extra flavor.
- → Can I freeze extra rolls?
Assembled, unbaked rolls can be frozen. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.