These crispy oven fried feta rolls are a delightful treat! Wrapped in golden pastry and drizzled with spicy honey, they are both crunchy and creamy.
Trust me, the sweet and spicy combo is a game changer! I love serving these with a zesty side salad for a fun meal that feels fancy without the fuss. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Feta Cheese: Feta is the star here! I recommend using block feta for the best texture. If you’re looking for a milder taste, try goat cheese or even ricotta for a creamier fill.
Spring Roll Wrappers: While spring roll wrappers provide a nice crunch, filo pastry is a great alternative. Make sure to handle filo carefully as it can dry out. You can also use puff pastry if you prefer an even flakier texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light and crispy coating. If you’re out of panko, regular breadcrumbs work as well, but be prepared for a slightly different crunch. You could even use crushed cornflakes for an extra crunch!
Chili Peppers: For heat, fresh red chili peppers are perfect! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use sweet bell peppers or even omit them entirely for a plain honey drizzle.
How Do I Make Sure My Feta Rolls Are Crispy?
Achieving that perfect crispy texture starts with the coating. Using panko breadcrumbs is key, but there are important steps to follow:
- Brush or spray the assembled rolls lightly with oil before baking. This helps them crisp up nicely.
- Make sure to preheat your oven properly. A hot oven ensures they get crispy all around.
- Arrange the rolls with some space in between on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate.
- Turn the rolls halfway through baking for even browning.
With these tips, you’ll be serving up golden, crunchy feta rolls in no time!
Crispy Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Feta Rolls:
- 8 oz block of feta cheese
- 8 sheets of spring roll wrappers or filo pastry
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing
For the Chili Honey:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1-2 red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp lemon juice or rice vinegar
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, totaling around 50-55 minutes from start to finish. In just under an hour, you’ll have crispy, flavorful feta rolls ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chili Honey:
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, chopped red chili peppers, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and lemon juice or vinegar. Warm the mixture on low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to let all the flavors meld. Once it smells amazing, remove it from heat and let it cool while you get the rest ready.
2. Prepare the Feta Rolls:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, slice your block of feta into 8 equal rectangular pieces. In a mixing bowl, whisk the flour and cold water together until you have a smooth paste. This will act like glue! On a plate, mix the panko breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, black pepper, and optional herbs together.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Take one spring roll wrapper or sheet of filo pastry and lay it flat on a clean surface. Place a piece of feta at one corner, then brush the edges with the flour paste. Fold the corner over the feta, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly into a cigar shape, sealing the end with more of the paste. Keep going until all your feta is wrapped up!
4. Coat and Bake:
Lightly brush or spray each roll with olive oil or cooking spray for that perfect crispy finish. Roll them in the breadcrumb mixture to coat. Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking sheet with a little space in between each. Bake them for about 18-22 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, arrange your crispy feta rolls on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the chili honey sauce you made earlier and sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro or parsley on top. Serve them warm and watch everyone enjoy these deliciously crispy, spicy, and sweet feta rolls!
Can I Use Different Cheeses Instead of Feta?
Absolutely! While feta provides a wonderful tang and creaminess, you can substitute it with goat cheese or even ricotta for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Feta Rolls?
Store any unbaked rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can freeze baked rolls in a single layer, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to a month. Reheat in the oven to regain their crispiness!
What if I Don’t Have Spring Roll Wrappers?
No worries! Filo pastry works wonderfully and provides an extra flaky texture. Just be sure to cover it with a damp cloth while you work to prevent it from drying out. You can also use puff pastry if you prefer!
Adjusting the Spice Level in Chili Honey?
If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of chili peppers or use a milder variety, like sweet bell peppers. Alternatively, you can add more honey to balance out the heat if you like a sweet yet spicy kick!
