Name: Flaky Chili Honey Feta Rolls Appetizer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 14-16 Frozen Sheet Phyllo Dough (Thawed); 8 oz Feta Cheese, crumbled; 2 Garlic Cloves, minced; 2 tbsp Honey; 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme Leaves; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Black Pepper; 1/4 cup Batistini Farms Aromatic Herb Olive Oil; 5 tbsp Honey; 1 tbsp Batistini Farms Aromatic Herb Olive Oil; 1 tsp Chili Pepper Flakes; 1 sprig Thyme Leaves

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 49 reviews

If you love appetizers that combine crispy textures with bold, sweet, and spicy flavors, you’re going to adore this Flaky Chili Honey Feta Rolls Appetizer Recipe. Bursting with creamy feta wrapped in delicate, buttery phyllo dough, then drizzled with a honey-chili sauce that perfectly balances heat and sweetness, these rolls bring a dreamy sophisticated touch to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a snack that feels special, these rolls offer an irresistible combo of flaky layers and vibrant flavor that’s absolutely unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding a mix that forms two main layers: the bottom layer is white, crumbly cheese with a slightly grainy texture, and the top layer includes scattered fresh green herb sprigs, small crushed light yellow pieces, and specks of black pepper and coarse salt. Around the bowl, fresh green herbs and a few green seeds are casually spread, adding a natural touch to the scene. There are also blurred kitchen items in the background, contributing to a cozy kitchen vibe. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect harmony of texture and taste. Each one is simple but essential, contributing to the rolls’ flaky crust, savory-sweet filling, or that smoky heat in the sauce.

Frozen Sheet Phyllo Dough (14-16 sheets): The hero of the flaky layers, it crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Feta Cheese (8 oz, crumbled): Creamy and tangy, it adds richness and a beautiful flavor contrast.
Garlic Cloves (2, minced): Gives an aromatic punch that elevates the savory notes.
Honey (2 tbsp for rolls + 5 tbsp for sauce): Adds natural sweetness that balances the salty feta and chili spice.
Fresh Thyme Leaves (3 sprigs total): Provides a subtle earthy fragrance that brightens the dish.
Salt & Black Pepper (¼ tsp each): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Batistini Farms Aromatic Herb Olive Oil (¼ cup for rolls + 1 tbsp for sauce): Infused olive oil adds depth and keeps the phyllo perfectly crispy and golden.
Chili Pepper Flakes (1 tsp): Introduces the perfect amount of spice to the honey sauce.

How to Make Flaky Chili Honey Feta Rolls Appetizer Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by mixing the crumbled feta cheese with honey, fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This filling is delectably creamy with a gentle touch of sweetness and herbaceous aroma that will shine through once baked inside the flaky phyllo.

Step 2: Ready the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to keep the bottoms of your rolls perfectly crisp as they bake.

Step 3: Prepare the Phyllo Dough

Lay out one sheet of the thawed phyllo dough and gently brush half of it with the aromatic herb olive oil. Then fold over the unbrushed side to create a long rectangle. Use scissors or a knife to cut this folded dough in half lengthwise, getting two thinner strips to work with.

Step 4: Assemble the Feta Rolls

Place about one tablespoon of the feta mixture on the short end of a phyllo strip. Fold the sides inward and brush those folds with olive oil to help seal. Then tightly roll it up like a burrito, brushing the outside with more oil to ensure a golden crust. Repeat the process until all filling and dough is used.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the rolls on your parchment-lined baking sheet, optionally sprinkle with flaky salt for that irresistible crunch, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the rolls are perfectly golden and flaky. The aroma while baking is pure anticipation!

Step 6: Make the Chili Honey Sauce

While the rolls bake, combine honey, aromatic herb olive oil, chili pepper flakes, and thyme leaves in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. This sauce is your spicy-sweet dipping magic.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the sauce cool to room temperature. Serve it alongside the baked feta rolls for dipping. The combo of the crispy, flaky rolls with that luscious, chili-kissed honey sauce is simply divine.

How to Serve Flaky Chili Honey Feta Rolls Appetizer Recipe

The image shows several rectangular rolls placed on a flat baking sheet. Each roll is light beige with a smooth, slightly shiny surface that looks like thin dough wrapped tightly around a filling. The rolls are arranged in loose rows with small spaces between them. Some drops of oil and coarse white salt flakes are scattered on and around the rolls, enhancing their glossy look. The baking sheet underneath is dark brown and textured, providing contrast to the pale rolls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the rolls right before serving. A light dusting of flaky sea salt adds a subtle crunch, and if you like extra heat, a pinch more chili flakes on top never hurts. These small touches add visual appeal and flavorful bursts.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Light pickled vegetables or a Mediterranean-style tomato and cucumber salad also complement the flavors beautifully, offering freshness alongside the baked rolls’ savory goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the rolls on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of the chili honey sauce and extra olive oil for dipping. For a crowd, arrange them in neat rows or stacked layers with sprigs of fresh thyme for a stunning appetizer platter that invites guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the rolled, baked feta bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them crisp is key, so don’t cover them until fully cooled.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked rolls for up to one month. Assemble them as directed, then flash freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rolls in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore their flaky texture. Avoid microwaving as it softens the delicate crust. Serve with fresh sauce for best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh phyllo dough instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh phyllo works beautifully but is more delicate and dries out quickly. Handle with care and keep it covered as you work to maintain its moisture.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If feta isn’t your favorite, try goat cheese for a similarly tangy and creamy texture. Just note the flavor will be a bit milder and less salty.

Is the chili honey sauce very spicy?

The chili flakes add a gentle heat that’s balanced by the honey’s sweetness. If you prefer less spice, reduce the chili flakes or serve the sauce on the side for dipping control.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

You can make a vegan version by swapping the feta with a firm tofu mixed with nutritional yeast and herbs. Also, choose a honey substitute like maple syrup for the sauce.

What is the best way to thaw frozen phyllo dough?

Thaw phyllo dough overnight in the refrigerator or for 2 hours at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Flaky Chili Honey Feta Rolls Appetizer Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those appetizers that never fails to impress, making every bite feel like a celebration of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving friends or indulging yourself, these rolls are a delightful treat you’ll want to make over and over again.