If you love the idea of perfectly golden, flaky pastries with a savory, tangy center, then you are absolutely going to adore this Crispy Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe. These bites effortlessly blend creamy feta, fresh herbs, and a touch of sweetness, all wrapped in delicate phyllo dough that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Topped with a vibrant sweet and spicy chili sauce, they create a flavor explosion that’s as addictive as it is comforting. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just craving a delicious snack, these rolls will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple yet flavorful is what makes this Crispy Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe so special. Each ingredient plays an essential role in balancing richness, herbaceous freshness, and that irresistible crispy texture.
- 6 ounces crumbled feta: The star of the dish, this creamy, salty cheese melts slightly for a luscious filling.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (finely chopped): Adds a bright, aromatic lift that complements the feta perfectly.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (finely chopped): Offers a subtle earthy depth and freshness to the mix.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: A zesty punch that balances richness with a refreshing tang.
- 1 tbsp honey: Just a touch to smooth out sharp flavors and lend gentle sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Introduces savory warmth for extra dimension.
- 7 sheets frozen phyllo dough (thawed): The essential crispy wrapper that turns golden and flaky when baked.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil + more for brushing: Ensures buttery crispness and seals the rolls flawlessly.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Delivers sweet heat for dipping and glazing.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami richness to the chili sauce.
- 1 tbsp honey: Balances the spice with gentle sweetness in the sauce.
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce: Gives a lively kick of heat.
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh citrus notes.
- 1 tbsp water: Helps mellow and blend the sauce ingredients.
How to Make Crispy Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Feta Mixture
Start by heating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then, mix the crumbled feta with the fresh dill, thyme, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a drizzle of honey until the flavors meld into a creamy, herb-packed filling. This mixture sets the flavor foundation for your rolls.
Step 2: Work with Phyllo Dough
Carefully take one sheet of thawed phyllo dough, keeping the rest covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out. Fold the single sheet in half and brush generously with extra virgin olive oil to encourage that golden flakiness. This step is crucial because the olive oil helps the dough crisp up beautifully without becoming brittle.
Step 3: Shape the Feta Rolls
Place around 2 tablespoons of your feta mixture near the bottom center of the folded phyllo sheet. Fold the edges inwards over the filling, smoothing as you go to create a neat pocket. Then roll the dough tightly into a log, stopping about an inch from the end. Brush some more olive oil on the uncovered dough, then finish rolling to seal everything in. Place each roll seam side down on your prepared baking sheet to keep them intact during baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Brush the tops of each roll with olive oil once more to promote even crisping. Pop the tray into the oven’s center rack and bake for 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the rolls are a gorgeous golden brown and emit that tantalizing aroma that makes waiting almost impossible.
Step 5: Make the Sweet Spicy Chili Sauce
While the rolls bake, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, fresh lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan over low heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer, just long enough to meld the flavors, then remove from heat. This sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy to pair perfectly with your crispy rolls.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the rolls are out of the oven, brush each one generously with the sweet spicy chili sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve them warm with extra sauce on the side for dipping, and prepare yourself for compliments aplenty.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped thyme or dill instantly elevates your presentation and aroma. For a little crunch contrast, toasted sesame seeds or crushed pistachios can be beautifully scattered on top. These simple garnishes add an extra layer of sophistication and texture.
Side Dishes
These rolls are fantastic on their own but also pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad. The lightness of these sides balances the richness of the feta rolls, creating a well-rounded meal or appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider arranging the rolls in a circular pattern around a bowl of extra sweet chili sauce for a social, interactive snack. You can also skewer individual rolls on toothpicks to serve as elegant finger food. Either way, this Crispy Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe shines in any setting from casual family nights to festive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor nicely, though the phyllo may soften slightly with time.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, you can freeze unbaked rolls by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. This helps restore their crispy exterior much better than microwaving, keeping the phyllo flaky and the feta warm and melty inside.
FAQs
Can I use fresh feta instead of crumbled feta?
Fresh feta can be used if it’s crumbly or you crumble it yourself, but avoid using block feta that’s too firm. The texture needs to be soft enough to blend easily with the herbs and lemon juice for the perfect filling.
Is it necessary to brush olive oil between each phyllo sheet?
Yes, brushing olive oil between layers is key to building the crisp, flaky texture phyllo is known for. It also helps seal the dough and adds a lovely richness.
Can I make the sweet spicy chili sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses store-bought chili sauce for convenience, combining fresh chili, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and seasoning can make a delicious homemade version.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh dill and thyme really brighten the flavor and give the filling that fresh, vibrant taste. If using dried, reduce the amount by half since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Are these rolls suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Crispy Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe is perfect for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. Just ensure the sweet chili sauce ingredients align with your dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe is a delightful treat that brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s truly magical. Crispy, cheesy, sweet, and spicy all at once, these rolls are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting indulgence any day of the week. Give them a try — once you do, they’ll probably become one of your favorite savory snacks or appetizers too!
Print
Crispy Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Spicy Chili Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 7 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Baked Feta Rolls are a delightful appetizer featuring creamy feta cheese mixed with fresh herbs and honey, wrapped in flaky phyllo dough and baked to golden perfection. Served with a sweet and spicy chili sauce, these rolls offer a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors that make for an irresistible snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Feta Rolls
- 6 ounces crumbled feta
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 7 sheets frozen phyllo dough (thawed)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil + more for brushing
Sweet Spicy Chili Sauce
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Make Feta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta, finely chopped fresh dill and thyme, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a drizzle of honey. Mix well to create a flavorful and slightly sweet cheese filling.
- Prepare Phyllo Dough: Working with one sheet of phyllo dough at a time (keep the rest covered with a damp towel), place it on a clean surface, fold it in half, and brush the top generously with extra virgin olive oil to ensure layers become crispy when baked.
- Fill and Roll: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the feta mixture along the bottom center of the folded phyllo sheet. Fold in the edges over the filling to seal, smoothing any creases. Roll the sheet tightly but stop one inch before the end, brush the bottom edge with more olive oil, then complete the roll, sealing it fully. Place the roll seam side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the tops of all the feta rolls with olive oil for a golden crisp finish. Bake in the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Prepare Sauce: While the rolls bake, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat just until it begins to simmer, then remove from heat immediately. Transfer the sauce to a serving dish and set aside.
- Serve: Once baked, brush the feta rolls generously with the sweet chili sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired, and serve warm alongside the remaining sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Keep unused phyllo dough sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out and tearing easily.
- Don’t overfill the rolls with feta mixture as it may ooze out during baking; moderation helps maintain neat rolls.
- Brush olive oil generously to create crisp, flaky layers and sealed seams, but avoid saturating the dough to prevent sogginess.
