Pin Recipe These golden filo pastry rolls feature a creamy feta and fresh herb filling, baked until crisp. A sweet and spicy chili honey drizzle adds vibrant flavor, making them ideal for appetizers or gatherings. The combination of cool herbs and tangy feta balances perfectly with the warm, honeyed chili topping. Simple to prepare, they bake quickly and present beautifully on any snack table.
The first time I made these feta rolls, my kitchen smelled like a tiny Greek bakery. My neighbor knocked on the door thinking I had ordered takeout from the new Mediterranean place downtown.
Last summer I served these at a rooftop gathering and watched three different people ask for the recipe within ten minutes. Something about warm feta and honey makes people instantly happy.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese: The salty tangy foundation that makes these rolls sing
- Cream cheese: Softens the feta into a perfectly spreadable filling
- Fresh parsley and dill: Bright green herbs that cut through all that richness
- Lemon zest: A little aromatic lift that wakes up the whole filling
- Filo pastry: Creates those impossibly crispy shattering layers
- Honey and chili flakes: The dynamic duo that elevates these from good to unforgettable
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 200°C and line a baking sheet while you work
- Mix the filling:
- Combine feta cream cheese herbs lemon zest and pepper until blended but still textured
- Layer the filo:
- Stack three sheets brushing each with olive oil then cut lengthwise into strips
- Roll them up:
- Add filling to each strip fold in the sides and roll tightly like a little present
- Bake until golden:
- Cook for 16 to 18 minutes until they are crispy and deeply golden brown
- Make the magic honey:
- Warm honey with chili flakes and lemon juice until fragrant and slightly thin
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle the warm honey over hot rolls and watch them vanish
Pin Recipe My friend Maria who actually lived in Greece told me these taste exactly like the ones she ate in a tiny Athens taverna. That might be the best compliment I have ever received.
Working With Filo
Filo can feel intimidating but it is more forgiving than people think. If a sheet tears just patch it with another piece and keep going. No one will notice once they are golden and drizzled with honey.
Making Ahead
You can assemble the rolls completely freeze them on a baking sheet then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen adding a few minutes to the cooking time. The honey takes literally two minutes to warm up right before serving.
Serving Ideas
These work beautifully as part of a spread but also shine as a standalone appetizer. I have learned to always make double because people eat three times more than expected.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds before baking for extra crunch
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness
- Adjust chili flakes based on your crowd heat tolerance
Pin Recipe These rolls have become my go to for unexpected guests and planned parties alike. Simple enough for a Tuesday night special enough for any celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → What’s the best way to get filo pastry crispy?
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Brushing each filo layer with olive oil helps achieve a golden, crispy texture when baked.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
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Yes. Mixing the cheese and herbs ahead allows flavors to meld and speeds up assembly.
- → How spicy is the chili honey drizzle?
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The chili honey provides a mild to moderate heat that can be adjusted by varying chili flakes.
- → Are there herb alternatives to parsley and dill?
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Mint or oregano can be substituted for a different but complementary herbal note.
- → What should I serve alongside these rolls?
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They pair well with light salads or as part of a Mediterranean-style meze platter.
