Feta Phyllo Rolls

These crispy feta phyllo rolls are baked until golden, topped with sesame seeds, and drizzled with honey for an easy appetizer.

If you’re looking for an easy appetizer that feels fancy but requires minimal effort, these Crispy Feta Phyllo Rolls are the perfect recipe. Creamy feta cheese is wrapped in delicate layers of phyllo dough, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and baked until perfectly golden and crisp. A drizzle of honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness that balances the salty feta beautifully.

This Mediterranean-inspired appetizer is simple enough for a casual gathering but impressive enough for a holiday spread or wine night. The contrast between the crunchy phyllo, rich feta, nutty sesame seeds, and sweet honey creates a combination of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist.

Serve these feta rolls warm from the oven as an appetizer on its own or part of a mezze platter with olives, hummus, fresh vegetables, and pita bread.

Ingredients

Feta: find a firm high-quality block of feta cheese.
Phyllo: the layers of phyllo bake up golden brown and incredibly flaky, for a satisfyingly crispy exterior.
Honey: the sweetness from the honey compliments the salty feta perfectly.
Olive oil: olive oil is the preferred and more traditional fat to use in this savory recipe, but melted butter would also work.
Sesame seeds: adds a nice nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Add black sesame seeds to the mix if you can find them.

Equipment

Baking sheet
Cutting board and knife
Pastry brush

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface and lightly brush with olive oil. Cut the sheet into thirds lengthwise.
3. Place a piece of feta near one end of each strip. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, similar to a spring roll. Fold in the ends of the phyllo and seal with drop of oil. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets and feta pieces.
4. Brush the rolls with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.
5. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
6. Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle with honey or serve honey on the side to dip.

Tips

• Cut the feta while still cold ensure easy slicing into even pieces.
• Phyllo dough dries out quickly. Keep unused sheets covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel while assembling the rolls.
• To avoid the cheese from oozing out of the phyllo, tuck the ends of the phyllo in tightly to seal.
• These rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the phyllo is at its crispiest and the feta is soft and creamy.
• A high quality honey pairs especially well with the salty feta and nutty sesame seeds.

Variations

• Hot honey feta rolls: swap regular honey for hot honey for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
• Everything bagel style: replace the sesame seeds with everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and crunch.
• Herb-infused: add a sprinkle of dried oregano or thyme to the feta before rolling.
• Pistachio honey feta rolls: finish the baked rolls with chopped pistachios along with the honey drizzle for added texture and flavor.

More Appetizer Recipes

• Roasted Red Pepper Whipped Feta Dip
• Pear, Blue Cheese and Honey Crostini
• White Bean Dip
• Bacon Date Whipped Goat Cheese Dip
• Pear and Brie Flatbread

If you make these Feta Phyllo Rolls, be sure to leave a comment below and rate this recipe! If you snap a pic, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thechowdown! I love seeing your creations!