Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers crisp texture without deep frying, making it lighter and easier to prepare. The contrast between crunchy pastry and creamy feta is highly satisfying, and the rolls can be prepared ahead of time with excellent results.
Oven-Fried Feta Rolls: Crispy, Savory Bites with Mediterranean Flair
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Oven-Fried Feta Rolls are crispy baked pastry rolls filled with tangy feta cheese and herbs, offering a lighter alternative to traditional fried appetizers.
Ingredients
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix feta cheese, egg, parsley, oregano, and black pepper until combined.
- Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and lightly brush with olive oil or butter.
- Place another sheet on top and brush again.
- Cut the layered phyllo in half lengthwise.
- Spoon feta mixture along one end of each strip and roll tightly, folding in the sides.
- Place rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working.
- Serve with honey or marinara sauce for dipping.
- Can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Feta Cheese
Feta is the star ingredient, providing a salty, tangy flavor and creamy texture once warmed.
Phyllo Dough
Phyllo dough creates the signature crisp exterior. When baked, it becomes light, flaky, and golden.
Olive Oil
Olive oil replaces traditional frying oil and helps the rolls brown evenly in the oven.
Egg
Egg acts as a binding agent, helping the feta filling hold its shape during baking.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balances the saltiness of the cheese.
Dried Oregano
Oregano enhances the Mediterranean character and pairs naturally with feta.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs absorb excess moisture and improve the structure of the filling.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, crumble the feta cheese and mix it with the egg, breadcrumbs, black pepper, and dried oregano until well combined.
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and lightly brush it with olive oil. Place a second sheet on top and brush again. Cut the layered phyllo into long strips.
Spoon a small amount of the feta mixture near one end of each strip. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly into a neat roll. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining phyllo and filling, brushing the tops lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the rolls are evenly golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 rolls.
Preparation time is about 20 minutes.
Baking time is 22 minutes.
Total time required is approximately 42 minutes.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover feta rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until crisp and warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the pastry.
Variations and Customizations
Oven-Fried Feta Rolls are easy to customize while maintaining their crisp appeal. For added flavor, mix finely chopped herbs such as parsley or dill into the feta filling. I tested this with fresh dill, and it added a pleasant freshness without overpowering the cheese.
For a slightly milder filling, combine feta with a small amount of ricotta. This softens the saltiness and creates a creamier interior. If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
You can also experiment with different shapes, such as triangles or smaller bite-sized rolls, adjusting the baking time accordingly. Serve with yogurt-based dips or a light tomato sauce to complement the savory profile without masking the feta flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Phyllo Handling
Keep phyllo covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying while assembling.
Even Browning
Brush lightly with oil rather than soaking to maintain crispness.
Tight Rolling
Roll firmly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Serving Timing
Serve shortly after baking for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I prepare feta rolls in advance?
Yes, assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze Oven-Fried Feta Rolls?
Yes, freeze them unbaked and bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
What type of feta works best?
Block feta in brine provides the best texture and flavor.
Are these rolls very salty?
They are moderately salty due to feta, but balanced by the pastry.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free phyllo and breadcrumbs if available.
What sauces pair well with these rolls?
Yogurt-based dips or light tomato sauces complement them well.
Conclusion
Oven-Fried Feta Rolls are a crisp, flavorful appetizer that combines simplicity with elegance. With their golden exterior and creamy filling, they offer a lighter alternative to fried snacks while delivering consistently satisfying results.
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