Ingredients
Scale
- 8 sheets of filo (phyllo) dough, thawed if frozen
- 7 ounces (200 grams) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for a lighter option)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish
If you’re avoiding dairy, try a firm plant-based cheese that crumbles well. Also, if you want to switch up the flavor, fresh mint instead of parsley adds a lovely brightness, or you can use smoked paprika instead of chili flakes for a different kind of warmth.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step always reminds me of Mama Lou’s kitchen—she’d have multiple baking sheets ready, each lined with care, as if prepping for a celebration.
- In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled feta, chopped parsley, oregano, and black pepper. Mix gently to keep some feta chunks intact for texture.
- Lay one sheet of filo dough on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter, then place another sheet on top and brush again. Repeat until you have four layers stacked.
- Cut the stacked filo sheets into four long rectangles. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the feta mixture near one end of each rectangle.
- Roll the filo tightly around the feta filling, folding in the edges as you go to seal. Brush the outside of each roll with more melted butter to help them crisp beautifully in the oven.
- Place the rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden and crisp. The smell at this point always takes me back to those afternoons with Ouma, when we’d sneak peeks through the oven door, our mouths watering in anticipation.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the chili honey drizzle by warming the honey gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the chili flakes and lemon juice. Keep on low heat until warmed through but not boiling.
- Once the rolls are out of the oven, drizzle the warm chili honey generously over them. If you like, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a little extra crunch and aroma.
- Serve immediately and watch as your family or guests savor the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
