### **Introduction**
Let me tell you about the night my quest for the perfect dinner party appetizer led me to a revelation. I’d been determined to serve a Mediterranean-inspired dish but was torn between the indulgent glory of fried feta and my guests’ requests for healthier options. Then it hit me: *oven-fried feta*. A few months later, these **Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey** became my go-to dish. Trust me—you’ll want to make these crispy, creamy bites the first chance you get. Perfect as an appetizer or paired with greens for a **healthy high protein dinner**, they’re as craveable as they are guilt-free.
—
### **Overview of the Recipe**
This dish is a game-changer for cheese lovers and health-conscious eaters alike. **Oven Fried Feta Rolls** combine the gooey goodness of feta surrounded by a crispy panko crust—all achieved without deep-frying. The crowning touch? A drizzle of **sweet and spicy chili honey**, balancing heat, sweetness, and tang. It’s a fusion of Mediterranean simplicity and modern, bold flavors, making it the star of any dinner table. Ideal for casual chats or as part of a **healthy dinner meal**, these rolls are quick to prepare, protein-packed, and guaranteed to impress.
—
### **Ingredients List**
– **1 block of feta cheese** (about 8 oz)
– **½ cup panko breadcrumbs**
– **2 tsp smoked paprika**
– **1 tsp garlic powder**
– **1 tsp onion powder**
– **Salt and black pepper**, to taste
– **2 eggs** (lightly beaten with 1 tbsp milk for consistency)
– **Chili Honey Sauce**:
– **2 tbsp honey**
– **1–2 tsp sriracha** (adjust to taste)
– **Juice of ½ lime** (optional)
– **Pinch of red pepper flakes** (for extra heat)
– **Fresh parsley or cilantro** (for garnish)
—
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Prep the Feta**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the feta into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this ensures the crust stays crispy.
2. **Mix the Spiced Panko**: In a bowl, combine panko, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust spices for your preference.
3. **Bread the Feta**: Dip each feta cube into the beaten eggs (mix eggs with a splash of milk to avoid dryness). Let excess drip off, then roll in the spiced panko, pressing firmly so the coating adheres.
4. **Bake**: Arrange the coated feta on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
5. **Make the Chili Honey Sauce**: While the feta bakes, whisk honey, sriracha, lime juice, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Taste and tweak the balance of sweet and spicy.
6. **Serve**: Drizzle the **chili honey** over the rolls and sprinkle with herbs. Serve warm as an **appetizer** or alongside greens and carbs like quinoa for a **healthy dinner meal**.
**Pro Tips**:
– For extra crunch, chill breaded feta in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
– Adjust chili honey to your spice tolerance—add more sriracha for fire, more honey for sweetness.
—
### **About the Dish**
Feta cheese is a staple of Greek cuisine, but these **oven fried feta rolls** take inspiration further. Traditionally, fried feta is a deep-fried indulgence, but baking slashes the fat yet locks in the crispy texture. The **chili honey** glaze is a modern twist, merging Mediterranean flavors with the **sweet and spicy** profile popular in Asian-inspired dishes. It’s a perfect example of how you can elevate a classic recipe by merging cultures and dietary preferences without compromising taste.
—
### **Personal Touch**
I adore this riff on fried feta because it’s far more than just a diet-friendly substitute—it’s *better*. The oven method allows the cheese to melt gloriously inside while the panko stays crisp. The **chili honey** adds a zing that elevates it from a cheese plate staple to a showstopper. I first made this for a guest who avoided fried foods, and their eyes lit up—proof that healthy doesn’t have to mean bland. It’s also a revelation paired with greens like kale for a protein-packed **healthy dinner meal**.
—
### **Conclusion**
These **Oven Fried Feta Rolls with Chili Honey** are an instant crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping a keto-friendly dinner component. They’re stuffed with protein, covered in craveable crunch, and drizzled with a sauce that delivers a tasty bite. Perfect for **cheese lovers** and those seeking **healthy appetizers**, this recipe is a must-try fusion of taste and wellness.
Looking for more? Pair these with **Sweet And Spicy Chili** glazed veggies or serve them alongside my **Healthy Stuffed Mushrooms** for a full Mediterranean spread. Your taste buds will thank you!