Feta Fillo Bites

If you’re looking to elevate your appetizers, you’ve just landed in the right place. These Feta Fillo Bites combine the salty, tangy flavor of feta cheese with the delicate crispiness of fillo pastry. The contrast between the creamy cheese and golden, flaky layers is so delightful, it might just make your guests pause mid-conversation to savor the moment. These little savoury rolls hit the spot on any occasion—whether it’s a dinner party, a mezze platter, or just a tasty snack. Best of all, despite their elegant appearance, they’re surprisingly quick and easy to make. Ready to impress with minimal effort? Let’s dive into the recipe.

Fillo pastry is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire before spreading across Europe, Asia and North Africa. The Greek word phyllo (meaning “leaf”) refers to the pastry’s thin, delicate texture. Over time, fillo became a key ingredient in many beloved recipes such as Spanakopita, Börek, and Baklava. Compared to other types of dough, fillo sheets are much lighter and bake into irresistibly crispy layers. Feta is an ancient cheese with roots tracing back to Greek mythology. Traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat’s milk, it has a distinctive salty, tangy flavor and a crumbly texture. Feta is produced exclusively in certain regions of Greece and, in 2002, was granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the European Union. This means that only cheese made in these areas using traditional methods can officially be called “feta”.

Here’s how to store Feta Fillo Bites to keep them fresh and delicious. First, let them cool completely at room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the extra bites, reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again. I wouldn’t recommend using the microwave, as it tends to make the fillo soggy.

Ingredients for cheese bites

• Fillo sheets: when baked, fillo sheets develop a buttery flavor that complements savory fillings perfectly. It’s important to spread a thin layer of olive oil or butter on the pastry sheets to help them stick together and create distinct layers. This also makes the dough easier to fold and shape. Additionally, this dough is lower in fat and calories due to its lack of butter or oil in the dough itself.

• Feta: this cheese has a tangy and salty flavor that contrasts with the sweetness of the honey. Slices of feta complement the crispiness of the fillo sheets, creating a multi-layered eating experience. Feta is a good source of protein and is packed with calcium and vitamins, supporting metabolism and contributing to the feeling of fullness.

• Honey: a drizzle of honey complements the salty feta cheese, creating a harmonious sweet and fruity flavor experience. Honey helps bind the ingredients together, providing moisture and an appealing glossy finish. This ingredients also offers a quick energy boost, making the Feta Fillo Bites more satisfying.

• Oregano and chilli flakes: oregano provides a warm, earthy flavor and a distinct, pungent aroma that elevates the fragrance of the fillo sheets as the dish cooks. Moreover, this herb is a hallmark of Mediterranean, especially Greek cuisine, and when added to the mix, it imparts an authentic, traditional feel to the dish. Red chilli flakes add a spicy touch to the Feta Fillo Bites, enhancing their flavor. Chilli flakes release a warm, smoky aroma when roasted, balancing other seasonings such as salt. Moreover, this ingredient provides a vibrant red color that contrasts beautifully with the white cheese.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to prepare the crispy rolls

Unfold the first Phyllo sheet, brush it with olive oil, and cover with another sheet.  Repeat the process until all the sheets are used up. Place the feta cheese, cut into strips, on one end of the sheets horizontally. Drizzle some honey over the cheese. Sprinkle with red chilli flakes, oregano, pepper.

Roll the phyllo dough into a log and then cut it into equal pieces, sprinkling some sesame seeds on top. Place them on a lined baking dish and bake at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes or until golden.

My tips for cheese appetizer

• Fillo tends to dry out quickly once it’s exposed to air. For this reason, it’s important to keep the unused sheets covered with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to prevent them from becoming brittle.

• Customize the filling with extras such as chopped parsley, lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, olives , or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
  

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to share it with me tagging @nutritiouslysofia on Instagram!

Feta Fillo Bites

Course: Appetizers, Main, SidesCuisine: vegetarian

Servings

11

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Ingredients

• Feta 1 block

• Sesame seeds (to taste)

• Honey (to taste)

• Red chilli flakes (to taste)

• Olive oil

• Oregano (to taste)

• Fillo pastry 8-10 sheets

• Black pepper (to taste)

Directions

• Unfold the first Phyllo sheet, brush it with olive oil, and cover with another sheet.  Repeat the process until all the sheets are used up.
• Place the feta cheese, cut into strips, on one end of the sheets horizontally.
• Drizzle some honey over the cheese. Sprinkle with red chilli flakes, oregano, pepper.
• Roll the phyllo dough into a log and then cut it into equal pieces, sprinkling some sesame seeds on top. Place them on a lined baking dish and bake at 180°C for about 15-20 minutes or until golden.

Notes

• Fillo tends to dry out quickly once it’s exposed to air. For this reason, it’s important to keep the unused sheets covered with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to prevent them from becoming brittle.
• Customize the filling with extras such as chopped parsley, lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, olives , or caramelized onions for extra flavor.