Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Cranberry Honey

Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Cranberry Honey are the kind of appetizer that looks fancy but comes together with very little effort. Crisp, flaky pastry wraps around salty feta and tart cranberries, then gets finished with a warm honey drizzle that ties everything together. The contrast is what makes these irresistible. You get crunch, creaminess, sweetness, and just enough tang in every bite.

These rolls work beautifully for holiday spreads, dinner parties, or even a cozy weekend snack when you want something special without committing to a complicated recipe. You can use phyllo for ultra-crisp layers or puff pastry for a richer, bakery-style finish. Either way, they bake up golden, fragrant, and impossible to ignore.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Bake time: 18–22 minutes

Total time: 40–45 minutes

Ingredients

Pastry

Phyllo dough or puff pastry: 8 sheets, thawed

Filling

Feta cheese: 8 oz (225 g), cut into small rectangles or crumbled

Dried cranberries: 1/4 cup, finely chopped

Lemon zest: 1 tsp (optional)

Fresh parsley or dill: 1 tbsp, finely chopped (optional)

Honey: 1 tbsp (optional, for the filling)

Assembly & Baking

Butter: 2 tbsp, melted (for brushing phyllo)

Egg: 1 large, beaten (for egg wash if using puff pastry)

Garnish / Drizzle

Honey: 2 tbsp, warmed

Fresh parsley: optional, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

If using phyllo, keep the sheets covered with a slightly damp towel to prevent drying out. If using puff pastry, unfold gently on a lightly floured surface.

In a small bowl, combine the feta, chopped cranberries, lemon zest, herbs, and 1 tablespoon honey if using. Mix gently so the feta stays slightly chunky.

Lay one sheet of phyllo on a clean surface and brush lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush again. Repeat if you want extra layers.

Spoon a line of the feta mixture along one long edge, leaving space on the sides. Roll tightly into a log, tucking in the sides as you go.

Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling.

If using puff pastry, brush each roll with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Phyllo rolls can be brushed lightly with extra butter.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the rolls are deeply golden and crisp.

While the rolls bake, gently warm the honey so it becomes pourable.

Remove rolls from the oven, drizzle with warm honey, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips

Use block feta rather than pre-crumbled for a creamier texture and better structure.

Chop cranberries finely so they distribute evenly and do not tear the pastry.

Do not overfill the rolls, as excess filling can leak during baking.

Brush phyllo lightly. Too much butter can make it greasy instead of crisp.

If phyllo tears, layer another sheet on top. No one will notice after baking.

Chill assembled rolls for 10 minutes before baking for sharper layers.

Warm honey gently, not boiling, to preserve flavor and prevent bitterness.

Bake on the middle rack for even browning.

Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.

Serve immediately for best texture, as phyllo softens over time.

Variations

Add chopped walnuts or pistachios to the filling for crunch.

Swap cranberries for chopped dried figs or apricots.

Use whipped feta for a lighter, creamier center.

Add a pinch of chili flakes for a sweet-heat contrast.

Replace honey with hot honey for a spicy finish.

Use puff pastry twists instead of rolls for a braided look.

Add orange zest instead of lemon for a warmer citrus note.

Include a thin slice of pear with the feta for a fruity layer.

Brush baked rolls with honey butter instead of plain honey.

Serve with a yogurt-honey dip on the side for extra creaminess.

Q & A

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze unbaked rolls and bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes.

Is puff pastry or phyllo better?
Phyllo is crisp and light, puff pastry is richer and softer inside.

Can I use flavored feta?
Yes, herb or lemon feta works very well here.

Are these very sweet?
No, the sweetness is balanced by salty feta and tangy cranberries.

Can I skip the honey?
Yes, but the honey adds contrast that really completes the dish.

What can I serve them with?
They pair well with a fresh salad or a mezze platter.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free puff pastry if available.

How do I keep them crispy?
Serve immediately and avoid covering them tightly while warm.

Can kids enjoy these?
Absolutely. They are mild, slightly sweet, and very approachable.

Nutrition

(Approximate, per roll)

Calories: 170–190

Protein: 5–6 g

Fat: 10–12 g

Carbohydrates: 15–18 g

Sugar: 6–8 g

Conclusion

Golden Baked Feta Rolls with Sweet Cranberry Honey are proof that simple ingredients can feel luxurious with the right balance of flavors. They are crispy, creamy, sweet, and savory all at once, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a party appetizer or a special snack, these rolls bring warmth and elegance to the table with very little effort. Once you make them, they tend to disappear fast.