Phyllo-Wrapped Baked Feta Appetizer with Walnuts Recipe

Introduction

This phyllo-wrapped baked feta appetizer combines the creamy saltiness of feta with the crisp, buttery layers of phyllo dough. Topped with honey, walnuts, and a touch of chili and rosemary, it’s a perfect elegant snack or party starter.

Ingredients

• 2 blocks feta cheese, about 150-200g (6-8oz) each, ½-¾ inch thickness
• 4 sheets phyllo dough, defrosted
• ½ cup butter, melted (or olive oil)
• ¼ cup liquid honey, divided
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts, divided
• Pinch of chili flakes, divided
• 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary
• Crackers for serving
• Optional: Seasonal fruits like grapes, clementines, figs, or berries for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: The night before, remove the phyllo dough from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Step 3: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface and brush it with melted butter using a pastry brush. Place a second sheet on top and brush again with butter.
4. Step 4: Place one block of feta near the bottom edge of the layered phyllo sheets. Wrap the feta by folding the phyllo up and inward, forming a sealed parcel. Set it on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Repeat the wrapping process with the remaining two phyllo sheets and the second block of feta, making a second parcel on the baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Brush the tops and sides of both parcels generously with melted butter.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp. If the bottoms brown before the tops, carefully flip them and bake a few more minutes.
8. Step 8: Transfer the baked feta parcels to a serving plate. Divide the honey, chopped walnuts, chili flakes, and fresh rosemary evenly over the top of each parcel.
9. Step 9: Optionally, garnish the serving plate with seasonal fruits such as grapes, clementines, figs, or berries for an attractive presentation. Serve warm with crackers.

Tips & Variations

• Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, dairy-free option.
• To add extra flavor, sprinkle a little lemon zest or a pinch of smoked paprika inside the phyllo before wrapping.
• If your phyllo tears easily, keep it covered with a damp kitchen towel while working.
• Serve the baked feta with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet, tangy contrast.

Storage

Store any leftover baked feta parcels tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-10 minutes to crisp the phyllo again. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this appetizer ahead of time?

Yes, you can wrap the feta in phyllo and keep the parcels covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for the best crispness.

What can I substitute for walnuts if I’m allergic?

Try using chopped pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and flavor. You can also omit nuts entirely and simply add extra honey and herbs.

Phyllo-Wrapped Baked Feta Appetizer with Walnuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

This Phyllo-Wrapped Baked Feta Appetizer combines creamy feta cheese wrapped in crisp, buttery phyllo dough, baked to golden perfection. Topped with sweet honey, crunchy walnuts, aromatic rosemary, and a touch of chili flakes, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for entertaining or a special snack.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight thawing)
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes prep + overnight thaw + 15-20 minutes cooking
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Feta and Phyllo

• 2 blocks feta cheese, about 150-200g / 6-8oz each (½–¾ inch thickness)
• 4 sheets phyllo dough, defrosted
• ½ cup butter, melted (or olive oil)

Toppings

• ¼ cup liquid honey, divided
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts, divided
• Pinch of chili flakes, divided
• 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary

Serving

• Crackers for serving
• Optional: Seasonal fruits such as grapes, clementines, figs, or berries for garnish

Instructions

1. Thaw Phyllo Dough: The night before, remove the phyllo dough from the freezer and allow it to thaw fully in the refrigerator to ensure it handles well during preparation.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
3. Prepare Phyllo Layers: Gently place one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface. Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the sheet with melted butter. Layer a second sheet of phyllo on top and brush it with more melted butter to create a buttery, crisp wrap.
4. Wrap Feta Cheese: Place one block of feta cheese towards the bottom edge of the prepared phyllo layers. Carefully fold and wrap the phyllo around the feta, folding inwards and upwards to create a secure parcel. Place the wrapped parcel on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Repeat Wrapping: Repeat the wrapping process with the remaining two sheets of phyllo and the second feta block to make a second parcel on the baking sheet.
6. Brush Phyllo Parcels: Generously brush the tops and sides of both feta parcels with the remaining melted butter to ensure a golden crispy crust during baking.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp. If the bottom browns before the top, carefully flip each parcel and bake for an additional few minutes to even out the color.
8. Add Toppings: Remove the baked feta parcels from the oven and place them on a serving plate. Evenly drizzle the liquid honey over each parcel and sprinkle with chopped walnuts, chili flakes, and minced fresh rosemary for extra flavor and texture.
9. Garnish and Serve: Optional: Garnish the serving plate with seasonal fruits such as grapes, clementines, figs, or berries depending on the season. Serve immediately alongside crackers to enjoy this elegant appetizer at its best.

Notes

• Phyllo dough is very delicate and can dry out quickly; keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth while working.
• Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a different flavor profile and a lighter option.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your heat preference.
• The feta blocks should be firm and not too crumbly for easier wrapping.
• This appetizer is best served warm to enjoy the crispy phyllo and melty feta inside.
• For a vegetarian option, this recipe is naturally suitable as feta is made from cheese.

Keywords: baked feta, phyllo dough appetizer, Mediterranean appetizer, walnut feta, honey feta wrap, easy party appetizer, crispy phyllo feta