Phyllo-Wrapped Baked Feta Appetizer with Walnuts Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
