Baked Feta Appetizer with Cranberry-Pecan Filling and Honey Drizzle Recipe

Introduction

This baked feta appetizer is a delightful combination of flaky phyllo, savory pancetta, tangy cranberries, and creamy feta cheese. Perfectly crisped in the oven and finished with a drizzle of honey, it’s an elegant yet easy dish to impress guests or enjoy as a special snack.

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz) package phyllo dough
• 4-6 oz unsalted butter, melted (divided)
• 3 oz pancetta, diced
• 10 sage leaves, chiffonade
• ¼ cup cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp chili crisp
• ⅓ cup raspberry preserves
• 3 tbsp chives, chopped
• 8 oz feta, sliced lengthwise into long rectangles
• 10 tbsp honey (about ½ to 1 tbsp per bite, to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400℉.
2. Step 2: Fold the phyllo dough in half lengthwise and then cut. Roll the halved phyllo back up in the plastic wrap and set aside for later use.
3. Step 3: Brush melted butter between a couple of phyllo sheets, doing this roughly every three sheets. Reserve the remaining butter for later steps.
4. Step 4: Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add the diced pancetta. Allow it to render until about halfway cooked, then add the chiffonade sage leaves and let them crisp in the pancetta fat.
5. Step 5: In a food processor, combine cranberries, pecans, chili crisp, and the sautéed pancetta and sage. Pulse a few times to create a chunky mixture.
6. Step 6: Spread raspberry preserves evenly over the buttered phyllo sheets, then layer on the cranberry pecan mixture. Sprinkle chopped chives evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Place the feta rectangles along the wider edge of the phyllo sheets and roll up tightly. Brush butter on the edges to seal the roll.
8. Step 8: Slice the rolled phyllo into 12 rounds using a sharp knife.
9. Step 9: Add ½ tablespoon of butter to the bottom of each cup in a 12-cup muffin tin.
10. Step 10: Place each phyllo bite into a muffin cup and brush or dot ½ tablespoon of butter on top of each one.
11. Step 11: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden and crisp.
12. Step 12: Remove from the oven and drizzle each bite with ½ to 1 tablespoon of honey. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh sage for the best flavor and crispness, but dried sage can be substituted in a pinch.
• Adjust the amount of honey drizzle based on your sweetness preference.
• Try swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch.
• If you don’t have chili crisp, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat.

Storage

Store leftover baked feta bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350℉ oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness before serving. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the phyllo soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the phyllo rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and slice them a few hours ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and add the butter and bake just before serving to maintain crispness.

What can I serve with this baked feta appetizer?

This appetizer pairs beautifully with a light salad or a glass of crisp white wine. It also works well as part of a larger spread with olives, nuts, and fresh fruit.

Baked Feta Appetizer with Cranberry-Pecan Filling and Honey Drizzle Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 71 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bites 1x

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Description

This baked feta appetizer features crispy phyllo dough filled with a flavorful mixture of pancetta, sage, cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese. Enhanced with layers of raspberry preserves and chili crisp, these bite-sized rolls are baked to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory treat perfect for entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Phyllo and Butter

• 1 – 16 oz package phyllo dough
• 4–6 oz unsalted butter (melted, divided)

Filling

• 3 oz pancetta (diced)
• 10 sage leaves (chiffonade)
• ¼ cup cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp chili crisp
• ⅓ cup raspberry preserves
• 3 tbsp chives (chopped)
• 8 oz feta (sliced lengthwise into long rectangles)
• 10 tbsp honey (about ½–1 tbsp per bite, to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (204℃) to prepare for baking the appetizer later.
2. Prepare Phyllo: Fold the phyllo dough in half lengthwise, then cut it. Roll the half back up in the plastic wrap it comes in and set aside for later use.
3. Butter Phyllo Layers: Using melted butter, brush between every few phyllo sheets (about every 3 sheets). Reserve the remaining butter for later steps.
4. Cook Pancetta and Sage: Heat a pan over medium-low heat, add diced pancetta and render until halfway cooked. Add chiffonade sage leaves and cook until crisp in the pancetta fat.
5. Make Filling Mixture: In a food processor, combine cranberries, chopped pecans, chili crisp, and the cooked pancetta and sage mixture. Pulse a few times until combined but still textured.
6. Assemble Phyllo Base: Spread raspberry preserves evenly onto the buttered phyllo sheets, then layer the cranberry-pecan mixture on top and sprinkle chopped chives evenly.
7. Add Feta and Roll: Place the sliced feta rectangles along the wide edge of the phyllo sheets and roll tightly, brushing butter on the edges to seal.
8. Slice Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled phyllo into 12 equal rounds.
9. Prepare Muffin Tin: Add ½ tbsp melted butter to the bottom of each cup in a 12-cup muffin tin.
10. Place Phyllo Bites: Place each phyllo roll bite into a muffin cup and brush another ½ tbsp of melted butter on top of each one.
11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the phyllo bites are golden brown and crisp.
12. Finish and Serve: Drizzle each baked bite with ½ to 1 tablespoon of honey to taste and serve warm for a delightful sweet and savory appetizer.

Notes

• Phyllo dough is delicate; keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
• You can adjust the amount of chili crisp based on your spice preference.
• Make sure to butter the muffin tin well to prevent sticking and add extra crispiness.
• These bites are best served fresh out of the oven but can be reheated gently.
• Substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
• Use full-fat feta for a richer flavor and better texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: baked feta appetizer, phyllo rolls, pancetta appetizer, savory bites, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer