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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (204℃) to prepare for baking the appetizer later.
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.
Butter Phyllo Layers: Using melted butter, brush between every few phyllo sheets (about every 3 sheets). Reserve the remaining butter for later steps.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Slice Rolls: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled phyllo into 12 equal rounds.
Prepare Muffin Tin: Add ½ tbsp melted butter to the bottom of each cup in a 12-cup muffin tin.
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.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the phyllo bites are golden brown and crisp.
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