Cheesy Garlic & Feta Puff Pastry Roll

Elevate your snack and appetizer game with this Cheesy Garlic & Feta Puff Pastry Roll, a crowd-pleasing masterpiece combining crisp, buttery puff pastry with a luscious, tang-forward filling. Soft cream cheese and crumbled feta mingle with melted cheddar (or your favorite melting cheese), while minced garlic, chili sauce, and parsley add layers of savory depth. Brushed with a glossy egg wash and crowned with extra cheese, each golden slice offers a perfect balance of flakiness, creaminess, and melty goodness. Ready in under an hour and ideal for sharing, this roll transforms everyday ingredients into an irresistible treat for parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

Cooking Time

• Preparation & Assembly: 20 minutes

• Baking: 25–30 minutes

• Resting: 5–10 minutes

• Total Active Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry & Prep:

• 600 g (1.3 lb) ready-rolled puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

• 150 ml neutral oil (vegetable or light olive oil) for greasing the sheet and pastry

For the Cheesy Garlic Filling:

• 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 15 g (3–4 cloves) garlic, finely minced

• 80 g (2.8 oz) crumbled feta cheese

• 100 g (3.5 oz) grated melting cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda)

• 15 g (½ cup packed) fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 large egg (for binding the filling)

• 10 ml (2 tsp) white vinegar (or lemon juice)

• 10 g (2 tsp) chili sauce (e.g., Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce)

• 10 g (2 tsp) ketchup

• 8 g (1½ tsp) fine salt

• 4 g (¾ tsp) freshly ground black pepper

For the Topping & Finish:

• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 100 g (3.5 oz) additional grated melting cheese

• Extra parsley sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare
   Preheat your oven to 180 °C (356 °F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.

2. Roll Out the Pastry
   On a lightly floured surface, unroll or roll your puff pastry into a neat 40×30 cm rectangle about 6 mm thick. Trim edges for uniformity if desired.

3. Mix the Cheesy Garlic Filling
   In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, minced garlic, crumbled feta, 100 g grated cheese, chopped parsley, egg, vinegar, chili sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth, uniform, and spreadable.

4. Assemble the Roll
   Spread the filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a 2 cm border on all sides. Starting at one long edge, roll the pastry into a tight log. Pinch the seam and ends to seal and prevent leakage. Transfer seam-side down to your prepared baking sheet.

5. Egg Wash & Cheese Topping
   Brush the entire surface of the roll with the beaten egg, ensuring even coverage for a golden finish. Sprinkle the remaining 100 g grated cheese evenly across the top.

6. Bake
   Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. Bake until the pastry is puffed, deeply golden, and the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.

7. Rest, Slice & Serve
   Remove the roll from the oven and let it rest 5–10 minutes to set the filling. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice into 2–3 cm thick rounds. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information (per slice; makes 12 slices)

• Calories: 260 kcal

• Protein: 8 g

• Carbohydrates: 16 g

  • Fiber: 1 g

  • Sugars: 2 g

• Fat: 18 g

  • Saturated Fat: 9 g

• Sodium: 480 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Puff pastry–based cheese rolls trace their roots to European savory pastries such as French chaussons and Eastern European cheese-stuffed burek. Their popularity soared as home cooks and artisans embraced convenient, shareable finger foods. The combination of cream cheese and feta reflects Mediterranean influences, while the convenience of ready-rolled pastry and quick assembly has made this recipe a modern classic for entertaining.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• Hands-Off Layers: Minimal rolling and sealing deliver professional-looking pastries.

• Flavor Explosion: Garlic, chili, and tangy cheeses create savory depth.

• Textural Contrast: Flaky pastry meets creamy interior and crisp cheese topping.

• Versatility: Great as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in the morning and bake when ready.

Health Benefits

• Protein-Rich: Cheeses and egg provide high-quality protein.

• Calcium & Vitamin B12: Dairy ingredients support bone health and energy metabolism.

• Parsley: Offers vitamin K, antioxidants, and fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with tzatziki, marinara, or aioli for extra flavor.

• Accompaniments: Pair slices with a crisp green salad or grilled veggies.

• Beverage Pairings: A dry rosé, light lager, or sparkling water with lemon complements the richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling: Too much filling causes leaks—maintain a 2 cm border.

• Skipping Egg Wash: Leads to a dull, pale crust; ensure even brushing.

• Underbaking: Results in soggy pastry—bake until fully puffed and golden.

Pairing Recommendations

• Wines: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for crisp contrast.

• Beers: Belgian witbier or pilsner highlight savory notes.

• Non-Alcoholic: Iced tea with a splash of lemon or herbal infusions.

Cooking Tips

• Chill Filling: If pastry softens too much during assembly, chill the roll 5 minutes before baking.

• Uniform Slices: Use dental floss or a serrated knife for clean cuts.

• Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack for heat.

Similar Recipes to Try

• Spinach & Feta Puff Pastry Pinwheels

• Ham & Gruyère Pastry Roll

• Mushroom & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Tart

• Pepperoni & Mozzarella Calzones

Variations to Try

• Herb Twist: Add chopped rosemary or thyme to the filling.

• Spicy Kick: Increase chili sauce or add chopped jalapeños.

• Sweet & Savory: Drizzle honey over slices and add fig preserves.

Ingredient Spotlight: Feta Cheese

Feta’s bright, tangy flavor and crumbly texture contrast beautifully with rich cream cheese and smooth pastry. Made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, it’s a staple of Mediterranean cuisine known for its versatility and nutritional benefits, including probiotics and calcium.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic & Feta Puff Pastry Roll is proof that impressive, restaurant-quality appetizers can be both quick and straightforward. With its flaky layers, creamy garlic-infused filling, and gooey cheese crown, it promises to become a beloved recipe for gatherings, weekday dinners, and anytime you crave comfort in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead?
   Assemble, wrap tightly, and refrigerate up to 4 hours; bake straight from cold, adding 5 minutes to cook time.

2. How do I prevent soggy pastry?
   Ensure the filling isn’t too wet and maintain the pastry border to seal in moisture.

3. Can I freeze the roll?
   Freeze unbaked, wrapped roll for up to 1 month; bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes.

4. What if I don’t have puff pastry?
   Use phyllo sheets brushed with butter—layer 4–5 sheets for similar flakiness.

5. Can I omit the chili sauce?
   Yes—substitute with smoked paprika for warmth without heat.

6. Is there a vegetarian version?
   Omit any meat add-ins; this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly.

7. How to reheat leftovers?
   Warm slices in a 180 °C oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh crispiness.

8. Why add vinegar?
   A splash of acid balances the richness of the cheeses and enhances flavor.

9. How to make mini versions?
   Cut pastry into smaller rectangles and roll individually; adjust bake time to 15–18 minutes.

10. Can I use lactose-free cheese?