Filo-Wrapped Cheese and Herb Rolls with Sesame Seeds
Crisp filo pastry filled with a blend of tangy white cheese and fresh herbs, finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a classic Lebanese appetizer. This lebanese-inspired snacks (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes turns sheets filo pastry sheets, olive oil, crumbled akkawi or feta cheese into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 sheets filo pastry sheets
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups crumbled akkawi or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups crumbled akkawi or feta cheese, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 2 tbsp chopped dill, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well.
- Step 3: Lay one filo sheet flat on a clean surface and brush lightly with 1/2 tbsp olive oil. Place a second sheet on top and brush again with olive oil.
- Step 4: Cut the layered filo sheets into 3-inch wide strips. Place about 1 tbsp of cheese-herb filling near one end of each strip.
- Step 5: Fold the filo over the filling to form a triangle, then continue folding the strip in a triangle shape until the entire strip is wrapped.
- Step 6: Arrange rolls on the prepared baking sheet and brush each roll with remaining olive oil.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds evenly over the rolls.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Cool slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Filo-Wrapped Cheese and Herb Rolls with Sesame Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Filo-Wrapped Cheese and Herb Rolls with Sesame Seeds?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Filo-Wrapped Cheese and Herb Rolls with Sesame Seeds?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Filo-Wrapped Cheese and Herb Rolls with Sesame Seeds for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Filo-Wrapped Cheese and Herb Rolls with Sesame Seeds vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.