Savory Pesto Feta Rolls Recipe

Golden Swirls: Savory Pesto Feta Rolls Recipe for Snack Lovers

Soft, pillowy dough meets the vibrant zest of homemade pesto feta rolls that dance with Mediterranean flavors.

These delectable rolls burst with a tangy, herbal blend that seduces every taste bud.

Each spiral promises a delightful journey through rich, creamy textures and aromatic herbs.

The combination of fresh basil pesto and crumbled feta creates a stunning sensory experience for bread lovers.

Warm from the oven, these rolls beckon with their golden-brown edges and irresistible aroma.

Restaurant-quality comfort emerges right from your own kitchen, transforming a simple meal into a gourmet celebration.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of these irresistible rolls.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

Pesto Feta Roll Ingredients and Details

For Dough Ingredients:
  • Whole Milk: Activates yeast and provides richness, choose full-fat milk for best texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness, select fine-grain sugar for smooth dissolving.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Crucial for dough rising, ensure freshness by checking expiration date.
  • Large Eggs: Bind ingredients and create tender texture, use room temperature eggs for even mixing.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates dough structure, look for unbleached flour for better flavor.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances overall taste, provides balance to sweet and savory elements.
For Filling Ingredients:
  • Pesto, Fresh Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds vibrant flavor layers, choose high-quality jarred pesto and fresh spinach.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Feta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy depth, select freshly grated cheeses for best melting.
  • Garlic: Introduces aromatic intensity, opt for fresh minced garlic over pre-packaged.
For Finishing Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates golden, soft crust and adds richness, use high-quality European-style butter if possible.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances final flavor profile, sprinkle lightly for perfect seasoning.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds final savory touch, grate freshly for maximum flavor impact.

Tools for Rolling Pesto Feta Pastries

  • Stand Mixer: Essential for kneading dough smoothly and efficiently.
  • Dough Hook: Crucial attachment for mixing and developing dough consistency.
  • Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing yeast mixture and combining ingredients.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending milk, sugar, and yeast together.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for cutting rolled dough into even rolls.
  • 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Ideal for holding and baking the rolls.
  • Pastry Brush: Useful for applying melted butter on dough and after baking.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps roll out dough to perfect rectangular shape.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Plastic Wrap: Used to cover dough during rising process.

How to Make Pesto Feta Rolls Easily

  • Yeast Awakening

Gently warm milk and sprinkle yeast, letting magical fermentation begin. Watch as tiny organisms transform liquid into bubbly excitement.

  • Dough Foundation

Mix flour, sugar, and salt in mixer. Slowly incorporate liquid ingredients, kneading until silky smooth texture emerges. Let dough rest and grow in warm sanctuary.

  • Flavor Canvas

Roll dough into delicate rectangle, creating blank slate for culinary creativity. Spread vibrant green pesto across surface, transforming plain pastry into tantalizing landscape.

  • Cheese Symphony

Scatter feta crumbles, parmesan shavings, and mozzarella across pesto terrain. Sprinkle spinach leaves and sun-dried tomato jewels for extra flavor complexity.

  • Rolling Technique

Carefully roll dough into tight spiral, slicing into twelve delectable rounds. Nestle these flavor-packed wheels into buttered baking dish.

  • Baking Magic

Slide dish into preheated oven, watching rolls transform into golden-brown masterpieces. Crispy edges, melted cheese interior promise culinary adventure.

  • Finishing Touch

Brush warm rolls with garlic-infused butter, crown with extra parmesan sprinkle. Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Tips to Customize Pesto Feta Rolls

  • Add extra cheese varieties like gouda or blue cheese for a more complex flavor profile, creating a delightful cheese explosion in every bite.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped basil, oregano, or thyme directly into the filling to elevate the herbal notes and bring more freshness to the rolls.
  • Prepare the rolls up to the point of second rising, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to come to room temperature, making meal prep super convenient.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste or texture of these delectable rolls.
  • Incorporate crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham into the filling for a more substantial and protein-packed breakfast or brunch option that keeps you satisfied longer.

Serving Pesto Rolls for Parties or Snacks

  • Brunch Bliss: Serve these pesto feta rolls as a stunning centerpiece for a weekend brunch gathering with friends and family.
  • Mediterranean Meal Companion: Pair these savory rolls alongside a crisp Greek salad or light cucumber tomato salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that bursts with fresh flavors.
  • Appetizer Delight: Cut rolls into smaller portions and serve as irresistible appetizers during cocktail parties or game day gatherings, providing a gourmet twist to traditional finger foods.
  • Wine and Cheese Night: Complement these cheesy rolls with a chilled glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, creating a sophisticated and delectable flavor experience that will impress your guests.

Keeping Pesto Feta Rolls Fresh Longer

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store rolls in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture loss.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags for convenient storage up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated rolls in microwave for 20-30 seconds or restore crispy exterior by placing in preheated 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through completely.
  • Room Temperature Wisdom: Allow freshly baked rolls to cool completely before storing, preventing condensation buildup that could make bread soggy and reduce overall quality.
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Savory Pesto Feta Rolls Recipe

Savory Pesto Feta Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired pesto feta rolls showcase a delightful blend of herbal and tangy flavors. Crisp pastry wraps around creamy feta and aromatic basil pesto, promising a quick and elegant appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.75 cups (344 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 jar (6.5 oz) pesto
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 jar (7 oz) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • ⅔ cup (163 g) whole milk, warmed to 105°F-115°F (40.5°C-46°C)
  • 0.5 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces, room temperature
  • 0.5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated and sprinkled on top

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Combine warm milk and sugar, sprinkle yeast, and whisk until fully integrated. Let rest for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Liquid Base Formation: Thoroughly whisk eggs into the yeast mixture, creating a smooth liquid foundation.
  3. Dry Ingredient Preparation: In a stand mixer, blend sugar, flour, and salt until uniformly combined.
  4. Dough Development: Gradually pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients while mixing at low speed. Slowly incorporate butter pieces, kneading at medium to medium-high speed until dough becomes soft and elastic.
  5. First Proofing: Transfer dough to a butter-coated bowl, brush surface with melted butter, and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in volume.
  6. Dough Shaping: Gently deflate dough and roll out on a floured surface into a rectangular shape. Spread pesto evenly, then layer parmesan, feta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella across the surface.
  7. Rolling and Cutting: Tightly roll the dough from the longest edge into a compact log. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife.
  8. Second Proofing: Arrange rolls in a prepared baking dish, leaving slight spacing. Cover and let rise in a warm location until nearly doubled.
  9. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 32-35 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown color.
  10. Finishing Touches: Blend melted butter with minced garlic and sea salt. Brush generously over warm rolls and sprinkle additional parmesan cheese to enhance flavor and appearance.

Notes

  • Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure milk temperature is precisely 110°F to guarantee proper yeast activation and prevent killing the microorganisms.
  • Dough Elasticity Check: Knead until dough becomes smooth and springs back when gently pressed, indicating proper gluten development.
  • Rising Environment: Select a consistently warm spot around 75-80°F without drafts to promote optimal dough expansion and texture.
  • Cutting Technique: Use a sharp serrated knife or dental floss for clean, even roll slices without compressing the delicate dough.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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