Halloumi is a firm, salty Greek cheese – but that’s about the only “Greek” thing about this recipe. With a cornmeal coating (which gives the halloumi nuggets a great texture and flavor) and a hot honey sauce mixed with Vietnamese Huy Fong Chili Garlic Sauce (my favorite Asian hot sauce), you’re going to love this delicious mash-up of some really yummy flavors!
What is Halloumi cheese?
Halloumi is a Greek cheese that miraculously doesn’t really melt. This makes it perfect for grilling, frying, baking, etc., because it won’t lose its structural integrity when you cook it! It also has a subtle flavor from mint leaves that are usually packed with it. It’s got that squeaky, salty farmer’s cheese texture and flavor and you’re going to fall in love with it. I’ve found that many regular grocery stores have started to carry more Greek cheeses than just feta, and you will likely be able to find it in the cheese section (near the feta) of your grocery store. You can also order halloumi online.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Halloumi – this can be substituted with another cheese that’s meant for frying or grilling, and doesn’t melt much when cooked, such as Queso Para Frier or Paneer.Cornmeal – you can use panko breadcrumbs to coat the halloumi bites if you prefer, but I like cornmeal for the flavor, texture, and that it makes it gluten-free.Egg Olive oil – I used it for frying, but you can use another oil that you prefer.Honey – you can use Mike’s Hot Honey if you prefer and skip the chili garlic sauce.Chili Garlic Sauce – I love Huy Fong Chili Garlic sauce for this (you can likely find it in the international aisle in your grocery store). Sriracha can be used, or 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes mixed with the honey. Or just omit it if you don’t like spice and drizzle with plain honey.Fresh basil leaves – for garnish, totally optional but it DOES look pretty.
Please scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe including ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.
How to make Fried Halloumi Bites
Please scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe including ingredient amounts and detailed instructions.
Other halloumi recipes
Arugula Salad with Grilled Pears and Grilled Halloumi (from Diane Kochilas)Fried Halloumi Cheese with Cherry Tomatoes (from Olive Tomato)Halloumi Burgers (from Souvlaki for the Soul)Baked Greek Chicken with Halloumi (from The Hungry Bites)Hasselback Eggplant with Halloumi and Spinach Pesto (from Dimitra’s Dishes)
Other fancy-pants cheese appetizer recipes
Baked Brie en Croûte with Cranberry SauceOven-Baked Goat Cheese Balls with Fresh Basil and HoneyToasted RavioliSmoked Salmon and Caper Cream Cheese ToastsMediterranean Seven-Layer Dip
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