Let me introduce you to your new favorite easy halloumi recipe – Fried Halloumi Bites with Spicy Honey! This appetizer recipe, which also happens to be gluten-free, features halloumi cheese, cut into cubes, breaded in a thin layer of cornmeal, and shallow pan-fried in olive oil until golden brown. A mixture of honey and chili garlic sauce is drizzled on top for a sweet and spicy combo that’s perfect with the cheese.
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
- Bread the halloumi. Dip it in egg first, then in cornmeal to coat all sides, then place on a plate or baking sheet while you do the rest.
- Fry the halloumi. Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet and fry for about 1 minute on each side, until golden brown. Place on a paper towel lined plate when done to absorb excess oil. You will likely need to do two batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded.
- Mix the hot honey. Mix honey with chili garlic sauce.
- Drizzle the honey over the halloumi bites. Or use it as a dip! Garnish the halloumi with fresh basil, if you want.
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 Sauce
- Oven-Baked Goat Cheese Balls with Fresh Basil and Honey
- Toasted Ravioli
- Smoked Salmon and Caper Cream Cheese Toasts
- Mediterranean Seven-Layer Dip
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Fried Halloumi Bites with Honey Chili Sauce
Equipment
- Large heavy skillet (such as cast iron)
Ingredients
- 16 oz. halloumi cheese cut into approximately 1" cubes
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup cornmeal preferably stone-ground, plus more if needed
- 1/4 cup olive oil plus more if needed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili garlic sauce such as Huy Fong, or sriracha (see notes), more or less depending on spice preference
- fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, beat the egg well. In another shallow bowl, add the cornmeal (1/2 cup). Dip each halloumi cube into the egg to coat well, shaking off any excess, then coat each side in the cornmeal. Place on a large plate or baking sheet while you coat the remaining halloumi in the egg and cornmeal.
- Mix the honey (1/4 cup) with the chili garlic sauce (1/2 teaspoon). Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil (1/4 cup) in a large heavy skillet, such as cast iron, over medium high heat. Place the halloumi bites in the oil, cooking for about 1 minute on each side, until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Cook in batches so as not to overcrowd the skillet. Place on a paper towel lined plate or baking sheet while you cook the rest.
- Drizzle the honey on the halloumi bites and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe serves 8 as an appetizer but it can be served as a main course for four people (I like it with a side of Greek salad).
- Chili Garlic Sauce can be found in the international aisle in your grocery store, near the sriracha. Sriracha can also be used, or you can also just add about 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper to your honey and let it sit for a little. You can also use a store-bought hot honey like Mike’s.
- I love using a cornmeal coating for a unique crunchy texture and flavor. Panko breadcrumbs can also be used if you prefer.
- Halloumi can be substituted with another firm cheese that doesn’t melt easily, such as Paneer or Queso Para Frier.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information Disclaimer
The provided nutrition information is my best estimate and reflects one serving of the recipe (total servings indicated at top of recipe card). It does not include any added sodium from seasoning to taste, any optional ingredients, and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information. Feel free to calculate it yourself using one of these tools:
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