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Fried Halloumi Bites with Honey Chili Sauce

This Fried Halloumi Bites recipe features cornmeal-coated halloumi cheese nuggets pan-fried and drizzled with spicy honey chili garlic sauce!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 269 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. Mix the honey (1/4 cup) with the chili garlic sauce (1/2 teaspoon). Set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 Information

Calories 269kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 10mg (3%) Sodium 701mg (29%) Potassium 41mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 15IU (0%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 570mg (57%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 269

% Daily Value*

Calories 269kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 10mg 3%
Sodium 701mg 29%
Potassium 41mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 15IU 0%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 570mg 57%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.