If you’ve never tried baked halloumi, oh, you’re in for a treat! These Baked Halloumi Bites are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and full of that signature salty, savory flavor that makes halloumi such a beloved cheese. Imagine a little golden nugget of deliciousness that’s perfect for snacking, serving at a party, or adding to a salad. Believe me when I say—you won’t be able to stop at just one!
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Ready to add a burst of flavor to your snack game? Let’s dive in and make these irresistible bites!
Why You’ll Love Baked Halloumi Bites
This recipe isn’t just about making something tasty; it’s about creating those little moments of joy. Whether you’re hanging out with friends, treating yourself to something special, or serving it at your next gathering, these Baked Halloumi Bites are perfect for every occasion. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite:
Versatile: Whether you’re serving these bites as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easy to whip up any time you’re craving something crispy and savory.
Budget-Friendly: Halloumi is a bit pricier than other cheeses, but the beauty of this recipe is that you only need a small amount to create a ton of flavor. It’s simple and satisfying without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: If you love quick and easy recipes, this one’s for you. It takes just a few steps and about 20 minutes to get these golden bites on your plate.
Customizable: Want to add a bit of spice? You can toss the halloumi in chili flakes or smoked paprika before baking. Feel free to get creative with seasonings and dipping sauces.
Crowd-Pleasing: These little bites are a hit with everyone! Whether you’re serving them to kids or adults, people can’t resist that warm, gooey texture combined with a crispy crust.
Ingredients in Baked Halloumi Bites
Here’s how simple and magical this dish is. You only need a few ingredients to make these Baked Halloumi Bites come to life:
Halloumi Cheese: This is the star of the show. Halloumi holds its shape beautifully when baked, giving you that perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers.
Olive Oil: A little drizzle of olive oil helps the cheese crisp up in the oven, giving it that golden perfection.
Breadcrumbs: For that crunchy exterior, breadcrumbs do wonders. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use panko for an extra crispy texture.
Dried Herbs: A mix of oregano, thyme, and rosemary will infuse the bites with fresh, fragrant flavors. You can switch it up with your favorite herbs!
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste! Halloumi is naturally salty, but a bit of extra seasoning elevates the flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these golden halloumi bites:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure a crispy exterior and perfectly baked cheese.
Cut the Halloumi: Slice the halloumi into bite-sized cubes or sticks, depending on how you want to serve them.
Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and dried herbs. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to season. In another bowl, drizzle olive oil over the halloumi, tossing to coat each piece.
Coat the Halloumi: Dip each piece of halloumi into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat it evenly on all sides. The breadcrumbs will give the bites their crispy texture when baked.
Bake to Perfection: Place the breaded halloumi on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You can flip them halfway through for an even bake.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the bites cool for a minute before serving. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce like tzatziki, spicy mayo, or a simple squeeze of lemon juice.
How to Serve Baked Halloumi Bites
These Baked Halloumi Bites pair beautifully with a variety of sides and dips. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
Fresh Salads: Pair them with a light salad, like a Greek salad with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. The fresh, bright flavors balance out the richness of the halloumi.
Dips: Serve with a cool and creamy dip, such as tzatziki, hummus, or a spicy aioli. It adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the bites even more irresistible.
Roasted Vegetables: For a complete meal, serve these halloumi bites with roasted veggies like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or carrots. It’s a well-rounded dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm pita or crusty bread to soak up the dip and add some texture to the meal.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prep the halloumi bites earlier in the day, coat them with breadcrumbs, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or a bit of cumin to the breadcrumbs if you love some heat.
Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even almond flour for the breading.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Double the Batch: These are perfect for batch cooking! Make extra to enjoy throughout the week, or freeze them for later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these with a different cheese?
A1: Halloumi works best for this recipe due to its firm texture, but you can try using mozzarella or feta, though they may melt differently.
Q2: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can bread the halloumi bites in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover halloumi bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
Q4: Can I freeze these bites?
A4: Yes! Freeze the breaded halloumi before baking, then bake from frozen when you’re ready to eat. Just add an extra few minutes to the bake time.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these bites?
A5: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back their crispiness.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! If you’re hosting a larger group or just want to have extra for later, doubling the recipe works perfectly.
Q7: What dipping sauces work well with these?
A7: Tzatziki, hummus, spicy mayo, or even a balsamic glaze complement the halloumi beautifully.
Q8: Can I make these on the stovetop?
A8: Yes! Pan-fry them in a little olive oil on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Q9: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A9: Yes! Fresh herbs will add a lovely fragrance and flavor. Just use more of them to match the intensity of dried herbs.
Q10: How do I prevent the halloumi from becoming too chewy?
A10: Make sure not to overbake the halloumi. You want it crispy on the outside but still soft and chewy inside.
Conclusion
Baked Halloumi Bites are an absolute winner, whether you’re in the mood for a savory snack, need a show-stopping appetizer, or just want something indulgent to munch on. With their perfect balance of crispy and chewy, and that amazing salty flavor, they’re sure to become a regular in your snack rotation. So go ahead—give them a try, and let your taste buds thank you later. You’ve got this!
Print
Baked Halloumi Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 32 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
Description
These delicious oven-baked halloumi bites are halloumi fries taken to the next level. With a crunchy dukkah crust, soft salty center, and a sweet honey drizzle, they’re the ultimate flavor-packed snack for your next party or gathering. Perfect as an appetizer or snack that will have guests raving!
Ingredients
For the halloumi bites:
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1 block halloumi (roughly 225g/8oz)
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1 cup dukkah (try the easy dukkah recipe)
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1 egg, whisked
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1/2 cup cornflour (or plain flour)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
To serve:
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Handful of chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
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1 tablespoon hot honey sauce (or regular honey)
For the smoky red pepper romesco sauce:
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2 red peppers (from a jar)
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1/4 cup almonds (or use cashew/walnuts/hazelnuts)
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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2 garlic cloves, peeled
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Prepare the halloumi:
Preheat the oven to 180°C/360°F fan. Pat the halloumi dry with a paper towel and cut it into small cubes. Cut the halloumi into strips following its natural fold, then slice each strip into cubes. Prepare 3 bowls: 1 with 1/2 cup flour, 1 with 1 cup dukkah, and 1 with whisked egg. Line an oven tray with baking paper. -
Coat the halloumi:
Toss the halloumi cubes in the flour to coat them. Then, dip each cube in the egg, followed by the dukkah, ensuring each cube is well-coated. Place the coated cubes on the lined tray, leaving some space between each bite for even cooking. Use separate hands for dry ingredients and egg to keep the process clean. -
Cook the halloumi bites:
Transfer the tray to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the halloumi is soft when pressed. -
Garnish and serve:
Once the halloumi bites are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over the bites and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with smoky red pepper romesco sauce on the side.For the smoky red pepper romesco sauce:
While the halloumi is baking, blend the jarred red peppers, almonds, apple cider vinegar, garlic, olive oil, and salt in a food processor until you achieve a chunky sauce.
Notes
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Serving tip: These halloumi bites are perfect with the smoky red pepper romesco sauce, but you can also serve them with other dipping sauces like tzatziki or spicy mayo.
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to retain their crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/32 recipe (1 bite)
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg