Name: Crispy Fried Halloumi with Hot Honey & Garlic
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2-3 tbsp olive oil (for frying); 8 oz halloumi cheese (sliced); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (you won't use every last bit); 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 eggs (whisked ); 2/3-1/2 cup liquid honey; red pepper flakes (to taste, I add a generous pinch to the honey)

Cheese, on its own, is magical. But crispy fried cheese? Even better. Not only is this pan fried halloumi recipe incredibly delicious, but you’ll find it’s just as easy too. These crispy pieces of fried halloumi are served alongside spicy honey for dipping, making them the perfect cheesy, easy appetizer for any occasion.

There’s no reason you can’t fry halloumi on its own and serve it up without any breading. But a light layer of panko takes it to the next level and gives it an irresistible crunch. Then, you dip the crispy pieces of cheese into spicy honey and prepare to fall in love.

My goat cheese grilled cheese with honey and red pepper flakes is one of the most popular recipes on my site. That tells me you probably like honey and red pepper flakes on other things too, which is why I think you’ll be just as obsessed with this recipe as I am!

But if you’re new to halloumi cheese, let’s start by talking about that a little bit before we get into the recipe details.

What is halloumi cheese?

Most halloumi is made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk or cow’s milk, or sometimes just one of those. The cheese is really salty, and it has a high melting point which makes it perfect for frying! Halloumi has almost a “rubbery” texture, but only in the sense that it’s rather firm and holds its shape. It also doesn’t have an overpowering “cheese” flavor the way feta or blue cheese can. It’s just a really delicious treat and it also makes a great meat substitute because you can fry or grill it without it melting all over the place.

It usually comes shaped like this, folded in half. When I cook with it, I lay it flat (it’s okay if it cracks) and then I slice it.

Fried halloumi ingredients

Now, onto the good stuff! Here’s what you need to make this fried halloumi recipe with hot honey and garlic for yourself.

Halloumi cheese
Panko bread crumbs
Eggs
Garlic powder
Liquid honey
Red pepper flakes
Olive oil

The hot honey is the cherry on top! Don’t skip it.

Recipe tips

Before you go ahead and make this recipe for yourself, please take a minute to read these tips so it turns out as amazing as possible for you!

Gently dap the slices of halloumi with paper towel or a dish towel before coating it in the egg to remove any additional moisture.
Don’t worry about getting every piece totally covered in the breading! It’s not meant to be substantially coated, so don’t worry about there being gaps in the breading.
Lay your fried halloumi pieces on a paper towel for a minute or two after cooking them to absorb any extra oil.
These are best served hot, right after cooking.
If you cut your halloumi into approximately 1 cm. thick strips, this makes about 16-20 pieces
You’ll have extra breadcrumbs and egg left in their dishes. Don’t worry about using all of it, but it’s better to have more than you need.

pan fried halloumi with a white dish filled with honey and red pepper flakes

Crispy Fried Halloumi with Hot Honey & Garlic

These crispy pan fried halloumi bites are served with hot honey on the side and they make the perfect easy appetizer for any occasion. A bit of garlic powder mixed with the panko breadcrumbs adds another layer of flavor, and you won't be able to stop at just one slice—I guarantee it!

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Prep Time 7 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Course Appetizer

Servings

Calories 406 kcal

Ingredients

2-3 tbsp olive oil for frying
8 oz halloumi cheese sliced
1 cup panko breadcrumbs you won't use every last bit
2 tsp garlic powder
2 eggs whisked
2/3-1/2 cup liquid honey
red pepper flakes to taste, I add a generous pinch to the honey

Instructions

Slice your halloumi into strips about 1 cm. thick. (Don't make them too thin or they'll fall apart)
Blot each piece with paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Whisk two eggs in a shallow dish.
In a separate dish, add the panko crumbs and garlic powder and stir.
To the dish with the eggs, add each slice of halloumi and flip so the slices get coated with the eggs.
Move the slices of halloumi from the egg dish to the dish with the breadcrumbs. Flip the pieces so they're covered on both sides. Don't worry if there are gaps without breading, the cheese doesn't need to be completely covered.
Heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil in a large frying pan on medium heat. Once hot, add the halloumi and cook on each side for 2-4 minutes, or until it is crispy and golden brown to your liking.
If you're cooking in batches, add another splash of oil between batches.
Move the fried halloumi to a plate lined with paper towel for a moment before serving to absorb excess oil.
Combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small bowl for dipping. I add a generous pinch for more of a kick.
Serve the fried halloumi hot, within a few minutes of cooking. Dip each piece into the hot honey. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 14gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 660mgPotassium: 86mgFiber: 1gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 95IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 489mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

You may have noticed I haven’t been posting too many new recipes lately. To be honest, the last few I was working on just didn’t blow me away. Not to mention, my “day job” has been busier than ever so I have nothing left in my cup at the end of the day…I’m guessing some of you can relate? ANYWAY, all of that to say….this recipe has lit a fire under my butt again. It was love at first taste and I just couldn’t wait to share it with you.

I hope you’re as excited about it as I am. Please let me know what you think!

Thanks for sticking around, means a lot to me!

XO,

Chelsea

Crispy Pan Fried Halloumi with Hot Honey & Garlic

What is halloumi cheese?