There’s something about crispy halloumi fries that just makes my taste buds do a little dance. Imagine biting into a piece that’s golden and crunchy on the outside, yet soft and salty in the middle—it’s like a symphony of texture and flavor. Last week, I paired them with a tangy yogurt dip and, honestly, it felt like a mini celebration in my mouth.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs.
- Slice the halloumi cheese into long, rectangular sticks resembling fries.
- Coat each halloumi stick first in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the coated halloumi sticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Bake the sticks in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
- Serve the halloumi fries immediately with your choice of marinara, ranch, or garlic sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 block of halloumi cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1134kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 72g | Fat: 72g | Saturated Fat: 45g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 3348mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 234IU | Calcium: 2628mg | Iron: 9mg
FAQ
- What is halloumi cheese?
- Halloumi is a firm, white cheese traditionally made from sheep’s milk. Known for its salty taste and rubbery texture, it is often called “grilling cheese” because it doesn’t melt when heated, making it perfect for grilling or frying.
- Can halloumi fries be made in advance?
- While halloumi fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness, you can prepare them ahead by dredging the cheese and placing it on a baking tray. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.
- Are halloumi fries suitable for a gluten-free diet?
- Yes, you can make halloumi fries gluten-free by using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for the coating. Almond flour provides a similar texture and flavor without gluten.
- How should leftovers be stored?
- Leftover halloumi fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days. They can be eaten cold, perhaps chopped up in a salad for a tasty addition.
- What can I serve with halloumi fries?
- Halloumi fries pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic sauce. These sauces complement the crispy texture and savory flavor of the fries.
Tips
- Keep one hand wet and the other dry during the dredging process to prevent a sticky mess and make the task more manageable.
- Ensure the halloumi fries are spaced apart on the baking sheet to help them become crispy by allowing the panko coating to cook evenly without unnecessary steam buildup nearby.
- Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free, or use a general gluten-free flour blend as an alternative.
- If you can’t find halloumi, try using paneer or another firm white cheese that doesn’t melt easily as a substitute.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet – A good quality, non-stick baking sheet for even baking.
- Parchment Paper – For lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mixing Bowls – A set of small bowls for setting up the dredging station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Knife and Cutting Board – While these are common kitchen items, a high-quality knife and cutting board might be a worthwhile purchase if needed.
- Airtight Containers – For storing any leftovers in the fridge.
