This Fried Halloumi Cheese Toast recipe is my go-to comfort food because it’s like a gourmet cafĂ© breakfast but made right at home. The crispy sourdough and the perfectly browned halloumi, with hints of garlic and fresh herbs, make every bite an indulgence worth savoring.
I am completely enamored with the deep, tasty nature of fried halloumi when it comes to lunch. Halloumi is a semihard, unripened cheese made from a mixture of sheep’s and cow’s milk.
It’s hearty enough to hold its own when simply prepared: cut it into slabs, pan-fry it in a little olive oil, and serve it nestled on a tangy lemony spread; right now, I’m using up a batch of preserved lemon aioli. All the while, halloumi is a complete cheese; it’s loaded with protein and calcium and has a pretty good bound water.
So it’s quick and easy, but it somehow still feels gourmet. A sprinkle of oregano and a touch of garlic tied it all together.
Ingredients
Halloumi Cheese
High in protein, full-flavored and salty, with good melting properties.
Sourdough Bread
Has probiotics, a chewy consistency, and a subtile tartness.
Olive Oil
Fats that are healthy amplify taste and bestow benefits that are good for the heart.
Lemon Juice
Imparts tartness, provides vitamin C, enlivens flavor.
Dried Oregano
The fragrant herbs are antioxidants and have an earthy flavor.
Ingredient Quantities
Sure, here’s a list of ingredients for Fried Halloumi Cheese Toast:
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- 200g halloumi cheese, sliced
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, halved
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Chili flakes, for garnish (optional)
“`
Instructions
1. Start with 200g of halloumi cheese. Cut it into pieces that are roughly 1/4-inch thick. These will be used for frying. Slice the cheese in half if necessary to fit the frying pan.
2. In a tiny vessel, blend 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a smidgen of salt and black pepper. Mix them angelically.
3. Warm a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Place the halloumi slices in the pan, allowing them to cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want the cheese to be nicely browned, but not too melted.
4. Fry the halloumi; at the same time, toast 4 slices of sourdough bread until they are golden and crispy.
5. After toasting, use the halved garlic clove to flavor the sourdough bread by rubbing it over the surface. This will infuse the bread with the wonderful flavor of garlic.
6. Spoon the lemon and herb mixture over the toasted bread slices.
7. Set out the fried halloumi slices atop the prepared sourdough.
In a small bowl, whisk together the beet juice, tahini, and a splash of water; season with salt and pepper.
8. A fresh mint leaf garnish and a sprinkle of chili flakes go a long way toward making this blend look and taste fabulous.
9. You can put an additional drizzle of olive oil on top if you desire.
10. Enjoy your fried halloumi cheese toast served immediately while the warm cheese is at its best.
Equipment Needed
1. Non-stick frying pan
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Toaster or toaster oven
7. Spoon
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of bread instead of sourdough?A: Of course, feel free to use any crusty bread you like, such as ciabatta or baguette, letting them lend their own slightly different texture and flavor.
- Q: How do I prevent the halloumi from sticking to the pan?Ensure the pan is at an appropriate temperature and oiled efficiently before introducing the halloumi slices. This is essential for avoiding an adhesive situation with the cheese as it cooks and for achieving a pretty and tasty golden crust.
- Q: Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?You can replace the halloumi with a cheese alternative that is plant-based and suitable for grilling. However, doing so will change the taste and texture of the dish.
- Q: How do I store leftover halloumi toast?A: Store all leftover parts in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. For the best results, reheat the halloumi and toast just before serving.
- Q: What can I serve alongside the fried halloumi cheese toast?A: A fresh salad, grilled veggies, or a soup makes this a complete meal.
- Q: Can I add other spices or herbs to the recipe?A: You may personalize the flavors by incorporating extra spices or herbs into the seasoning, such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika.
Substitutions and Variations
To replace halloumi cheese, you can use paneer or queso fresco, which have a similar texture.
Use ciabatta or baguette slices instead of sourdough bread.
If you don’t have olive oil, use avocado oil or sunflower oil instead.
For a somewhat different citrus flavor, lime juice can substitute for lemon juice.
Dried basil or dried thyme can be used in place of dried oregano.
Pro Tips
1. Check the Halloumi Texture: Before frying, pat the halloumi slices dry with a paper towel. This helps reduce excess moisture, allowing the cheese to achieve a better, golden-brown sear.
2. Optimize Your Frying Pan: Use a non-stick frying pan for a smooth cooking process and even browning. If available, cast iron skillet can add extra flavor and heat retention, enhancing the toasting process.
3. Experiment with Seasonings: Customize the lemon and herb mixture by adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added depth. A dash of smoked paprika can provide a mild, spicy kick to the cheese.
4. Perfect the Toast: If you have a grill pan, use it to give the sourdough bread appealing grill marks, which not only look great but add a subtle smoky flavor.
5. Chili Flakes and Spice Control: Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice tolerance. For a milder variant, substitute with sweet paprika or skip the chili flakes altogether.
Fried Halloumi Cheese Toast Recipe
My favorite Fried Halloumi Cheese Toast Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Non-stick frying pan
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Toaster or toaster oven
7. Spoon
Ingredients:
Sure, here’s a list of ingredients for Fried Halloumi Cheese Toast:
“`html
- 200g halloumi cheese, sliced
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, halved
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Chili flakes, for garnish (optional)
“`
Instructions:
1. Start with 200g of halloumi cheese. Cut it into pieces that are roughly 1/4-inch thick. These will be used for frying. Slice the cheese in half if necessary to fit the frying pan.
2. In a tiny vessel, blend 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a smidgen of salt and black pepper. Mix them angelically.
3. Warm a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Place the halloumi slices in the pan, allowing them to cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want the cheese to be nicely browned, but not too melted.
4. Fry the halloumi; at the same time, toast 4 slices of sourdough bread until they are golden and crispy.
5. After toasting, use the halved garlic clove to flavor the sourdough bread by rubbing it over the surface. This will infuse the bread with the wonderful flavor of garlic.
6. Spoon the lemon and herb mixture over the toasted bread slices.
7. Set out the fried halloumi slices atop the prepared sourdough.
In a small bowl, whisk together the beet juice, tahini, and a splash of water; season with salt and pepper.
8. A fresh mint leaf garnish and a sprinkle of chili flakes go a long way toward making this blend look and taste fabulous.
9. You can put an additional drizzle of olive oil on top if you desire.
10. Enjoy your fried halloumi cheese toast served immediately while the warm cheese is at its best.
