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Home » Healthy Appetizers & Hors D'Oeuvres » Halloumi Fries with Greek Yogurt Dip

Halloumi Fries with Greek Yogurt Dip

Dec 27, 2022 · by Valentina · 18 Comments

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Halloumi Fries are an easy-to-make unexpected and absolutely scrumptious appetizer, snack or side dish. With an inherently tangy-salty flavor, they have a crispy caramelized crust and a soft and creamy interior. When you dip them in the Greek yogurt dip, you might love them even more!Black ceramic bowl filled with Halloumi Fries with a sprig of oregano and a lemon rind twist.

Halloumi Fries are also called Halloumi Sticks or Halloumi Chips.

You've probably heard of fried cheese sticks, like Mozzarella sticks, but Halloumi Fries are quite different. Soft and creamy on the inside and super crispy on the outside, they're amazing!

Like most traditional French fries, these are essentially a one ingredient fry. Sautéeing Halloumi cheese in a small amount of oil is the most simple, healthy and most delicious cooking technique for turning them into fries. (And it keeps them keto and gluten-free to boot.)

The Ingredients (Fried Halloumi & Dip)

Block of Halloumi cheese, lemon, fresh herbs, yogurt and chili powder on a cutting board to make fries.

  • Halloumi cheese - This can be found in many major supermarkets including Vons, Ralph's, Aldi, Gelson's, Costco, Amazon and Trader Joe's. It comes in blocks of various sizes.
  • olive oil - Regular or extra virgin is okay.
  • whole-fat plain Greek yogurt - Greek yogurt has a lovely rich and creamy texture that’s ideal for dips.
  • fresh lemon juice - Use Meyer lemons over regular lemons when given the option. Meyer lemons are a touch less tart and a touch sweeter. And with a thinner skin and fewer seeds, they are incredibly juicy.
  • mixed fresh herbs - You can use mint, oregano, thyme, basil or dill. This is really up to you. It’s fun to use mint because traditionally, in addition to its natural juices, Halloumi was wrapped in fresh mint leaves to preserve it.
  • chile powder - Mild or hot. I use a mix of both -- Ancho and Chipotle.
  • honey (optional)
  • black pepper (optional) - Preferably freshly ground.

(See recipe card below for quantities.)

About a dozen golden brown Halloumi fries in a skillet.

How to Make Them

- In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with the chile powder, finely chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice and honey (if using) and pepper (if using) until smooth. Set aside.

- Place the block of cheese on a paper towel, wrap it around it and pat it dry.Block .of Halloumi cheese on a paper towel

- Cut the Halloumi into 12 approximately ¼ to ½-inch sticks. Place them on a paper towel and then place a second towel on top and pat them dry.Several sticks of Halloumi cheese drying on paper towels.

- Heat a large non-stick skillet over high heat with a thin layer of olive oil until it’s very hot. Place the Halloumi sticks in the pan, one by one. If you don’t hear a sizzling sound, the pan and oil are not hot enough yet. Wait until they are.Raw Halloumi cheese slices in a black skillet.

- Sauté until the bottoms are nicely browned, about 4 minutes. (Look at the golden brown bottoms of the the slices in the below image. This is how they should look when it's time to flip them.)Halloumi slices in a skillet with golden bottoms.

- Then flip them over and brown the other side.Golden brownHalloumi fries in a skillet.

- If desired, you can brown the sides by stacking the sticks upright in the pan. They can lean against each other. Or you can use rubber heat-resistant tongs to hold them on the uncooked edge for a few seconds.Several Halloumi Fries upright in a skillet with one being help up by rubber tongs.

- Serve the fried Halloumi immediately with the dip.Black ceramic bowl filled with Halloumi Fries with a tiny bowl with Greek yogurt dip.

(More detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.)

All About Halloumi

What is Halloumi?


Made from goat and sheep milk, Halloumi is a traditional cheese of Cyprus. (Cow milk is sometimes added also.)

Preserved in a brine, it’s an unripened cheese with a very firm texture that becomes creamy when warmed.

Popular in most Middle Eastern cuisines, the cheese can be eaten raw, grated, sautéed, grilled, deep fired, and baked. It can even be cooked in an air-fryer. (In this Halloumi Fries recipe we’ll be sautéing it.)

Halloumi is very tolerant to high heat, which is why it can be cooked and hold its shape.

Very recently, in 2021, The European Union recognized Halloumi cheese as a product unique to Cyprus, giving it Protected designation of Origin. This means it can only be produced in Cyprus under certain guidelines, and no other products can be marketed with its name.

What does Halloumi taste like?

It has a tangy salty flavor and is somewhat spongy and squeaky in texture. By squeaky, I mean how it feels when you bite it.

Recipe Tips

  • If you want to reduce some of the salty flavor from the brine, you can rinse the cheese in cold water. And you’ll get the best results if you soak it in cold water for up to an hour. This is your call -- in my recipe, other than patting it dry with paper towels, I use it as is.
  • It’s important that the pan be very hot before you add the cheese slices. If you don’t hear a strong sizzling sound when it hits the pan, wait until it’s hotter. This is how to achieve a beautiful golden and crispy crust on the Halloumi chips.
  • It’s easiest to make the fries in a non-stick pan.
  • Be sure there’s at least an inch or two between slices of cheese in your pan, otherwise they won’t crisp up as well.
  • For the dip, if you use the honey and it’s especially thick, warm it for a few seconds in a microwave so it mixes evenly into the yogurt.

Substitutions

  • As I mentioned above, a variety of fresh fine herbs can be used in the dip. You can use one, two, a mix, etc. (I like to use a combination of mint, thyme and oregano.)
  • I use a mix of mild and hot chile powders. You can substitute all of one or the other, and for a completely mild flavor, you can substitute it with about ¼ teaspoon of sweet paprika.
  • While the honey is optional, I love it if I use a hot chile powder, to balance the flavors. You can substitute it with sugar, and if you’re only using mild chile powder, you might want to skip it.
  • If your prefer lime over lemon, go for it.
  • Though a bit less rich and creamy, you can substitute the whole-fat Greek yogurt with low-fat or fat-free if you want.
  • Grapeseed oil is a good satuéeing alternative to the olive oil.
  • Of course this recipe is all about Halloumi, but if for some reason you can’t find it, and want to try something similar, Panela and Bread Cheese are both good substitutes for Halloumi.

Serving Suggestions

  • Halloumi Fries are a finger food, so they're a fantastic appetizer for sharing, with or without the dip. Everyone loves them to start a meal.
  • In addition to serving them with the included Greek yogurt dip, you can try other dips too. Chipotle Aioli and Cilantro Chimichurri sauce would both be great. Whichever dip you use, be sure the salt content is low or non-existent, since the cheese already has a pretty salty flavor.
  • I love these fries served alongside burgers, both vegetarian and meat. They'd be really good with Yellow Split Pea Burgers or Mediterranean Burgers.
  • They can also be tossed into salads for a delicious soft and crispy texture -- almost like croutons. You can also slice the cheese a bit bigger and make Watermelon Halloumi Salad Sandwiches.

More Unique French Fry Recipes

  • Spicy Daikon Radish Fries
  • Avocado Fries
  • Curry Fries

Making Them Ahead

  • There’s no question that Halloumi Fries are best right out of the pan. That’s when the inside is at its creamiest, and they’re just magical when they're warm.
  • That said, if you refrigerate leftovers and want to reheat them, the oven will likely be your best bet. (Place the Halloumi Fries on a wire rack on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for just under 5 minutes.)

I hope you love these crispy Halloumi Fries with Greek Yogurt Dip as much as my family and I do!

Black ceramic bowl filled with Halloumi Fries with a sprig of oregano and a lemon rind twist.

Halloumi Fries Recipe

Valentina K. Wein
Halloumi Fries are an unexpected and absolutely scrumptious appetizer, snack or side dish. With an inherently tangy-salty flavor, they have a crispy caramelized crust and a soft and creamy interior. When you dip them in the sweet and spicy Greek yogurt dip, you might love them even more!
5 from 4 votes
Print
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 6 minutes mins
Total Time 16 minutes mins
Course Side Dish, Snacks
Servings 4
Calories 182 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • rubber heat-resistant tongs

Ingredients
 
 

For the dip

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, whole fat
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (mint, thyme, oregano, dill -- any combination), washed and dried
  • 2 teaspoons honey (optional)*
  • ½ teaspoon plus ⅛ teaspoon hot or mild chile powder (or a combination)
  • a few turns of black pepper (optional)*

For the fries

  • 5½ ounce block Halloumi cheese
  • olive oil for the pan

Instructions
 

For the Dip

  • In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with the chile powder, finely chopped fresh herbs, lemon juice, honey (if using) and black pepper (if using). Set aside.

For the Fries

  • Prepare the Halloumi. Place the block of cheese on a paper towel and wrap it around it to pat it dry. Then cut it into 12 approximately ¼ to ½-inch sticks. Place them on a paper towel and then place a second towel on top and pat them dry.
  • Sauté. Heat a large non-stick skillet (about 12-inch) over high heat with a thin layer of olive oil until it’s very hot. Place the Halloumi sticks in the pan, one by one. If you don’t hear a sizzling sound, the pan and oil are not hot enough yet. Wait until they are.
    Cook on high for the first couple of minutes and then reduce the heat to medium heat. Sauté until the bottoms are nicely browned, about 4 minutes. Then flip them, and keeping the heat at medium, brown the other side. This should take just a couple of minutes.
    If desired, you can brown the thinner edges by stacking the sticks upright in the pan. They can lean against each other. Or you can use rubber heat-resistant tongs to hold them on the uncooked edge for a few seconds.
  • Serve!

NOTES

*I like to add the honey when I'm using a hot chile powder, to balance it out. Taste your dip without it and if you think it needs a bit of sweetness, add it.
*The black pepper is a great addition if you use a mild chile powder.
Calorie count is only an estimate.

NUTRITION

Calories: 182kcal
Keywords unique French fry recipes, cooked cheese recipes, halloumi recipes
Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. angiesrecipes

    December 28, 2022 at 11:01 am

    Love Halloumi! These cheese sticks look so perfectly golden and moreish.

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 31, 2022 at 10:47 pm

      Thank you, Angie! Happy 2023! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  2. Chef Mimi

    December 28, 2022 at 12:29 pm

    I’ve fried a lot of halloumi slices, but never like this! I can’t wait to make them!!! Love the dip, too.

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 31, 2022 at 10:47 pm

      Thank you, Mimi. How you have a wonderful year ahead! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  3. Eha

    December 28, 2022 at 2:00 pm

    Halloumi is very popular in Australia and available even in the smallest supermarkets ossibly because of the huge number of Mediterranean migrants here. As I am very careful about the amount of fats, I use tasty dishes like this are not thought of too often . . . but mine are made rather similarly to this from locally made but absolutely delicious 'halloumi
    . No rinsing or soaking but plenty of fresh mint and oregano . . . 🙂 !

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 31, 2022 at 10:48 pm

      You like it the way I do. 😀 Thank you for visiting. Wishing you a happy new year with good health and happiness. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  4. Marissa

    December 28, 2022 at 4:28 pm

    5 stars
    I adore halloumi, so these fries are calling my name! And the tangy, creamy, herbaceous dip would make them even better!

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 31, 2022 at 10:51 pm

      Enjoy and thank you, Marissa! Happy New Year! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  5. David Scott Allen

    December 29, 2022 at 5:50 am

    Like everyone else, I love this recipe. I often cook halloumi to put on salads, but I’m thinking I want to serve this on Sunday afternoon before our anniversary dinner. We will have a late breakfast and a reasonably early dinner — these will be perfect for in between. And look, Ma… no garlic! 💚💚💚

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 31, 2022 at 10:53 pm

      Happy Anniversary! And Happy New Year! What a fun day to celebrate -- all around. Enjoy all of the Anniversary meals, and wishing you both lots of happiness in 2023. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  6. Kim Lange

    December 29, 2022 at 8:55 am

    5 stars
    These look amazing! So crispy delish!

    Reply
    • valentina

      December 31, 2022 at 10:53 pm

      Hi Kim! Thank you and Happy New Year. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  7. Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!

    December 31, 2022 at 6:51 am

    I've never had halloumi. I'm going to have to keep my eyes out for it. These fries sound so delicious, especially with the dip. Happy New Year!

    Reply
  8. valentina

    December 31, 2022 at 10:54 pm

    And a very happy New Year to you too. Thanks so much, Jeff! 🙂 ~Valentina

    Reply
  9. Raymund | angsarap.net

    January 03, 2023 at 2:03 pm

    5 stars
    This is my favourite cheese! I am honestly drooling over this recipe.
    Happy New Year 🥂🍾🎉

    Reply
    • Valentina

      January 12, 2023 at 9:24 pm

      A very happy new year to you too! Thanks so much. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
  10. txgirl

    January 20, 2023 at 1:12 pm

    5 stars
    I've made your Halloumi Fries a few times now and just want to say how fantastic they are! We dip them in the spicy marinara from Rao's and they are divine! By the way, if anyone has a Trader Joe's nearby, Halloumi is about $4 less than the grocery store. Stock up, it lasts in the fridge for several months, and you will use this recipe often! 🙂

    Reply
    • Valentina

      January 20, 2023 at 10:11 pm

      Hi and thanks so much for writing. I'm so happy you love this recipe. Thank you for the Trader Joe's tip, too! It is indeed a very good deal there. Love that you have it with spicy marinara -- what a delicious idea. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining.

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