Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey Recipe

If you’re looking for a truly addictive appetizer or a snack that’s both crispy and luscious with a sweet-and-spicy kick, you have to try these Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey. Each bite is crunchy, golden, and just salty enough, while the drizzle of hot honey takes things to a whole new level of flavor bliss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in these Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey brings color, crunch, richness, or a punch of flavor. There’s nothing complicated here, but each ingredient truly shines in every mouthful!

• Halloumi Cheese (2 blocks, cubed): This high-melting-point cheese holds its shape under heat, giving you bites that are beautiful, chewy, and golden—not melty puddles!
• Panko Bread Crumbs (1 cup): Panko delivers that ultra-crunchy exterior. Regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as light.
• Grated Parmesan (1/2 cup): Adds nutty, salty complexity to the coating and helps things crisp up even more.
• Sesame Seeds (3 tablespoons): They add a pop of toasty flavor and little flecks of texture that make the bites even more addictive.
• Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough for a subtle warmth and a hint of smoky color.
• Black Pepper: A pinch for gentle heat that supports—but doesn’t compete with—the hot honey.
• 2 Large Eggs, Beaten: The “glue” that helps every single crumb cling to the cheese.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A quick drizzle over the assembled bites ensures phenomenal browning and crispness in the oven.
• Honey (1/3 cup) and Red Pepper Flakes: These two transform into the magical, spicy-sweet sauce that gets spooned over the bites while they’re still hot.

Variations

Halloumi is undeniably the star here, but Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey can flex with your pantry, party theme, or dietary needs. Feel free to let your creativity shine—each version is wonderful in its own way!

• Swap the Cheese: If you can’t find halloumi, try paneer or bread cheese for a similar grilling cheese effect—just be aware that results may vary in meltiness and saltiness.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko crumbs or even a mix of crushed gluten-free crackers and ground almonds for the coating.
• Change Up the Spices: Add extra smoked paprika, dried oregano, or za’atar to the crumb mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
• Veganize It: Substitute a plant-based grilling cheese and use aquafaba instead of egg if you want a dairy-free, vegan version (and swap out the honey for agave with your favorite chili flakes).

How to Make Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F for that restaurant-style sizzle, and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep things easy to clean up and ensure your Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey don’t stick.

Step 2: Make the Breaded Coating

In one bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended. In a separate, wide bowl, mix together the panko, grated parmesan, sesame seeds, paprika, and a generous grind of black pepper. Laying these out in an assembly line makes the next part a breeze!

Step 3: Coat the Halloumi Bites

Toss your cubed halloumi in the beaten eggs to coat every surface, then dredge each piece in the crumb mixture. Press lightly for extra coverage, so every side turns golden and crispy in the oven.

Step 4: Bake Until Crisp and Golden

Arrange the coated cheese cubes on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not crowded (otherwise, they’ll steam instead of crisp). Drizzle lightly with olive oil, then bake for 10–12 minutes; gently flip each piece and bake another 10 minutes until gorgeously golden and crisp.

Step 5: Make Your Hot Honey

While the halloumi bakes, stir together the honey, plenty of red pepper flakes, and a pinch of flaked sea salt. Warm very briefly if needed, just enough to help everything mix beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Serve your Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey while they’re hot from the oven, generously drizzled with the spicy honey. For extra fun, offer ketchup or your favorite dips on the side. They won’t last long—trust me!

How to Serve Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey

Garnishes

For extra pizzazz, shower the finished Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey with extra sesame seeds, a flourish of chopped parsley, or even finely sliced scallions. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt sets off the sweetness and heat even more!

Side Dishes

These bites are bold enough to star on any appetizer spread, but they’re also wonderful with crisp salads (think arugula or fennel), simple roasted veggies, or alongside herby couscous for an easy vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Skewer a few halloumi bites on cocktail sticks for party platters, pile them in little bowls for tapas nights, or serve over a vibrant bed of greens with extra hot honey for a showstopping salad starter. However you share them, expect rave reviews!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll lose some of their crispness, but their flavor stays fantastic!

Freezing

You can freeze fully cooked and cooled halloumi bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—just don’t freeze with the honey drizzle on top.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the bites in a 400°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again—usually 5 to 7 minutes does the trick. Drizzle fresh hot honey just before serving for that just-made magic.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch of these Oven Fried Halloumi Bites with Hot Honey—every bite is swoon-worthy, crisp, and unforgettable. Whether you serve them at a gathering or treat yourself on a cozy night in, I promise they’ll become one of your go-to favorites!

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