Description
Enjoy these crispy halloumi and feta cheese bites fried to golden perfection, paired with a sweet and spicy hot honey cranberry dip. This quick and easy appetizer combines the salty tang of the cheeses with a vibrant, glossy cranberry sauce enriched with honey and chili flakes, making it an irresistible starter or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Bites
- 200 g halloumi cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 150 g feta cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil, for frying
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Hot Honey Cranberry Dip
- ½ cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 3 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp water
- ½ tsp orange zest (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley
- Optional: sesame seeds or crushed pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat the Skillet: Warm a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, ensuring it is hot enough to crisp the cheese.
- Fry the Cheese Bites: Add the halloumi and feta cubes to the skillet and fry for 2–3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Seasonings: While cooking, sprinkle the cheese cubes with smoked paprika and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Drain the Cheese: Remove the fried cheese bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Prepare the Dip: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey, water, chili flakes, and orange zest. Stir to blend the ingredients.
- Simmer the Dip: Cook the cranberry mixture over low heat for 4–5 minutes until the cranberries soften and the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.
- Serve Together: Plate the crispy halloumi and feta bites alongside the hot honey cranberry dip for dipping.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley and, if desired, add sesame seeds or crushed pistachios for added texture and presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the dip—both work well.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor but is optional.
- Drain the cheese on paper towels to keep them crispy.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Sesame seeds or pistachios add a nice crunch and garnish.
