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(This post has been updated from the original November 2015 version to provide a better experience for you)
These little Bacon Halloumi Bites are SO simple to make and very quick to disappear! They’re ridiculously moreish and are perfect for any party, BBQ or gathering. With that beautifully squeaky halloumi wrapped up in sultry salty bacon, little hints of black pepper and tangy chives, you’re not gonna go far wrong are you?! Team it up with this perfect homemade hummus recipe and seriously – best party food EVER!
What’s not to love about them? These Bacon Halloumi Bites are little bites of heaven! It’ll be the best magic show you’ll ever put on… put the plate down and they’ll miraculously disappear! I guarantee your guests will be asking you for more, or the recipe, or both!
These little beauties are perfect for ANY occasion. Such an easy, delicious party food. If it’s more of a centre piece you’re after, this stunning festive star pull apart bread is more what you might need.
Still looking for more party food inspiration? You might like these sticky teriyaki chipolata bites,pigs in blankets and bbq bacon pineapple bites!
Bacon Halloumi Bites – Step by Step Picture Recipe
Here is what you will need to make 24.
(For a printer friendly version, see the recipe card at the end of this post)
Preheat your oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C and line a baking sheet with tin foil.
Then cut the halloumi block into 24 pieces and set to one side.
Take each slice of streaky bacon and stretch them out using the back of a knife. (This is to thin it out, making less go a longer way and shortening the cooking time.) Cut each slice in half.
Sprinkle each piece of bacon with some chives & black pepper. Don’t add salt as the bacon is already very salty.
Place a piece of halloumi at the end of a strip and roll it up. Repeat until everything is used up thenplace them onto the prepared tin.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 – 20 mins until the bacon is golden and crispy.
These are best served straight from the oven. Place them onto a serving plate with some co*cktail sticks and let your guests dig in. See! I TOLD you they were easy to make!!
What’s your all time favourite party food nibble? Let me know in the comments below!
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Nutritional information on kitchenmason.com should only be used as a general guideline, I am not a certified nutritionist. Please always check labels for allergens where applicable.
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Why do you soak halloumi before cooking? While completely optional, many swear by this step for a softer, more flavourful, and sweeter result that will set your halloumi apart from all others. The easiest method is to soak the whole block of cheese in cold water for at least two hours (or overnight if you have time).
This appetizer recipe, which also happens to be gluten-free, features halloumi cheese, cut into cubes, breaded in a thin layer of cornmeal, and shallow pan-fried in olive oil until golden brown. A mixture of honey and chili garlic sauce is drizzled on top for a sweet and spicy combo that's perfect with the cheese.
Lay the slices of halloumi straight on the grill bars and cook for 2-3 mins on each side until grill marks form and the cheese softens. Turn them 90 degrees while cooking if you want to get a criss-cross pattern.
When eaten regularly in large quantities halloumi can be considered unhealthy, as this fried cheese is pretty high in saturated fat and salt. However, when eaten sporadically as part of a balanced diet, halloumi has a range of health benefits, as it's high in calcium and protein.
Simply patting the haloumi dry with paper towel will remove some of the saltiness, but you can also place it in a bowl of cold water to remove more of the salt, if you prefer. Just soak for 5 minutes, then pat dry with paper towel – patting dry is important to ensure the lovely golden crispy edges!
However, it's understandable when considering the real reasons halloumi can be so expensive. These range from residual effects of the Cypriot financial crisis of the 2010s to the strict control and regulations that, while they ensure quality in ingredients and production, also limit the supply.
When eaten raw, halloumi, an unripened cheese, has a bit of rubbery, squeaky texture. But because of its high melting point, it is the perfect cheese for grilling or frying. And with a little bit of heat, halloumi becomes soft and savory--an indulgent treat everyone should try at least once in their life!
The halloumi base is typically made from unpasteurised goat's or sheep's milk, and sometimes cow's milk. The inclusion of dairy milk of any kind renders halloumi completely not vegan friendly, and should not be consumed by anyone strictly following a plant-based diet.
Barley, courgette and mint all complement each other with that salty cheese under a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. An amazing summer salad combining the fresh flavours of mint, halloumi, and cherry tomatoes with healthy grains quinoa and bulgar wheat.
The best side dishes to serve with halloumi cheese are garlic bread, Korean corn dog, shakshuka, smoked salmon frittata, eggs in a basket, garden salad, potato pancakes, cucumber salad, roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled zucchini, fresh fruit platter, quinoa salad, stuffed bell peppers, and lemon garlic asparagus.
What is halloumi? Originating from Cyprus, halloumi is a semi-hard, un-ripened, brined cheese that can be made from cow, sheep or goat's milk. It can be eaten raw but is truly delicious cooked, having a high melting point, makes it an excellent choice for grilling or frying.
You may be thinking this sounds messy, but Halloumi is a cheese that won't melt so it retains its texture and shape. If heated, the surface caramelizes slightly and the inside softens. The flavor is incredible, especially when still warm, and it's a really cool cheese to grill.
' So yes, halloumi is edible raw, but it is so much better when cooked. Cooking halloumi helps to bring out the salt and mellows the tangy taste, which is why most people prefer to grill, bake or fry their halloumi before eating.
Spoiled halloumi cheese can be easily identified. If the cheese has become slimy or developed a mold, it's time to toss it out. Moreover, a strong sour smell or change in color can also indicate that the cheese is past its prime.
Put the halloumi into a bowl and boil a kettle of water. Pour the boiling water over the halloumi and leave for 20 minutes. This will make the cheese really soft and smooth in the centre when cooked.
There are so many other ideas for using halloumi. If you can restrain yourself from cooking it, here are 3 ways you might like to try raw halloumi, which brings out the best in it.
It's important to note that while soaking halloumi can help reduce its sodium content to some extent, it won't eliminate it entirely. Also, the flavor and texture of the cheese may be affected, so it's a compromise between lowering sodium intake and maintaining the original characteristics of halloumi.
Haloumi was created at a time before refrigeration when it was vital that foods were made to last. Thankfully, because haloumi was stored in salty brine it could keep for long periods without spoiling and early producers found that wrapping haloumi in mint leaves further helped to maintain its freshness and flavour.
Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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