Description
These Crispy Halloumi & Feta Bites with Hot Honey Cranberry Dip are a quick and irresistible appetizer combining salty, crispy cheese bites with a sweet and spicy cranberry dip. Perfect for entertaining or a delicious snack in under 20 minutes.
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 to prepare for frying the cheese cubes.
- Fry cheese bites: Add the halloumi and feta cubes to the skillet, frying for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
- Season during cooking: Sprinkle smoked paprika and freshly cracked black pepper over the cheese cubes while they are cooking to infuse additional flavor.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the cooked cheese bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any remaining oil.
- Prepare the cranberry dip: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey, water, chili flakes, and orange zest if using.
- Simmer the dip: Cook over low heat for 4–5 minutes until the cranberries soften and the mixture becomes glossy and syrupy.
- Serve together: Plate the crispy cheese bites alongside the hot honey cranberry dip for dipping.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley, and if desired, add sesame seeds or crushed pistachios for a final touch of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably; frozen may require slightly longer cooking.
- Adjust chili flakes in the dip to control the heat level.
- Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispy texture of the cheese.
- Optional garnishes like pistachios add crunch and color contrast.
