If you have ever dreamed of a snack that’s crunchy, savory, and downright addictive, look no further than this Crispy Haloumi Fries with Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce Recipe. These crispy haloumi fries are golden on the outside, squeaky and tender on the inside, making for a perfect finger food that’s bursting with flavor. Paired with a cool, creamy garlic yogurt dip, this dish is an irresistible combo that works great as an appetizer, snack, or even a side. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to whenever you crave something special that feels indulgent yet easy to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Crispy Haloumi Fries with Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful balance of each ingredient. Every component plays a crucial role—from the firm, salty haloumi that holds up perfectly to frying, to the crunchy panko that creates that amazing outer crust, and the fresh garlic in the dip that adds a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 360g haloumi cheese blocks: The star of the dish, offering a squeaky, salty texture perfect for frying.
- 2 cups canola oil: Ideal for deep frying, it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.
- 2 large eggs, whisked: Acts as the glue for the crunchy crust to stick to the haloumi.
- 1/2 cup plain/all-purpose flour: This gives the fries an initial dry coating to help the egg adhere.
- 1 tbsp Italian herbs: Adds aromatic, herbaceous notes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- 1 tsp ground white pepper: For a mild pepper heat that won’t overpower the flavors.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates the signature crunch and golden color.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt: Balances the flavors in the crust.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Provides the creamy base for the refreshing garlic dip.
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated: Packs a fragrant punch in the yogurt sauce.
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and a slight tang to the dip.
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil: Enriches the dipping sauce with a silky finish.
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt: Seasoning to taste in the dip.
How to Make Crispy Haloumi Fries with Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Start by mixing the plain Greek yogurt, finely grated garlic, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and salt in a bowl. This sauce needs a bit of time to shine, so let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a cool, garlicky dip that perfectly contrasts the warm, crunchy fries.
Step 2: Slice the Haloumi into Fries
Carefully cut the haloumi block into fries about 1.5 centimeters thick. I find slicing lengthwise into five strips, then cutting each strip in half, gives nice uniform pieces around 20 fries total. Keeping the size consistent helps with even cooking and gives that professional touch to your presentation.
Step 3: Dry the Haloumi
Using a clean tea towel or paper towel, pat the haloumi fries dry. Removing excess moisture is key here because it helps the coatings stick better, resulting in a crispier crust and less splattering during frying. This simple step makes a huge difference.
Step 4: Set Up Your Dredging Stations
Place the whisked eggs in one bowl, the flour in another, and in a third bowl, combine the Italian herbs, smoked paprika, white pepper, panko breadcrumbs, and salt. This setup makes the coating process smooth and efficient—think of it as your “assembly line” for crispy perfection.
Step 5: Coat the Haloumi Fries
Take each haloumi fry and dip it first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dunk it in the egg wash, allowing drips to fall back into the bowl. Finally, toss it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. For a quick and less-messy approach, dip two fries at a time and toss the breadcrumbs in the bowl to coat, so you avoid sticky fingers.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
Heat your canola oil in a medium saucepan over high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F). Using a thermometer helps here, because frying at the right temperature ensures a golden crust without greasy sogginess. If the oil is too cool, the fries will absorb oil; too hot, and they might burn on the outside before cooking through.
Step 7: Fry the Haloumi Fries
Carefully fry about 5 fries at a time for 90 seconds. The fries will turn a glorious deep golden brown, and their enticing aroma will have you eager to taste them. Drain the fried fries on a paper towel-lined tray to soak up any excess oil before moving on to the next batch.
Step 8: Air Fry or Bake (Optional)
If you prefer a lighter version, you can air fry or bake these fries instead. In an air fryer, cook at 200°C for about 7-8 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 220°C for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. You may want to spritz them lightly with oil to encourage browning.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these hot, crunchy haloumi fries alongside your freshly made garlic yogurt dipping sauce. The contrast of textures and flavors will delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share this dish with you.
How to Serve Crispy Haloumi Fries with Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped herbs like parsley or coriander over the fries adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness. A little lemon zest grated on top of the fries can brighten each bite and complement the garlic yogurt sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
These fries make a stellar companion to crisp salads, tangy slaws, or even alongside grilled vegetables. They also pair wonderfully with Mediterranean dips like hummus or baba ganoush if you want to build a snack platter for your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive yet casual presentation, serve the fries in a rustic wooden board or a vibrant ceramic bowl with the garlic yogurt sauce in a small ramekin for dipping. You can also layer them in a paper cone for a street-food vibe that’s perfect for parties or sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover fries (though unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the garlic yogurt dip separate to maintain its freshness.
Freezing
While haloumi fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the uncooked crumbed fries by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen for a quick snack later.
Reheating
To bring back their crispiness, reheat the fries in an air fryer or oven at 200°C for 5-7 minutes rather than in a microwave, which will make them soggy. The dipping sauce is best served cold or at room temperature for maximum flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Haloumi is unique because it holds its shape when fried; other cheeses like halloumi or Paneer could work, but softer cheeses will melt and won’t yield the same crispy texture.
Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko is preferred for its light, airy crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. The texture might be slightly denser but still delicious.
Can I make the garlic yogurt sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead improves the flavor as it gives the garlic time to infuse into the yogurt. Just store it in the fridge and take it out shortly before serving.
How do I know if my oil is at the right temperature for frying?
Use a kitchen thermometer for precision. If you don’t have one, drop a small breadcrumb into the oil—if it bubbles and rises quickly, the oil is hot enough.
Are these fries suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as haloumi is a cheese made from milk, and all other ingredients are plant-based or dairy products.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Crispy Haloumi Fries with Garlic Yogurt Dipping Sauce Recipe at home—the irresistible crunch, the savory squeak of the cheese, and that luscious garlic dip make each bite a delight. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough to serve guests. I hope you give this recipe a try and find yourself reaching for the haloumi more often, just as I do whenever I want comfort food with a bit of flair.
