Crispy Halloumi Fries with Za'atar

A few years ago, I was introduced to the heavenly combination of halloumi and za'atar, and I've been hooked ever since. The salty, tangy cheese pairs perfectly with the earthy, aromatic spice blend. While I love halloumi grilled or pan-fried, baking it in the oven results in perfectly crispy fries that are irresistible.

Halloumi is a brined cheese made from sheep's and goat's milk. It has a high melting point, which means that it can be grilled or fried without melting. Halloumi originated in Cyprus, but it is now popular throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean region. Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made from a combination of herbs, such as thyme, oregano, and marjoram, and spices, such as cumin and coriander. It has a slightly earthy flavor with a hint of citrus.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 block (8 ounces) halloumi cheese, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons za'atar seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced halloumi cheese, olive oil, za'atar seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Spread the halloumi slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the halloumi is golden brown and crispy on both sides.
5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Why It Works

• Coating the halloumi in a mixture of olive oil, za'atar, salt, and pepper helps to develop a flavorful crust when it bakes in the oven.
• Baking the halloumi at a high temperature helps to create crispy fries without overcooking the cheese.
• Using parchment paper to line the baking sheet prevents the fries from sticking and makes cleanup easy.