About Halloumi: Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened, brined cheese traditionally made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes cow’s milk. Originating from Cyprus, halloumi is known for its high melting point, which makes it ideal for grilling or frying. Its unique texture and savory flavour make it a popular choice in various culinary applications. In this recipe, the halloumi’s salty, creamy goodness perfectly complements the smoky bacon, creating a mouth-watering appetizer that’s hard to resist.
These Bacon and Halloumi Skewers can be paired with a variety of sides and beverages to enhance the flavour experience. Feel free to mix and match these pairings below to create a delightful meal that complements your Bacon and Halloumi Skewers! Enjoy! 🍴🍷🥗 Here are some suggestions:
Sides:
- Fresh Salad:
- A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
- A mixed green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette.
- A watermelon and mint salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Grilled Vegetables:
- Zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Asparagus spears with a hint of garlic and lemon.
- Dips and Sauces:
- Tzatziki sauce for a cool, creamy dip.
- Spicy hummus for a bit of heat.
- A tangy yogurt and herb dip.
- Bread:
- Warm pita bread or flatbreads.
- Garlic breadsticks or a crusty baguette.
Beverages:
- White Wine:
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc
- A fruity Riesling to complement the salty halloumi and smoky bacon.
- Beer:
- A light lager or a pilsner.
- An amber ale with a balanced malt profile.
- Non-Alcoholic:
- Sparkling water with a splash of lime or lemon.
- A refreshing iced tea with mint.
Dessert:
- Fresh Fruit:
- A fruit platter with berries, grapes, and melon.
- Grilled peaches or pineapple with a drizzle of honey.
- Light Pastry:
- Mini baklava or phyllo pastries with nuts and honey.
- Lemon sorbet for a zesty finish.
Feel free to mix and match these pairings to create a delightful meal that complements your Bacon and Halloumi Skewers! Enjoy! 🍴🍷🥗
Bacon and Halloumi Skewers
Ingredients
- 250g block of halloumi cheese
- 10 rashers smoked streaky bacon
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- black pepper
- sweet and sour sauce of your choice
- 10 bamboo skewers If you're using wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling
Easy Sweet and Sour Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup rice vinegar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp garlic powder optional
- ½ tsp ginger powder for added flavour
Instructions
- Prep the Bacon: Stretch each rasher of bacon with the back of a knife, then cut in half. Season with black pepper and sprinkle with chopped chives (optional).
- Prep the Halloumi: Cut the halloumi into small squares.
- Tip: For an added twist, try marinating the halloumi in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before assembling the skewers.Assemble the Skewers: Roll the bacon around the halloumi squares, folding to cover the cheese completely. Secure the bacon-wrapped cheese with a skewer, adding about 2 or 3 squares per skewer. Trim the skewers if needed.
- Cook: Heat a heavy-based skillet over high heat or on the braai. Braise the bacon-wrapped skewers on all sides, basting with sweet and sour sauce as you cook. Continue grilling until both sides are perfectly browned and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Once the cheese is bubbling hot, remove the skewers from the skillet and serve with additional sweet and sour sauce.
Instruction Easy Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
- Prepare Thickener: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Heat the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If you're using garlic powder and ginger powder, add them now.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.