Fried Halloumi Crostini with Lemon Caper Oil
Happy Monday! I know, I know most people don’t think of Mondays as happy but that is why I’m bringing you this deliciousness today. It is bound to make your Monday a little better. Fried Halloumi Crostini with Lemon Caper Oil sounds all fancy schmancy but you guys, all it really is, is fried cheese drizzled with a lemony caper filled oil. And fried cheese can make even a Monday a good day.
If you’re not familiar with halloumi, it’s a cheese from the island of Cyprus. It’s a firm, brined cheese that has a really high melting point, making it perfect for grilling or frying. It will get caramelized on the outside but stay creamy inside.
A cheese that you can cook and the outside will get all golden but the inside will be all melty?
YES PLEASE.
The first time that I ever saw halloumi, was on Foodie Crush last summer. Heidi shared this recipe for Grilled Halloumi Caprese Skewers. Truth be told, I hadn’t heard of halloumi until that point. It’s not the most popular cheese, but after finally trying it recently I have decided that it should be.
For this recipe, I wanted something simple that would showcase the texture and briny flavor of the halloumi. So I coated it lightly in flour and pan fried it just until it was golden brown. Next, I placed it on top of some toasted baguette slices that I rubbed with garlic. Finally, I whisked together some extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh oregano and capers then drizzled that over the top.
It. Was. Cheese. Heaven.
The bread is crunchy. The cheese is caramelized and creamy. The lemon caper oil is briny and bright.
Seriously, if you love cheese (how could you not?) you have got to get your hands on some halloumi and make this. It’s time to get your fried cheese on.
Fried Halloumi Crostini with Lemon Caper Oil Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons non-pareil capers, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese sliced into 10 slices
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- oil for frying
- 10 baguette slices
- garlic clove
Instructions
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, capers, oregano and lemon zest. Allow to set at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
Dredge halloumi slices in flour.
Heat a thin coat of oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Pan fry halloumi slices, in batches, until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
Turn on oven broiler. Broil baguette slices 1 - 2 minutes or until golden brown. Rub with garlic clove.
Place one slice of halloumi on each baguette slice. Drizzle with lemon caper oil. Serve.
Notes
Enjoy!
the wicked noodle
February 23, 2015 at 11:57 amI adore Halloumi cheese and I grill it often in the summer but always forget that I can just as easily pan fry it! The lemon caper sauce on this sounds DIVINE. Beautifully done!
Deseree
February 24, 2015 at 9:34 pmThank you! I can’t wait to try to grill it this summer!
Lauren @ HealthyDelish
February 23, 2015 at 10:51 amHalloumi is so cool. Loving that lemon caper vinaigrette with it! happy Monday, indeed! ;)
Ashley Bee
February 23, 2015 at 9:02 amOh yum! I need to find this cheese… Every time I see it, it just looks so delish!
Lady Gourmet
February 23, 2015 at 8:14 amI love everything in these…they sound and look delicious. Pinning. xo, Catherine
Deseree
February 24, 2015 at 9:35 pmThank you!
Joanie@Zagleft
February 23, 2015 at 8:09 amI love a creamy inside with a crusty outside, this sounds perfect!
Deseree
February 24, 2015 at 9:35 pmRight?! That’s my favorite part!
Heather @FrenchPress
February 23, 2015 at 8:05 amfried cheese…count me IN!!
Helene Dsouza
February 23, 2015 at 7:41 amI am all over your crostini. Halloumi lemon caper oil is just brilliant, thanks for the inspiration!
Valerie Hoff DeCarlo
February 23, 2015 at 7:04 amA new cheese to try! Yay! This looks like an amazing appetizer!
BigFlavorsFromATinyKitchen
February 23, 2015 at 6:56 amI’m all about capers lately, and any time cheese is involved – I. AM. THERE. Yum!!
Deseree
February 24, 2015 at 9:36 pmI LOVE capers! I just love the briney flavor they add to dishes
Faith (An Edible Mosaic)
February 23, 2015 at 5:32 amI love, LOVE fried halloumi! This looks amazing. I bet the lemon and capers really brighten up the flavor too!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
February 23, 2015 at 4:50 amI have actually NEVER tried Halloumi! I Have heard it’s pretty magical though…and then fried? SO GOOD. Pinned!
Deseree
February 24, 2015 at 9:36 pmGirl, you have GOT to get yourself some!
Kristen (amindfullmom)
February 23, 2015 at 4:27 amThis would make my Monday a WHOLE LOT better!