Halloumi Cheese Sticks from Nando's feature golden-fried, squeaky halloumi cheese sticks with a crispy exterior and a warm, springy center, served with tangy peri-peri dipping sauce for a flavorful, satisfying snack.
Equipments
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Plate or tray (for dredging/holding cheese sticks)
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or frying basket
- Paper towels (for draining)
- Small serving bowls (for sauce)
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) halloumi cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons peri-peri sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Halloumi cheese is essential because its high melting point allows it to retain a squeaky, springy texture after frying, unlike many other cheeses. Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs. Smoked paprika and garlic powder provide subtle smoky and savory notes that enhance the flavor profile of the sticks. When frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without overcooking the cheese. Your Halloumi Cheese Sticks from Nando's copycat menu will deliver an authentic crispy and flavorful experience when these ingredient tips are followed precisely.
Instructions
- Cut halloumi cheese into sticks using knife and cutting board.
- Set up three dredging stations: flour in first plate, beaten eggs in mixing bowl, panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in another plate.
- Dredge halloumi sticks in flour, then dip in egg, then coat in seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
- Place coated cheese sticks on a tray or plate.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry halloumi sticks in batches until golden and crispy (about 1–2 minutes).
- Remove cheese sticks with a slotted spoon or frying basket, and drain on paper towels.
- Mix mayonnaise, peri-peri sauce, and lemon juice in a small bowl to make dipping sauce.
- Serve halloumi cheese sticks hot with peri-peri dipping sauce in small serving bowls.
Substitution
Halloumi Cheese Sticks from Nando's copycat menu deliver a crispy, golden crust with a distinctive squeaky texture inside. If halloumi cheese is unavailable, you can substitute with a firm, grillable cheese like paneer or queso fresco, though the taste and texture will vary slightly. When deep frying, maintaining oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) is crucial to avoid greasy or undercooked sticks. Using panko breadcrumbs enhances crispiness, but you may swap with regular breadcrumbs if needed, adding crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. Your peri-peri dipping sauce can be customized by adjusting the heat level or substituting with other spicy sauces such as harissa or chipotle mayo.
Tips
When cutting halloumi cheese, ensure the sticks are uniform in size for even frying. Maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without melting the cheese inside. Avoid overcrowding the fryer to prevent oil temperature drops that can lead to soggy sticks. Your peri-peri dipping sauce should be prepared ahead and chilled to balance the hot, crispy halloumi perfectly.
Nutritions
Halloumi cheese sticks from Nando's provide a rich source of protein and calcium from the halloumi cheese, supporting muscle and bone health. The breading adds carbohydrates and dietary fat, primarily from the vegetable oil used for frying, contributing to calorie density. The peri-peri dipping sauce, made with mayonnaise and peri-peri sauce, adds fats and a spicy flavor, enhancing the snack's overall palatability. When enjoying your halloumi cheese sticks, be mindful of portion size to balance indulgence with nutritional intake.
Storage
Store leftover halloumi cheese sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain their crispiness and flavor. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore their golden, crispy texture without becoming soggy. Your peri-peri dipping sauce should be kept separately in the fridge and used within 3 days for the best taste.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation in texture, swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or seasoned crushed tortilla chips to add extra crunch to your halloumi sticks. You can bake the coated cheese sticks at 400degF (200degC) for 15-20 minutes instead of deep frying to create a lighter, less oily snack. Substitute peri-peri sauce in the dip with harissa or sriracha for a different spicy flavor profile that complements halloumi well. To maintain the cheese's squeaky texture, ensure you cut uniform sticks and avoid overcooking during frying or baking.
Allergies
Halloumi Cheese Sticks contain dairy from the halloumi cheese, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to milk proteins. The use of eggs and wheat-based flour also poses risks for those with egg or gluten allergies. If you have food allergies, it's important to verify all ingredients and avoid the dish if you are allergic to any of these components.
Why this recipe?
Nando's Halloumi Cheese Sticks are loved for their crispy, golden exterior and warm, gooey cheese center that delivers a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The unique peri-peri seasoning adds a spicy kick that elevates the classic cheese stick experience, making it a standout snack or appetizer. Creating a copycat version at home allows you to customize the level of spice and freshness while enjoying a cost-effective alternative to this popular menu item. Your homemade Halloumi Cheese Sticks will capture the irresistible crunch and rich taste that make them a fan favorite at Nando's.