Ingredients
Halloumi Burgers
- 8 oz halloumi cheese (sliced into 4 slabs)
- 4 burger buns
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 8 lettuce leaves
- 2 tomatoes (sliced)
- 4 dill pickles (sliced)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper (to taste)
Smoked Aioli
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove (minced)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Optional Sides
- French fries
Instructions
- Make the Smoked Aioli: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, ensuring the aioli is thick enough to spread easily without dripping. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Halloumi: Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels, removing excess moisture to ensure they crisp up nicely when cooked instead of steaming.
- Fry the Halloumi: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a thin layer of olive oil. Place the halloumi slices into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until deeply golden and crisp around the edges. The cheese will hiss gently when ready to flip and should release cleanly from the pan.
- Toast the Burger Buns: Slice the buns and lightly toast the insides until pale golden and warm but still soft in the center. Avoid over-toasting for a better texture when eating.
- Assemble the Halloumi Burgers: Spread the smoked aioli generously on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with lettuce leaves, tomato slices, fried halloumi, red onion slices, and dill pickles. Spread more aioli on the top bun before placing it on the burger.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the burgers hot, ideally with a side of crispy French fries. The burgers are best enjoyed while the halloumi edges remain crisp and the buns fresh.
Notes
- Patting the halloumi dry is essential to achieve golden, crispy edges instead of soggy cheese.
- The smoked paprika in the aioli adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the grilled cheese beautifully.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the aioli.
- Use fresh, good-quality halloumi for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately after assembly to enjoy the contrasting textures of warm halloumi and soft buns.
- Optionally, add avocado slices or roasted peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
