The Crispy Halloumi Burger is a delicious vegetarian option that features golden, crispy halloumi cheese served on a bun with fresh toppings and flavorful sauces. This burger is perfect for a meat-free meal and is sure to satisfy both vegetarians and cheese lovers alike!

Ingredients

For the Halloumi Burger:

• 8 oz halloumi cheese (sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 1 large egg (beaten, for coating)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• 4 burger buns (your choice, such as brioche or whole wheat)
• Lettuce leaves (for topping)
• Tomato slices (for topping)
• Red onion slices (for topping)
• Avocado slices (optional, for topping)

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Timing

Making the Crispy Halloumi Burger takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Halloumi

1. Dredge Halloumi: Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
2. Coat Halloumi: Dip each slice of halloumi first into the flour, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 3: Cook the Halloumi

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Fry Halloumi: Add the breaded halloumi slices to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers

1. Toast Buns: If desired, lightly toast the burger buns in the skillet or oven.
2. Layer Ingredients: On the bottom half of each bun, spread a generous amount of the yogurt sauce. Top with crispy halloumi, lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and avocado (if using).
3. Top with Bun: Place the top half of the bun over the fillings.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the crispy halloumi burgers warm with extra sauce on the side, and enjoy your delicious meal!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Crispy Halloumi Burger (per burger, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	20g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Add More Toppings: Customize your burger with additional toppings like roasted red peppers, cucumber slices, or spicy jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Different Sauces: Try different sauces such as tzatziki, hummus, or a spicy mayo for a unique twist.
• Grilled Option: Instead of frying, you can grill the halloumi slices for a smoky flavor and healthier option.

Conclusion

The Crispy Halloumi Burger is a delightful and satisfying vegetarian dish that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!