We’re taking the beloved flavors of an everything bagel and pairing them with squeaky, salty halloumi cheese, transformed into craveable "fries." Served with a cool, creamy dill pickle dip, this dish is an intelligent and delicious twist on snack time that you won't find anywhere else.
An Ode to the Everything Bagel and a Special Cheese!
There’s something undeniably satisfying about the everything bagel. That perfect blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt just hits all the right notes. It’s a flavor profile that's migrated beyond bagels, showing up on everything from avocado toast to seasoning blends. But I got thinking, how could we apply this genius combination in a truly novel way, something that feels both familiar and completely new?
Enter Halloumi cheese. This Cypriot cheese is magical because it holds its shape and gets wonderfully crispy when heated, instead of melting into a puddle. It’s got a salty tanginess that I thought would be the perfect canvas for the everything bagel spice. Cutting it into fry shapes seemed like the obvious, fun next step.
The process is incredibly simple. Coat the halloumi "fries" in a little oil, toss them generously with everything bagel seasoning, and then bake or air-fry them until they're golden and crispy on the outside, but still delightfully squeaky within.
But what's a fry without a dip? To complement the salty cheese and the savory spice, I envisioned something cool, creamy, and tangy. The answer? A dill pickle dip! Using Greek yogurt or sour cream as a base, stirred with finely chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, a splash of pickle juice, and a touch of garlic, you get a dip that’s bright, herbaceous, and provides a fantastic counterpoint to the richness of the halloumi.
Putting it all together is a snack revelation. The crunch of the everything bagel seasoning, the satisfying bite of the warm halloumi, and the cool, zesty dunk in the dill pickle dip. It's incredibly moreish and feels like a truly intelligent way to combine flavors and textures. It’s perfect for game day, a unique appetizer for friends, or just a really fun way to enjoy a snack. Plus, it’s relatively quick to make, meaning you’re never too far away from this tasty treat.
Everything Bagel Spiced Halloumi Fries with Dill Pickle Dip: The Recipe
Yields: 2-3 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes (baking) or 10-15 minutes (air-frying)
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces block of Halloumi cheese, patted dry and cut into 1/2-inch thick "fries"
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or other neutral oil
- 2-3 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dill pickle juice (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Process:
- Prepare the Halloumi: Pat the halloumi block completely dry with paper towels. Cut into sticks about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches long.
- Season the Halloumi: In a medium bowl, toss the halloumi sticks with the olive oil until lightly coated. Sprinkle the Everything Bagel Seasoning generously over the halloumi, tossing to ensure an even coating on all sides.
- Cook the Halloumi Fries (Baking Method): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned halloumi in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy
on the outside. - Cook the Halloumi Fries (Air-Frying Method): Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned halloumi in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Make the Dill Pickle Dip: While the halloumi is cooking, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, optional pickle juice, and optional garlic powder in a small bowl. Stir until well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Transfer the hot Halloumi fries to a serving platter. Serve immediately with the Dill Pickle Dip on the side for dunking.
*Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning (Mix together): 2 tbsp white sesame seeds, 2 tbsp black sesame seeds, 2 tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tbsp dried minced garlic, 1 tbsp dried minced onion, 1 tsp flaky sea salt.
Nutritional Estimate (Please note: This is an estimate per serving and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories: 300 - 450 kcal Protein: 15 - 25 g Fat: 20 - 30 g (mostly from cheese and oil) Carbohydrates: 8 - 15 g Fiber: 1 - 3 g
Snack Smarter!
These Everything Bagel Spiced Halloumi Fries with Dill Pickle Dip are a testament to the fun you can have when you rethink familiar flavors. They’re easy, clever, and incredibly satisfying. Give them a try and elevate your snack game!
