Few sandwiches strike the perfect balance between crispy, creamy, spicy, and fresh quite like the Crispy Halloumi Sandwich with Spicy Garlic Mayo. Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or just craving a meatless meal that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor, this sandwich delivers. Halloumi’s salty, chewy bite pairs perfectly with a fiery garlic-infused mayo, all wrapped up in a toasted, buttery bun and topped with crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices.
In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll guide you through every step of making this crowd-pleasing sandwich at home. From ingredient insights and preparation techniques to serving ideas and variations, consider this your ultimate guide to mastering the halloumi sandwich.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Halloumi Sandwich
- Incredible Texture: Halloumi cheese turns crisp and golden on the outside while staying soft and chewy on the inside—no melting mess here.
- Big Bold Flavors: Spicy garlic mayo adds heat and depth to balance the salty cheese and fresh vegetables.
- Quick and Easy: The entire dish comes together in under 25 minutes.
- Customizable: From the bread to the toppings to the spice level, you can make it your own.
- Satisfying and Filling: Despite being meatless, this sandwich is protein-rich and super filling.
What is Halloumi?
Halloumi is a semi-hard, brined cheese made from sheep’s milk, sometimes blended with goat or cow’s milk. Originating from Cyprus, halloumi is known for its high melting point, making it ideal for frying or grilling. When cooked, it forms a crisp golden crust with a rich, salty flavor and a pleasantly chewy texture.
Because of these properties, it’s become a go-to cheese in vegetarian cooking, offering the “heft” and texture that many other cheeses lack.
Ingredients for Crispy Halloumi Sandwich with Spicy Garlic Mayo
Creating the perfect sandwich is all about building complementary layers of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Sandwich:
- Halloumi Cheese (200 g): Slice into ½-inch thick slabs.
- Brioche Buns (2): Soft and slightly sweet, they toast beautifully and complement the savory halloumi.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): For frying.
- Romaine Lettuce (1 cup): Adds crunch.
- Tomato (1 medium): Sliced for juiciness.
- Red Onion (optional): Thinly sliced for a bite of sharpness.
For the Spicy Garlic Mayo:
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Use full-fat for the best flavor.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp): Adds spice and a bit of sweetness.
- Garlic (1 clove): Finely grated or minced.
- Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): Adds warmth and complexity.
- Lemon Juice (1 tsp): Brightens the flavor.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Spicy Garlic Mayo
Start by preparing the sauce so the flavors have a few minutes to meld.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.
- Whisk until fully smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more sriracha for extra heat or more lemon juice for brightness.
- Set aside.
Tip: This sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
2. Prep and Dry the Halloumi
- Cut your halloumi into even slices (about ½-inch thick).
- Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial—it helps the cheese brown evenly and prevents oil splatter.
3. Cook the Halloumi
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat (about 180°C).
- Place the halloumi slices in the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Once cooked, remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.
Note: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re making multiple sandwiches, cook in batches.
4. Toast the Buns
- While the halloumi is still hot, toast the brioche buns cut-side down in the same pan with a little butter or oil until golden and slightly crisp.
- Toasting enhances the texture and prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
5. Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread a generous layer of spicy garlic mayo on both the top and bottom halves of the buns.
- On the bottom bun, add a layer of shredded romaine lettuce.
- Place the crispy halloumi slices on top.
- Add sliced tomato and optional red onion.
- Close with the top bun.
Optional Add-ons: Pickled cucumbers, avocado slices, or a few jalapeño rings can add another layer of flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:
- Sweet potato fries (baked or air-fried)
- Potato wedges with aioli
- Side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted red pepper soup
- Grilled corn on the cob
Pair with a cold iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Halloumi Sandwich
- Always dry your halloumi before frying. Moisture causes splatter and uneven browning.
- Don’t skimp on the mayo. It ties the sandwich together and adds needed moisture.
- Use fresh buns. Soft buns with a slight sweetness (like brioche or potato rolls) enhance the salty-savory contrast.
- Slice the cheese evenly. Uneven slices may result in undercooked or rubbery pieces.
Variations
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based halloumi and vegan mayo. Brands like Violife make solid vegan halloumi alternatives.
- Go Mediterranean: Add grilled zucchini, roasted red peppers, or hummus for extra flair.
- Low Carb Version: Swap the bun for large grilled portobello mushrooms or lettuce wraps.
- Add Protein: While the sandwich is satisfying on its own, adding a poached or fried egg can level up the richness.
How to Store & Reheat
While the sandwich is best served fresh, here’s how to manage leftovers:
- Store fried halloumi: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Lightly pan-fry on both sides until warm. Avoid microwaving—it ruins the texture.
- Spicy mayo: Can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Note: Avoid assembling the sandwich in advance to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meatless sandwich that’s anything but boring, the Crispy Halloumi Sandwich with Spicy Garlic Mayo is a must-try. It’s bold, flavorful, crunchy, creamy, and completely satisfying. Whether it becomes your new lunch go-to or a special dinner treat, it’s guaranteed to impress vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Take the extra few minutes to craft each component with care, and you’ll be rewarded with a sandwich that hits all the right notes—crisp, creamy, spicy, and fresh. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your most-requested recipe at home!
Crispy Halloumi Sandwich with Spicy Garlic Mayo Recipe
Description
This Crispy Halloumi Sandwich with Spicy Garlic Mayo is the ultimate vegetarian lunch—golden seared halloumi layered in a toasted bun with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a fiery, creamy garlic mayo. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gourmet lunch, this sandwich is packed with bold Mediterranean flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich Base:
For the Spicy Garlic Mayo:
Instructions
Prepare the Spicy Garlic Mayo
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, grated garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. Adjust spiciness by adding more sriracha if desired. Set aside.
Slice and Pat Dry the Halloumi
- Slice the halloumi into even slabs (about ½-inch thick). Pat each slice dry with a paper towel to reduce moisture and prevent splattering during frying.
Sear the Halloumi
- Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat (approx. 180°C). Fry the halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Toast the Buns
- In the same skillet or toaster, lightly toast the buttered brioche buns cut-side down until golden and slightly crisp.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread a generous layer of spicy garlic mayo on both sides of each bun. Layer the bottom bun with shredded romaine, sliced tomato, and crispy halloumi. Add red onion if using. Top with the other half of the bun.
Serve Immediately
- Serve warm with a side of fries, chips, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Note
Variations: Add grilled red peppers or avocado slices for an extra twist. Use pita or ciabatta rolls instead of brioche buns.
Vegan Option: Use vegan halloumi and plant-based mayo.
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover fried halloumi in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a dry skillet for best texture.
Extra Crunch: Add pickled cucumbers or cabbage slaw for added crunch and acidity.
