A popular TikTok chef has unveiled a speedy and inventive alternative to the classic Christmas side dish of pigs in blankets, promising a flavourful result in just 13 minutes using an air fryer.
A Festive Twist on a Classic
For countless households across the UK, the Christmas dinner plate is incomplete without pigs in blankets. These beloved sausages wrapped in bacon are often the centre of friendly family feuds over who gets the last one. Now, food content creator Nathan Anthony, known for his Bored of Lunch account on TikTok, has introduced a creative variation that swaps the sausage for halloumi cheese.
Anthony, who boasts an impressive 1.3 million followers, is renowned for his simple air fryer recipes and 'fakeaway' hacks. His latest creation, shared via the Express and Mirror, is designed to be a standout addition to the festive spread.
The Recipe: Honey & Mustard Halloumi in Blankets
In his video, Nathan Anthony confidently stated, "Forget about pigs in blankets, this is air fryer halloumi in blankets with honey and mustard. If you cook these at Christmas I guarantee these will be one of the first things to go." He described the finished product as "insane."
The method is straightforward and designed for minimal fuss during a busy Christmas cook. Here is how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 blocks of halloumi
- 16 rashers of smoked streaky bacon
- 1-2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 4 tbsp honey
Method:
- Slice each halloumi block into four pieces, then halve each piece to create eight sticks per block.
- Wrap each halloumi stick tightly in a rasher of bacon.
- Air fry the wrapped halloumi at 190°C for 8 minutes, turning them halfway through after about 5 minutes.
- While they cook, mix the honey and mustard together to create a sticky glaze.
- After the initial 8 minutes, brush the honey-mustard glaze over the halloumi parcels.
- Return them to the air fryer for a further 5 minutes, or until they become gloriously sticky and golden.
Nathan, a self-confessed halloumi enthusiast, added, "I could eat halloumi every day, [in] any way, and never get bored." He encouraged home cooks by saying, "Serve and enjoy they'll become your new obsession!"
Social Media Reaction and Tips
The recipe quickly captured the attention of food lovers on TikTok. Many were eager to try the innovative dish, with one user commenting, "Will definitely try these." Another remarked, "Not sure about mustard and honey but halloumi and bacon's got my heart."
However, some viewers raised a potential concern about the saltiness of combining halloumi with bacon. One person noted, "The thing with halloumi, which is delicious, it is so salty already and with the bacon, not sure." In response, a savvy follower suggested a clever adaptation: "Agree. I'm trying this with paneer, its less salty cousin." They later updated the thread to confirm, "It worked very well!"
Another commenter proposed soaking the halloumi beforehand to reduce its salt content. Interestingly, one individual initially saw it as a "perfect" option for vegetarians, before another user humorously pointed out the obvious flaw: "Ah yes, nothing vegetarians love more than vegetarian things wrapped in bacon and air fried."
This 13-minute air fryer recipe offers a modern, quick, and flavour-packed option for those looking to add a new talking point to their Christmas dinner table this year.
