A popular TikTok chef has sparked a festive food debate with his inventive alternative to the classic Christmas side of pigs in blankets. The new creation promises to be ready in just 13 minutes using an air fryer.
The Viral Festive Hack
Nathan Anthony, who runs the hugely successful Bored of Lunch account on TikTok with 1.3 million followers, is known for his simple air fryer meals and 'fakeaway' ideas. His latest festive offering, however, has captured significant attention. He shared a recipe for air fryer honey and mustard halloumi in blankets, boldly suggesting it could surpass the traditional sausage and bacon combo.
In the now-viral video, posted on December 24th, Nathan declared, "Forget about pigs in blankets, this is air fryer halloumi in blankets with honey and mustard." He confidently guaranteed that if served at Christmas, "these will be one of the first things to go," describing the final result as "insane."
How to Make the 13-Minute Alternative
The recipe is straightforward and designed for speed. It requires just four ingredients: two blocks of halloumi, sixteen rashers of smoked streaky bacon, wholegrain mustard, and honey.
The method involves slicing the halloumi into sticks, wrapping each one in bacon, and air frying at 190°C for eight minutes, turning halfway. A simple glaze of mixed honey and mustard is then brushed over the parcels before they go back into the air fryer for a final five minutes until sticky and golden.
Nathan, a self-confessed halloumi enthusiast, added in the comments, "I could eat halloumi every day, [in] any way, and never get bored," urging followers to try the recipe for themselves.
Online Reaction: Praise and Salty Concerns
The reaction from TikTok users was swift and mixed. Many were eager to try the innovative twist, with one commenter writing, "Will definitely try these." Another said, "Halloumi and bacon's got my heart," though they expressed slight hesitation about the honey and mustard combination.
However, a common concern emerged regarding the saltiness of the dish. One viewer pointed out, "The thing with halloumi, which is delicious, it is so salty already and with the bacon, not sure." This prompted a clever suggestion from another user, who successfully trialled the recipe using less-salty paneer cheese instead.
The recipe also inadvertently highlighted a dietary confusion. While one person remarked it was "perfect" for vegetarians, another quickly corrected them, noting, "Ah yes, nothing vegetarians love more than vegetarian things wrapped in bacon and air fried."
Whether it becomes a new Christmas staple or remains a bold experiment, Nathan Anthony's halloumi hack has certainly given festive foodies a quick and talking-point dish to consider for their holiday table.
