Fried Halloumi Cheese with
lime and caper vinaigrette

Tucked away in a hard to find corner of Sowerby Bridge is the 'Yorkshire Dama Cheese Company'. They produce a wide range of halloumi cheeses. They can't use the word 'halloumi' in their marketing or packaging, as that word is reserved for cheese manufactured in Cyprus, like 'appellation controlee' on French and other wines. So instead, they call it 'Squeaky Cheese' as it squeaks when you bite into it.

Here is a recipe adapted from Delia Smith's 'Summer Collection'.

Fried Halloumi Cheese with lime and caper vinaigrette

• 1 block of Halloumi cheese
• Flour
• Olive oil
  

Dressing

• Juice and zest of one lime
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Method

Cut the cheese into slices about 6-7 mm thick. Make the dressing by mixing all the ingredients together. Taste and adjust if necessary.

Heat some olive oil in a frying pan on a medium heat. Coat the slices of cheese with seasoned flour and fry on both sides until golden brown. Drain on some kitchen paper and serve immediately with some dressing spooned over.

Where to buy Squeaky Cheese

Unfortunately, this cheese is not available in local shops, but you can buy it from the dairy at, Gate1, Unit 12 Sowerby Bridge Business Park, Victoria Road, Sowerby Bridge. Their website tells the fascinating story of how 2 refugees from the Syrian civil war came to Yorkshire to set up this remarkable business,

Chas Nicholson
Eating with Chas

Tuesday, 17 February 2026