Master how to cook halloumi cheese. Grill it on the BBQ or pan-fry - you'll love cooking halloumi at home. Enjoy it on its own, or choose from one of our mouthwatering halloumi cheese recipes. From curries to salads to burgers, these halloumi recipes are sure to impress.
What is halloumi?
Most people associate Halloumi Cheese with Greece, but it actually originated in Cyprus in the Medieval Byzantine period, then gained popularity throughout the rest of the Middle East region.
Traditionally it is made with a blend of goats and sheep milk, however, in countries where it's difficult to source these milks, it can also be made with cow's milk.
Halloumi has a distinctive layered texture similar to mozzarella and has a salty flavour due to it being brined in a salt water solution.
Traditionally mint was added for taste as well as to preserve the cheese by wrapping it in mint leaves to keep it fresh.
Why does Halloumi not melt?
The unique characteristic of halloumi is that it does not melt when grilled because of its high melting point. This is due to the fact that it is cooked twice.
Can you eat Halloumi raw?
Although many people eat halloumi grilled, you can enjoy halloumi cheese fresh or uncooked.
Where to find Halloumi
Halloumi has grown more popular in Western countries in recent years, and nowadays you'll find packaged halloumi cheese in specialty cheese sections at most major supermarkets.
If you're in America, you can commonly find halloumi in Trader Joes and Costco Warehouses.
If you're having trouble tracking it down, you can always try a local Mediterranean deli.
Looking for some halloumi recipe inspiration? Check out these 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes.
How to fry halloumi
Cut the halloumi into 1cm / .3in thick slices (as pictured below).
Preheat a skillet on medium heat. If you're using non-stick, there's no need to add oil to the pan, but if not, add a dash of olive oil.
Add halloumi slices to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for another 1-2mins (as pictured below).
How to grill halloumi
Preheat your BBQ or grill.
Cut the halloumi into bite sized cubes, then thread onto a skewer (as pictured below).
Brush the halloumi lightly with some olive oil, then cook for 5 minutes, turning regularly, until golden brown on all sides (as pictured below).
How to store halloumi?
Once you open your package of halloumi you can store your uncooked leftovers in two ways. If you plan to use your halloumi quite quickly, simply store in an airtight container or sandwich bag for up to 3 days.
To extend it's life further, make a simple salt brine by mixing 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix together until the salt dissolves, then pour over leftover halloumi in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
You can also freeze halloumi. Simply cut your halloumi into slices, wrap tightly and freeze to use later.
Can you reheat halloumi?
While you can reheat cooked halloumi, I'd advise against it. Plain halloumi (either fried or grilled) is best when it's served immediately. It tends to become rubbery when cooled after cooking, and I haven't found great results when microwaving it.
Halloumi Recipes
Grilled or fried halloumi is perfect as an appetiser, but here's some more ways you can use halloumi cheese in your everyday meals:
- Pumpkin, Halloumi and Avocado Salad from Cook It Real Good
- Zucchini and Halloumi Fritters from Cook It Real Good
- Fried Halloumi with Bruschetta Noodles from Sustainable Cooks
- Vegetable and Halloumi Kebabs from Hungry Healthy Happy
- Halloumi Burgers with Sticky Chilli Sauce from Kitchen Sanctuary
- Warm Zucchini Noodle Salad with Tomatoes and Halloumi from Hey Nutrition Lady
- Spicy Halloumi Curry with Potato from The Cook Report
- Roasted Halloumi Fajitas from Happy Veggie Kitchen
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How to Cook Halloumi
Master how to cook halloumi cheese. Grill it on the BBQ or pan-fry. Enjoy it on it's own, or choose from one of our mouthwatering halloumi cheese recipes. From curries to salads to burgers, these halloumi recipes are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 250g / 8.8oz Halloumi Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
Optional
- Lemon Wedges, to serve
Instructions
How to Fry Halloumi
- Cut the halloumi into 1cm / ⅓in thick slices.
- Preheat a skillet on medium heat. If you're using non-stick, there's no need to add oil to the pan, but if not, add a dash of olive oil.
- Add halloumi slices to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for another 1-2mins.
- Serve as is, or squeeze a little freshly lemon juice over the top.
How to Grill Halloumi
- Preheat your BBQ or grill.
- Cut the halloumi into bite sized cubes, then thread onto a skewer.
- Brush the halloumi lightly with some olive oil, then cook for 5 minutes, turning regularly, until golden brown on all sides.
- Serve as is, or squeeze a little freshly lemon juice over the top.
Notes
SOURCING HALLOUMI:
- Packaged halloumi can be found in the specialty cheese aisle in most major supermarkets. If you can't find it there, try a Mediterranean deli.
- I use this halloumi cheese from Olympus Cheese.
GRILLING:
- I use metal skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure you soak them for 30 minutes before use.
- If you don't have skewers, just follow the same instructions for frying, but cook on the BBQ instead of a skillet.
NUTRITION:
- Nutrition information is from a nutrition calculator and is based off one serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 207Saturated Fat: 11gSodium: 750mgCarbohydrates: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 14g
Originally published June 2, 2019. Updated January 20, 2021 with new information, no changes to the cooking instructions.
Dannii says
Halloumi is one of my favourite foods ever. A must on any bbq.
Cassie says
So true Dannii! There's just so many ways to enjoy it 🙂
Ann says
Shall buy it tomorrow, and tastng it for the first time
Cassie says
Your first halloumi experience? That's exciting!
Lisa Antenett says
I AM TRYINGB
TO
FIND OUT WHICH GROCERY STORE AROUND ME CARRIES IT
PLEASE LET IT NOT TASTE LIKE TOFU..
Cassie says
Hey Lisa - what country are you in? And no halloumi definitely doesn't taste like tofu. The closest thing I can relate it too is mozzarella.
Carla says
I found mine at the Walla Walla cheese company. wallawallacheesecompany.com (541) 861-3778. And they mailed it to me! They also sent free samples of their other cheeses with the package. Thank you for the yummy recipes.
Sarah - Sustainable Cooks says
I LOVE halloumi and wish it were more common in the states. It can be so hard to find!
This is such a great tutorial on all things halloumi.
Cassie says
I think I'll move over and start a halloumi business. Get this ball rolling!