Kamil Perry
Grilled halloumi is a delicious and simple Mediterranean dish that is perfect for vegetarians. Halloumi is a traditional cheese from Cyprus, made from sheep's milk, goat's milk, or cow's milk. It is a semi-hard, brined cheese with a high melting point, making it ideal for grilling. The result is a warm, salty, chewy, and tangy cheese with attractive grill marks that can be used in a variety of dishes. Grilled halloumi can be served on its own, as a side, or added to salads, sandwiches, or skewers. It is best served immediately while it is slightly crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside.
Grilling Halloumi Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Halloumi |
| Melting Point | High |
| Texture | Tangy, salty, chewy, hard, crispy, gooey |
| Taste | Salty, tangy |
| Colour | Golden brown |
| Slice Thickness | 1/4-1/3 inch |
| Grill Temperature | 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Grill Time | 2-3 minutes on each side |
| Grill Type | Outdoor, stove-top, BBQ, non-stick pan |
| Oil Type | Olive, vegetable |
| Serving Temperature | Warm |
| Serving Size | 210 kcal |
| Serving Suggestions | Salads, sandwiches, bruschetta, portobello burgers, vegetable skewers, watermelon, lemon, herbs |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut halloumi for grilling
Grilling halloumi is a great way to cook this Cypriot delicacy, which is made from a blend of goat's and sheep's milk. The cheese has a high melting point, a semi-hard texture, and a unique salty flavour, making it perfect for grilling.
To cut halloumi for grilling, start by draining the brine that the cheese comes in. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the block of halloumi into slices that are about 1/3 inch thick. You can also cut the cheese into 1/2-inch-thick planks if you prefer thicker slices. Avoid cutting the halloumi too thin, as this may cause it to fall apart on the grill. The ideal thickness for grilled halloumi is around 1/3 to 1/2 inch.
When slicing the halloumi, you may notice a squeaky sound as the knife goes through the cheese. This is completely normal and adds to the fun of preparing this delicious cheese!
If you want to create fake grill lines on the halloumi, you can use a crinkle cutter to cut the cheese into slices. This will give the cheese those beautiful golden stripes that are so eye-catching.
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Grilling halloumi on a BBQ
Grilling halloumi is a simple process that can elevate your BBQ experience. Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened, brined cheese made from goat and sheep's milk. It has a high melting point, which makes it perfect for grilling. Here is a step-by-step guide to grilling halloumi on a BBQ:
Step 1: Prepare the Halloumi
Start by slicing the halloumi into even, thick pieces. The thickness can vary from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch, depending on your preference. If you're using skewers, cut the halloumi into smaller squares that can be easily threaded.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your outdoor grill to a medium-high heat setting. The ideal temperature range is between 350°F to 400°F. Make sure your grill is nice and hot before adding the halloumi to prevent sticking and ensure those beautiful grill marks.
Step 3: Brush with Oil
Use a brush or your hands to coat both sides of the halloumi slices with oilve. This step not only helps prevent sticking but also enhances the flavor of the grilled cheese. If you're using an outdoor grill, brush the grill grates with oil as well.
Step 4: Grill the Halloumi
Place the halloumi slices on the hot grill and let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on the grill, as you want to achieve golden brown grill marks without overcooking the cheese. The halloumi is ready when it has a golden-brown crust and is slightly soft to the touch.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Halloumi is best served straight from the grill. It tends to turn rubbery once it cools down. You can serve it as an appetizer with a sliced baguette, fresh herbs, and a tasty sauce or honey for drizzling. It also pairs well with sweet or savory ingredients, such as watermelon or cherry tomatoes, for a refreshing summer side dish.
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Grilled halloumi recipes
Grilled halloumi is a delicious and simple Mediterranean appetiser that can be served in a variety of ways. It is a traditional cheese from Cyprus, made from sheep's milk and goat's milk, and sometimes cow's milk. Halloumi has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling, as it develops a crispy exterior with a soft, gooey centre.
How to Grill Halloumi
Firstly, preheat your grill or stove-top grill pan to a medium-high heat of around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the halloumi into slices about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. Brush the grill with olive oil or vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the halloumi slices on the grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear and the cheese is lightly browned. It is best not to flip the cheese too much to allow charred grill lines to develop and to prevent the cheese from falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled halloumi can be served in many ways, either on its own or as part of a dish. It is delicious served with sweet watermelon, or as part of a salad with watermelon or citrus fruit, or with grilled vegetables such as aubergine, peppers, tomatoes, and olives. It can also be served with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs, or with a drizzle of olive oil. For a more substantial meal, halloumi can be added to a sandwich or panini, or served on top of a burger. It is also great for threading onto skewers, alternating with vegetables.
Storage
Grilled halloumi is best enjoyed straight away, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it will start to dry out and become hard, and is not ideal for reheating.
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Reheating grilled halloumi
Grilled halloumi is best enjoyed fresh off the grill. However, if you have leftovers, you can reheat grilled halloumi in a few different ways.
The best way to reheat halloumi is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place your halloumi directly on a wire rack or on some ridged foil and leave it to heat for 4-5 minutes. The halloumi is done when it’s hot to the touch. You can also reheat halloumi in a pan. Simply place the halloumi in a skillet over low to medium heat and gently warm the cheese until it’s heated through and slightly crispy again.
If you have a toaster oven, you can place the halloumi directly on a wire rack or on some ridged foil and heat it for 2-3 minutes. You can also use an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and spread the halloumi out in a single layer in the basket. Heat the halloumi for 1 minute, but be careful not to leave it in too long, or it will dry out.
It is not recommended to reheat halloumi in the microwave, as it can make the cheese rubbery. It is also better to freeze raw halloumi over cooked halloumi, as the texture of raw halloumi holds up better to freezing.
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Where to buy halloumi
Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened, brined cheese made from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is widely available in most stores nowadays, and you can usually find it in the deli section of your local grocery store. If your regular supermarket doesn't stock it, try a Middle Eastern market or a large Arab grocery store, as halloumi is a traditional cheese from the Eastern Mediterranean island country of Cyprus.
In the United States, you can find halloumi at Trader Joe's, Costco, Whole Foods, and Euromarket. In New York City, specifically, it's available at the Union Square Farmers Market and in Bay Ridge. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, try a Hispanic grocery store, where you can find "Queso Blanco (para frier)" at a lower price.
You can also buy halloumi online through Instacart, which offers delivery or pickup from local and national retailers.
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