Andy Montoya
Halloumi is a Mediterranean cheese from Cyprus, traditionally made from sheep's or goat's milk, or a combination of the two. It is a semi-hard, salty cheese with a high melting point, which makes it perfect for grilling or frying. When cooked, halloumi has a golden exterior and a soft, gooey interior. It is a versatile cheese that can be cooked in different ways, including baked, grilled, or fried. The simplest method of cooking halloumi is to pan-fry it in olive oil for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. It can also be grilled on an outdoor grill for a few minutes on each side. Halloumi is often served as an appetizer or snack, and it goes well with various accompaniments such as lemon juice, herbs, vegetables, or bread.
How to Cook Halumi Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Halumi Cheese, Olive Oil, Lemon, Mint, Oregano |
| Cheese Slice Thickness | 1/2 inch to 1 inch |
| Pan Type | Non-stick Pan, Frying Pan, Grill Pan |
| Pan Heat | Medium |
| Cooking Time | 2-5 minutes on each side |
| Serving | Warm, alongside vegetables or other dishes |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking methods: grilling, pan-frying, air-frying
Halloumi is a firm, salty, and savoury cheese with a high melting point, making it suitable for grilling, pan-frying, and air-frying.
Grilling
To grill halloumi, start by removing the cheese from its packaging and drying it with a kitchen towel. Then, cut the halloumi into eight pieces. Preheat an outdoor grill or a grill pan to a very high heat. Brush each piece of halloumi with olive oil and season before placing it on the grill. Grill the halloumi for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until grill marks form on both sides, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes per side. You can also grill halloumi in a pan. Heat a non-stick grill pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Spray the grill surfaces with olive oil and cook the cheese slices until golden brown, for 3-5 minutes on each side.
Pan-frying
To pan-fry halloumi, start by drying the cheese with a kitchen towel and cutting it into eight pieces. Heat a thick-bottomed frying pan over medium heat and add oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cheese and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden. You can also add toasted sesame seeds to the pan before frying the halloumi.
Air-frying
Air-frying is another option for cooking halloumi. First, slice the halloumi into six equal pieces and dry them with a paper towel. Brush all sides with olive oil and place the slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch. Cook for around 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on the cheese, as cooking times may vary between air fryers.
Halloumi can be served with a range of side dishes and flavours, including chilli jam, cherry tomatoes, herbs, and balsamic glaze, and sesame seeds. It is best enjoyed fresh and can become squeaky if left for too long after cooking.
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Choosing a pan: non-stick, stainless steel, griddle
When cooking halloumi, it is recommended to use a non-stick pan. Non-stick pans are best for delicate foods that may disintegrate in other types of pans. They are also good for quick-fire breakfast items, thinner cuts of meat or fish, and anything that has a coating.
However, non-stick pans cannot be overheated due to their coatings, so they are not suitable for pan sauces or liquids. Stainless steel pans are better for browning ingredients, as they are usually uncoated and more durable. They are also the best option for cooking chicken, as they can easily brown the meat while creating a rich flavour in the pan drippings. Stainless steel pans are also better for browning and caramelising vegetables.
If you are looking for a pan that can handle a variety of dishes, a griddle pan is a good option. Griddle pans are incredibly versatile and can be used for anything from pancakes to steak. Cast iron griddle pans are particularly good as they keep your food warm while you eat. However, they require hot pads to handle.
Carbon steel is another versatile option, as it can be used for both high-heat and gentle, low-heat cooking methods. It is also durable, lightweight, and quick to heat up. However, carbon steel is a little trickier to maintain than stainless steel or non-stick pans.
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Oil: olive, clarified butter, ghee
Oil: Olive, Clarified Butter, and Ghee
Halloumi is a Greek-Cypriot cheese made from goat's and sheep's milk, though commercial varieties may contain cow's milk. It is known for its salty and savoury flavour, firm texture, and high melting point. When cooked, it develops a crust and becomes gooey on the inside without melting.
Olive Oil
Halloumi can be cooked in olive oil, which adds a more complex flavour. To prepare, heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan to medium heat and add olive oil. Slice the halloumi into 1/2-inch-thick planks, then drizzle or rub both sides with olive oil before placing them in the pan. Alternatively, you can skip the oil if using a non-stick pan.
Clarified Butter and Ghee
Clarified butter and ghee are also suitable for cooking halloumi. They can be used in place of olive oil to prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan and are recommended for those who do not enjoy the taste or smell of butter.
Air Fryer
An air fryer can be used as an alternative method to cook halloumi without the need for oil, resulting in a less oily dish.
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Seasoning: lemon, herbs, honey
Halloumi is a salty cheese with a high melting point and a firm texture, which makes it perfect for grilling and frying. It is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with many different flavours.
To make honey-glazed halloumi, you can first create a honey-lemon dressing by mixing honey and lemon juice. You can then add layers of halloumi slices and the dressing to an airtight container. After searing the halloumi in a pan, you can add a few spoons of the dressing to glaze the cheese.
You can also serve fried halloumi with a separate side of lemony honey by pouring the honey over the hot cheese. Lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds can also be added to the honey mixture.
Halloumi can be served with fresh herbs such as mint, thyme, oregano, or lemon thyme. It can also be paired with honey and fresh fruit for a sweet and savoury combination. This can be served as part of a cheese board or as a salad with leafy greens and fruits such as pears or berries.
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Serving suggestions: salads, sandwiches,
Halloumi is a versatile cheese that can be served in many ways. It is a popular salad topping, for example, in a fried halloumi salad or with lettuce. It is also delicious in sandwiches, such as on keto English muffins, almond flour bread, or in a lettuce wrap. Halloumi can also be served as a snack on its own, as finger food or with dips. It is a great addition to a charcuterie board, paired with salami, pickles, and red peppers.
Halloumi is a salty cheese, so it is often served with something sweet like honey to balance the flavours. It is also commonly served with lemon juice, which helps to mellow the saltiness. Fresh herbs like mint and oregano are also popular additions.
Halloumi can be grilled, fried, or baked. It is a popular cheese to cook because it has a high melting point and retains its shape when heated. It is often cut into thick slices or sticks before cooking, as thinner slices can dry out and become hard. It is typically cooked in olive oil, which adds flavour and prevents sticking. It can be cooked in a non-stick pan, on a grill, or baked in the oven.
Halloumi is best served fresh and hot, straight from the pan. It can be reheated, but it will lose its gooey texture and become more rubbery as it cools.
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Frequently asked questions
You can cook halloumi cheese in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-frying, baking, and air-frying. To grill halloumi cheese, slice the cheese into 1/2-inch thick slices, brush both sides with olive oil, and place on a hot grill for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. To pan-fry halloumi, heat a non-stick pan to medium heat and add olive oil. Place the halloumi slices in the pan and cook for 2 minutes on one side and 1-2 minutes on the other side.
Halloumi cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be served in many ways. It is often served as an appetizer or snack, such as with salami, pickles, and red peppers, or in a keto English muffin. It also works well in salads, sandwiches, or with sliced fruit like melon or watermelon.
Halloumi is a semi-hard, salty cheese that is traditionally made from goat or sheep's milk or a combination of both. It is a Cypriot cheese that originated on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus and is now commonly used in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine.
