Patrick Oconnell
Grilled halloumi is a simple and delicious Mediterranean appetiser that's ready in minutes. Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened, brined goat and sheep's milk cheese (although it can be made with cow's milk, too). It has a high melting point, which makes it perfect for grilling. The result is a warmed, salty, chewy cheese that can be used in all kinds of dishes.
How to Grill Halumi Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Halumi, a semi-hard, unripened, brined goat and sheep’s milk cheese (can also be made with cow's milk) |
| Melting point | High |
| Texture | Firm, chewy, salty, squeaky, crispy exterior, soft or gooey interior |
| Taste | Salty, tangy, briny |
| Grill type | Outdoor grill, stove-top grill pan, non-stick pan, BBQ, skillet |
| Grill temperature | Medium-high heat, about 400 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Grill preparation | Brush grill with olive oil or vegetable oil to prevent sticking |
| Cheese preparation | Cut into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices or planks, soak in water to reduce saltiness, coat or drizzle with olive oil |
| Grill time | 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown grill marks appear, a total of 4-6 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, with sliced tomatoes, crusty bread, lemon juice, dried oregano, honey, balsamic vinegar, vegetables, herbs, sumac |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to cut halloumi for grilling
Grilling halloumi is a great way to enjoy this unique cheese, especially during the warmer months. It is a semi-hard, unripened, brined goat and sheep's milk cheese (although it can also be made with cow's milk). It has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling. The result is a warm, salty, chewy, and hard cheese that is perfect for all kinds of dishes.
To cut halloumi for grilling, start by removing the block of cheese from its packaging and draining off the brine. Next, cut the block of halloumi into slices that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inches thick. You can cut the halloumi into planks or any shape you prefer, but thicker slices are recommended to prevent the cheese from falling apart on the grill. A block of halloumi usually weighs 8 ounces, so slicing it into eight equal slices is a good guideline.
After cutting the halloumi, you can choose to soak the slices in water for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours if you want to reduce the salty taste. However, if you enjoy the salty flavour of halloumi, you may choose to skip this step. Once your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat, you can brush the grilling surface with olive oil or vegetable oil to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Now you are ready to grill your halloumi! Place the slices on the hot grill and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown grill marks appear. Avoid flipping the halloumi too frequently, as it is best to let it sear and form beautiful grill marks. Your halloumi is ready when it has a crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior.
Grilled Gruyere Cheese: A Classic Comfort Food
You may want to see also
The best oils to use for grilling halloumi
Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened, brined goat and sheep's milk cheese from Cyprus. It has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling. The result is a warmed, salty, chewy cheese with a crispy exterior, ideal for salads, sandwiches, or as a snack.
When grilling halloumi, it is important to oil the grill to prevent the cheese from sticking. The best oils to use for grilling halloumi are those with a high smoke point, such as:
- Vegetable oil -- This oil has a neutral taste and smell and a smoke point of about 400°F. It is a good choice for high-heat cooking methods like grilling halloumi because it will not burn and ruin the taste of the food.
- Canola oil -- This oil also has a neutral flavor and a versatile smoke point of 400°F, making it an excellent choice for grilling halloumi.
- Sunflower oil -- With a smoke point of 450°F and a subtle nutty flavor, sunflower oil is a great choice for grilling halloumi. It will add a slight nutty flavor to the cheese while also helping to prevent sticking.
- Olive oil -- Olive oil, whether regular, virgin, or extra virgin, is a popular choice for grilling. It has a smoke point ranging from 390-468°F and a neutral, mild flavor that makes it suitable for most dishes.
- Peanut oil -- Peanut oil is neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point of 450°F. It is often used for high-heat cooking methods such as stir-frying and deep-frying and is also a good option for grilling halloumi.
When grilling halloumi, it is best to slice the cheese into 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick planks and drizzle or rub both sides with oil before placing it on the hot grill. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until grill marks or a golden-brown crust forms.
The Ancient Debate: Hamburger vs. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
You may want to see also
How long to grill halloumi for
Grilled halloumi is a delicious treat, but timing is everything when it comes to grilling this cheese. You don't want to overcook it, but you also want to make sure it's cooked enough to get that perfect, golden-brown crust.
First, you'll want to prepare your grill and the halloumi. Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat. The exact temperature will depend on your grill, but around 400 degrees Fahrenheit is a good target. While the grill is heating up, slice your halloumi into planks or slabs that are about 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick. The exact thickness will depend on your personal preference, but this thickness will help the halloumi hold its shape on the grill without falling apart.
Once your grill is hot and your halloumi is sliced, it's time to start grilling. Brush the grill with olive oil or vegetable oil to prevent sticking, then place the halloumi slices on the grill. Let the halloumi cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown grill marks appear. The timing will depend on your grill's heat and your desired level of doneness, but this should give you a nice, crispy exterior and a warm, chewy interior.
Keep an eye on your halloumi while it's grilling, as it can go from golden brown to burnt quite quickly. If you're using a particularly high heat or your grill marks appear before the 2-minute mark, you may need to adjust the timing accordingly. It's also important not to flip your halloumi too much, as you want to give those charred grill lines a chance to develop.
Once your halloumi has reached the perfect level of doneness, remove it from the grill and serve immediately. Grilled halloumi is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. It's the perfect addition to salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls, and it also makes for a tasty appetizer when served with a dipping sauce.
Grilled Cheese with Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What to serve grilled halloumi with
Grilled halloumi is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:
Salads
Grilled halloumi can be a great addition to a salad. It can be used as a topping or mixed in with other ingredients. For example, it can be used to make an unconventional Caprese salad, replacing the mozzarella. It would also be delicious in a Greek salad, a panzanella, or a cucumber and tomato salad. Halloumi is also a great addition to a warm quinoa salad or a simple peach salad.
Sandwiches and Wraps
Halloumi can be used as a substitute for meat in sandwiches and wraps. It can be paired with grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and onions, and sauces like romesco or harissa. For a more portable option, try wrapping the halloumi and vegetables in a pita or a keto English muffin.
Appetizers and Snacks
Grilled halloumi can be served as an appetizer or snack, paired with sliced baguette, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce like honey or Greek dressing. It can also be served as finger food, paired with salami, pickles, and red peppers.
Bowls
Grilled halloumi can be the star of a grain bowl, paired with ingredients like cilantro lime rice or coconut rice, black beans, and a fruity salsa.
Sides
Halloumi can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or grilled vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Soups
Halloumi can be a delicious addition to soups, such as a tomato zaatar soup, a Middle Eastern spice blend that pairs well with the salty cheese.
Grilled Cheese: Chemistry Experiment or Delicious Sandwich?
You may want to see also
How to grill halloumi without it melting
Grilling halloumi is a great way to cook this unique cheese from Cyprus. Its high melting point means it's perfect for grilling, giving you a crisp, melty, chewy, and salty snack. Here's how to grill halloumi without it melting:
First, you'll want to cut the halloumi into slices. The thickness of the slices can vary, but generally, they should be around 1/4-1/3 of an inch thick. You can also cut the halloumi into cubes if you plan to add it to skewers.
Next, heat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat. It's important to ensure that your grill is nice and hot before adding the cheese to prevent sticking and to help develop a nice crust. Brush the grill with olive oil or vegetable oil to further prevent sticking.
Once your grill is hot, place the halloumi slices or cubes onto the grill. Cook for around 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown grill marks appear. If grilling cubes, you may need to use a metal spatula or tongs to flip them.
Finally, remove the halloumi from the grill and serve immediately. Grilled halloumi is delicious on its own or as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls. It also pairs well with fresh herbs, sauces, and honey.
Remember, halloumi has a high melting point, so it will retain its shape when grilled properly. The exterior will become crisp and golden brown, while the interior remains warm and chewy. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile and delicious grilled cheese!
Zucchini Grilled Cheese: A Low-Carb Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Grilling halloumi is a simple process. First, cut the halloumi into slices about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Drizzle the slices with olive oil and rub it into both sides. Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat. Place the halloumi on the grill and cook for 2-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until grill marks appear on both sides.
Halloumi is a versatile cheese that can be served in many ways. It can be eaten on its own as a snack or appetiser, or added to salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls. It pairs well with fresh herbs, sauces like honey or Greek dressing, and vegetables such as grilled eggplant, zucchini, and onions.
Leftover grilled halloumi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It can be reheated in the microwave at 50% power, but it will not be as good as when freshly grilled.
