Grillable Cheeses: Halloumi And Beyond

Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard, semi-soft, or semi-soft cheese made from goat's and sheep's milk, or a mixture of the two. It is traditionally made on the island of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean and has a high melting point, making it ideal for grilling. Halloumi is known for its salty, tangy, and savoury flavour, and its chewy, melty, and squeaky texture. While it is the most well-known grilling cheese, there are other grill-worthy cheeses, such as kefalotyri, queso panela, and provoleta.

Why halloumi cheese is good for grilling

Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard, semi-soft, or semi-soft cheese made from goat's and/or sheep's milk, or a mixture of the two. Sometimes, cow's milk is used. It is traditionally made in Cyprus, an island country in the Mediterranean. Halloumi is a popular cheese for grilling because it has a high melting point and maintains its shape when heated.

Halloumi has a firm texture and is sold in compact bricks, similar to feta cheese. It is a white, layered cheese, similar to mozzarella, with a tangy, salty flavour. It is often described as "squeaky" and "chewy". When grilled, it develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a soft, gooey, or melted inside.

To grill halloumi, start by slicing the cheese into planks or blocks and drizzling them with olive oil. Preheat a grill or grill pan to a high temperature, then place the cheese on the hot surface and cook for a few minutes on each side, or until grill marks form. Halloumi can be served in many ways, including as an appetizer with herbs, honey, or lemon juice, or in salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls.

How to grill halloumi cheese

Grilling halloumi cheese is simple and quick. Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened cheese with a high melting point, which makes it perfect for grilling. It is made from goat and sheep milk, or sometimes cow's milk, and is known for its salty, tangy flavour.

To grill halloumi, first slice the cheese into 1/2-inch-thick or 1/3-inch-thick planks. Drizzle or brush both sides of the planks with olive oil or vegetable oil. Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat. Place the cheese on the grill and cook until grill marks form on both sides—this should only take 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Halloumi is versatile and can be served in many ways. It works well as an appetizer with sliced baguette, fresh herbs, and a sauce for drizzling, such as honey or Greek dressing. It can also be served in a salad, in a sandwich, or in a bowl with rice, beans, salsa, and vegetables.

Other grilling cheeses

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened cheese made from a combination of goat's and sheep's milk, though some modern versions are made with cow's milk. It is known for its high melting point, making it ideal for grilling. However, it is not the only grilling cheese out there.

Feta

Feta is a Greek cheese made from sheep or goat's milk. It is crumbly, tangy, and very salty. While it may not be the first cheese that comes to mind for grilling, it performs surprisingly well under high heat. It develops nice char lines, a crispy exterior, and slightly softens in the middle. It is best to keep the block whole to prevent crumbling. Feta is a moderately priced cheese and can be found in most grocery stores worldwide.

Paneer

Paneer is a fresh, non-melting cow's milk cheese common in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. It is firm enough to hold its shape when grilled and has a quick cooking time. Before grilling, it is best to brine the cheese in salty water and then pat it dry. It holds its shape much better than halloumi and is nearly half the cost. It can be found at Whole Foods, some local supermarkets, and Indian markets.

Kefalotyri

Kefalotyri is a hard, salty, yellow cheese made from sheep's and/or goat's milk in Greece and Cyprus. It has a high melting point, making it suitable for grilling or pan-frying. It is saltier than halloumi and needs to be soaked in water and patted dry before grilling. It has a bold, tangy flavour and is often used to make a traditional Greek appetizer called saganaki.

Queso Panela

Queso Panela is a Mexican grilling cheese made from cow's milk. It is white, fresh, and smooth, and can be enjoyed fried or grilled. It holds its shape and doesn't melt easily, making it a versatile addition to dishes like nopal salads, quesadillas, and tacos. It is best to grill it for one to two minutes on each side.

Queso Fresco

Also known as queso blanco, this is a Mexican fresh cow's milk cheese with a slightly sweet and mild flavour. It is firm and crumbly, and while it melts slightly when grilled, it develops a crispy exterior. It is often used as a topping for tacos and pairs well with grilled vegetables. It is quite inexpensive and can be substituted with queso fresco or paneer if it is unavailable.

Juustoleipä

Also known as "bread cheese," Juustoleipä is a cow's milk cheese produced in Finland and Sweden. It has a high melting point and is suitable for grilling at medium heat. It is often served with jam.

How to serve grilled halloumi

Grilled halloumi is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

As an Appetizer

Grilled halloumi can be served as an appetizer with a sliced baguette, fresh herbs, and a tasty sauce for drizzling. Some possible sauces include mint and Greek dressing, honey, or chilli and honey for a sweet and savoury combo.

In a Salad

Halloumi can be added to a variety of salads, such as a Caprese salad, panzanella, Greek salad, or a cucumber and tomato salad. It can also be paired with grains like cilantro lime rice or coconut rice, black beans, and a fruity salsa.

In a Sandwich

Try grilled halloumi in a sandwich with grilled eggplant, zucchini, onions, a squeeze of lemon juice, and romesco sauce. It can also be added to pita breads with dips like hummus and tzatziki.

With Grilled Fruit

Halloumi is often served with grilled fruit, such as watermelon, peaches, plums, or pomegranate. The salty cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the fruit.

With Roasted Vegetables

Grilled halloumi can be served with roasted vegetables like peppers, red onions, and sweet potatoes. It can also be added to mezze platters with cold cuts of meat, olives, and fresh salad.

As a Meat Replacement

Halloumi is often used as a meat replacement in dishes like tacos, kebabs, or gyros. It can also be served with grilled prawn skewers or chicken souvlaki.

With Couscous

Halloumi pairs well with couscous salads, especially those with ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and lemon juice. It can also be served with lemon and pomegranate couscous.

With Pasta

Grilled halloumi goes well with pasta dishes, such as pasta with mint and cherry tomatoes, or pasta with grilled vegetables and a simple vinaigrette.

With Dipping Sauces

Fried halloumi can be served as bite-sized pieces with a dipping sauce like sweet chilli mayo.

Where to buy halloumi cheese

Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard, unripened, brined cheese made from a mixture of cow, sheep, and goat's milk. It is known for its high melting point, making it perfect for grilling and frying. You can buy halloumi cheese from the following places:

• Amazon
• Wisconsin Cheese Mart
• Trader Joe's
• Whole Foods
• ALDI
• Local grocery stores
• Mediterranean delis

Halloumi cheese is widely available in grocery stores, but if you can't find it there, try checking out your local Mediterranean deli.

Frequently asked questions