If you are looking for a delicious appetizer, look no further than this delicious grilled halloumi! Quick and easy to prep and grill, this cheese has a wonderful creamy texture with just the right amount of saltiness.
What is Halloumi?
Halloumi is a non melting cheese that is similar to Queso Para Frier, and in flavor is somewhere in between feta and mozzarella. It is made with a mixture of goat and sheep’s milk and is semi hard and brined. It originates from Cyprus and is very popular in Lebanon, where my parents are from.
How Do You Grill Halloumi Cheese?
- Remove the block of halloumi cheese from the packaging. Then drain and slice in whatever shapes you want. A block is usually 8 ounces so I like to slice into equal 8 slices.
- Cook the slices on each side on an indoor or outdoor grill until browned.
Tips for Making Grilled Halloumi
- Soak the halloumi in water for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours to remove the salty taste. I love the salty taste of halloumi so I prefer not to soak. However, if you find the kind you have to be too salty, the soak will help alleviate that.
- Allow the halloumi cheese to grill without touching it. There’s no need to move the cheese around once it hits the grill. This allows it to sear perfectly and gets beautiful grill marks.
- Enjoy the grilled halloumi immediately after making. While it’s fine to refrigerate it, it will get cold and firm and will lose the juiciness and texture that it has fresh off the grill.
- Don’t toss the olive oil used to cook the halloumi. If there is any leftover, you can pour it over the halloumi before serving if using on a salad, or use it took cook with. It’s great for frying eggs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find halloumi cheese?
Halloumi is pretty widely available in most stores and you should be able to find it in your deli section.
How long does it take to grill halloumi?
It takes around 6 minutes to grill halloumi, about 3 minutes per side, so it’s a great quick and simple appetizer to serve. Cook until the outside is nicely browned.
What do you serve with grilled halloumi?
Grilled halloumi can totally be eaten by itself, but I like to serve it with sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, fresh mint, zaatar and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s great to use as a topping for fresh salads because it has a meaty texture, and I also like to drizzle pomegranate molasses on the slices.
Recipe for Grilled Halloumi
Prep Time: 4 mins
Cook Time: 6 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
- Drain the halloumi and slice in wide thin pieces, about 8 slices. Pat the slices very dry with paper towels.
- Heat the olive oil in a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced halloumi and cook undisturbed until the bottoms are well-browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Use a spatula or tongs to flip the halloumi slices and cook on the other side until browned, about 2-3 more minutes.
- Plate the grilled halloumi with sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, fresh mint, zaatar and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Notes:
- Storage: It’s best to enjoy the halloumi straight away. You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but will start to dry out and become hard.
- Equipment: For indoor grilling, I love using the Anolon nonstick griddle/pan (affiliate link). It creates crisp texture with beautiful grill marks.
- Nutritional Data: Please
note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online
nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients
you use.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 680mg | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 567mg