Grilled halloumi cheese is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings a touch of Mediterranean flair to your table. With its firm texture and salty flavor, halloumi is perfect for grilling, creating a crispy exterior while remaining soft and gooey inside. This simple recipe requires just two ingredients and a few minutes on the grill, making it an ideal choice for a quick appetizer or a delicious addition to any meal.
The main ingredient in this recipe is halloumi cheese, which may not be commonly found in every household. Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened cheese made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk, and sometimes cow's milk. It has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling or frying. You can find halloumi in the specialty cheese section of most supermarkets or at Mediterranean grocery stores.

Ingredients for Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese: A semi-hard, unripened cheese made from a mixture of goat's, sheep's, and sometimes cow's milk. It has a high melting point, making it ideal for grilling or frying.
Olive oil: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, used to brush the halloumi slices to prevent sticking and to add a rich flavor.
Technique Tip for Grilling Halloumi
When grilling halloumi cheese, make sure to use a clean grill grate to prevent sticking. Additionally, avoid moving the cheese slices too soon; let them develop grill marks and a golden crust before flipping. This ensures the halloumi maintains its shape and achieves the perfect texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
halloumi cheese - Substitute with paneer: Paneer has a similar firm texture and can be grilled without melting, making it a good alternative.
halloumi cheese - Substitute with firm tofu: Firm tofu can be grilled and has a similar texture, though it will lack the salty flavor of halloumi.
halloumi cheese - Substitute with grilled feta: Feta can be grilled and has a similar salty flavor, though it is slightly softer.
halloumi cheese - Substitute with provolone: Provolone can be grilled and has a mild flavor, though it is less salty than halloumi.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for grilling.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil also has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, suitable for grilling.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a versatile oil with a high smoke point, making it a good substitute for grilling.
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How To Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the grilled halloumi cheese to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the cheese soggy.
- Place the cooled halloumi slices in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. Grilled halloumi can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the grilled halloumi. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- When ready to use, thaw the halloumi in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery and less enjoyable.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan.
- Place the leftover halloumi cheese slices in the skillet.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through and slightly crispy.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the halloumi cheese slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is heated through and slightly golden.
Microwave Method:
- Place the halloumi cheese slices on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Grill Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Lightly brush the halloumi cheese slices with olive oil.
- Grill for 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through and grill marks reappear.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the halloumi cheese slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cheese is warmed and slightly crispy.
Best Tools for Grilling Halloumi
Grill: A cooking device that provides direct heat from below, perfect for achieving those beautiful grill marks on the halloumi cheese.
Grill brush: Used to clean the grill grates before cooking to ensure there are no residues that could affect the flavor or appearance of the halloumi.
Tongs: Essential for safely placing the halloumi slices on the grill and flipping them without breaking the cheese.
Basting brush: Used to evenly coat the halloumi slices with olive oil on both sides.
Cutting board: A flat surface to slice the halloumi cheese into ½ inch thick pieces.
Knife: A sharp tool for slicing the halloumi cheese accurately.
Serving platter: A dish to place the grilled halloumi once it’s cooked and ready to serve.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-slice the halloumi: Buy pre-sliced halloumi cheese to save time on preparation.
Use a grill pan: If you don't have a grill, use a grill pan on your stovetop for similar results.
Batch cooking: Grill multiple halloumi slices at once to save time if you're serving a crowd.
Preheat properly: Ensure your grill is fully preheated to medium-high heat before adding the cheese for even cooking.
Quick marinade: Add herbs and spices to the olive oil for extra flavor without extra time.
Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Halloumi cheese sliced into ½ inch thick pieces
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the halloumi slices with olive oil on both sides.
- Place the halloumi slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear and the cheese is golden brown.
- Remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for This Dish
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