Addicted to halloumi? Here's 11 delicious halloumi recipes where this amazing cheese is the star of the show. All recipes are healthy and vegetarian and feature fried, grilled and baked halloumi. Choose from salads, fajitas, kebabs, fritters and much more!
![11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (1) 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (1)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Halloumi lovers unite! I've put together a list of the most delicious halloumi recipes the internet has to offer!
Whether you're a halloumi addict or you're looking for your first halloumi recipe, there's something for everyone in this list.
All recipes featured are healthy and vegetarian and have either fried, grilled and baked halloumi as the star of the show. Choose from easy salads, one pan fajitas, loaded burgers and much much more!
If you haven't cooked with halloumi before, make sure to visit my How to Cook Halloumi post which is filled with tips and tricks on how to fry and grill halloumi, as well as loads of information about this amazing cheese.
WHAT IS HALLOUMI?
Halloumi is a cheese that originates from Cyprus. Traditionally it is made with a blend of goats and sheep milk, however, in countries where it’s difficult to source these milks, it can also be made with cow’s milk.
Halloumi has a distinctive layered texture similar to mozzarella and has a salty flavour due to it being brined in a salt water solution.
The unique characteristic of halloumi is that it does not melt when grilled because of its high melting point.
WHERE TO BUY HALLOUMI CHEESE
Halloumi has grown more popular in Western countries in recent years, and nowadays you’ll find packaged halloumi cheese in specialty cheese sections at most major supermarkets.
In Australia you'll find it in Coles, Woolworths and Aldi. In America it is commonly found in Trader Joes and Whole Foods. In the UK try your nearest Tesco's.
If you’re having trouble tracking it down, you can always try a smaller co-op, specialty cheese shops or your local Mediterranean deli.
11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes
Crispy halloumi fries are the ultimate appetiser or snack. These fries are so easy to make - all you need is 5 ingredients and 15 minutes! No deep fryer required - just shallow fry these halloumi fries in a frying pan at home for an irresistible treat.
![11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (3) 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (3)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Photo Credit:www.happyveggiekitchen.com
Halloumi and white beans baked in a rich, smoky, Spanish inspired tomato sauce! This stunning one pot vegetarian meal is on the table in 30 minutes.
![11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (4) 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (4)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Photo Credit:www.olivemagazine.com
Pizza night tonight? Give these Syrian red pepper muhummara and halloumi pizzas a go. This recipe is super quick, easy and perfect for a meat-free meal
![11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (5) 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (5)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Photo Credit:www.sustainablecooks.com
A crispy one-pan dinner,Fried Halloumi With Bruschetta Zoodlesis a delicious weeknight dinner. Keto, vegetarian, and kid-friendly, this one-pot dinner is versatile and simple.
![11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (6) 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (6)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Photo Credit:www.hungryhealthyhappy.com
No BBQ or summer party should be complete without some kind of halloumi dish and these Vegetable and Halloumi Kebabs are the perfect way to serve them.
![11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (7) 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (7)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Pumpkin, Halloumi and Avocado Salad
Gone are the days of bland and boring salads! This pumpkin, halloumi and avocado salad makes for a perfect weeknight dinner - minimal effort, maximum taste.
![11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (8) 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (8)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Photo Credit:www.kitchensanctuary.com
TheseHalloumi Burgers with Sticky Chilli Sauce are simply delicious and possibly the best vegetarian burger? Vegetarian or meat-eater, this halloumi burger will totally satisfy all tastes.
![11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (9) 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (9)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Photo Credit:www.heynutritionlady.com
This Warm Zucchini Noodle Salad with fried halloumi and burst tomatoes is a delicious, low-carb, and healthy alternative to a traditional pasta dish. It’s quick and easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and a great way to get in extra veggies!
![11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (10) 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (10)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Photo Credit:thecookreport.co.uk
This halloumi curry with potato is extra spicy and filling. Serve with rice and naan for a vegetarian meal that’s great for a busy weeknight.
![11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (11) 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (11)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Photo Credit:www.happyveggiekitchen.com
Halloumi is seasoned and roasted in the oven with veggies for an easy vegetarian sheet pan meal! No one will miss the meat!
![11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (12) 11 Delicious Halloumi Recipes (12)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Zucchini and Halloumi Fritters
These quick and easy Zucchini and Halloumi Fritters are a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet. These cheesy golden fritters are a healthy and super tasty snack, lunch or dinner that the whole family will love.
Halloumi is such a versatile cheese that can be used in so many ways! It's safe to say you'll make the most of your block of halloumi cheese with any one of these delicious recipes. The only question is which will you try first?
If you’ve tried any of theseHalloumi RecipesI’d love to hear how you enjoyed them! Pop a comment below!
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FAQs
Why do you soak halloumi before cooking? While completely optional, many swear by this step for a softer, more flavourful, and sweeter result that will set your halloumi apart from all others. The easiest method is to soak the whole block of cheese in cold water for at least two hours (or overnight if you have time).
How do you keep halloumi from getting rubbery? ›
To stop your halloumi getting rubbery, make sure that you cut the slices thicker. You also need to make sure that you are not over-cooking it and that you are eating it straight away.
Should you boil halloumi before frying? ›
Halloumi hack: soak in boiling water before cooking for the softest texture 😍. Method: 🧀 Slice 30g halloumi cheese. Tip: I use a crinkle knife to slice the halloumi to get the grill lines without having to use a griddle pan, it's a game changer.
What is halloumi made of? ›
Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese made principally in Cyprus from sheep or goat milk or mixture of the two. The raw milk is coagulated as for Feta cheese. The blocks of the cheese (10 × 10 × 3 cm) are heated at 92–95°C in the whey extracted during draining.
Why is my halloumi slimy? ›
Spoiled halloumi cheese can be easily identified. If the cheese has become slimy or developed a mold, it's time to toss it out. Moreover, a strong sour smell or change in color can also indicate that the cheese is past its prime.
Can you eat halloumi straight from the packet? ›
In the Middle East, halloumi is usually fried or grilled to take advantage of its high melting point. Although halloumi can be eaten straight from the packet, some chefs recommend soaking it in buttermilk for a day or two before preparing, to give it a richer, less salty flavour.
Is halloumi good for you? ›
Originally from Cyprus, halloumi cheese is a popular dairy product. Its firm texture and unique savory taste are enjoyed worldwide. Given that it provides a good amount of protein and calcium in each serving, adding it to your diet may enhance your bone health and protect against type 2 diabetes.
Why does halloumi squeak when you eat it? ›
This is because, unlike many cheeses, halloumi has a high pH, as no starter cultures are used in its production. It seems that when this dense casein network “rubs” against the enamel of the teeth, it produces a squeak. Other cheeses usually have a lower pH, which tends to make the casein more fragile.
Why does halloumi taste like rubber? ›
don't overcook the halloumi – a couple of minutes on each side is all it needs! You still want it to be soft, not totally crispy. eat the halloumi within 5 minutes or so of cooking it – if you leave it to cool, it will become a little more rubbery.
Is it OK to eat halloumi raw? ›
What is halloumi? Originating from Cyprus, halloumi is a semi-hard, un-ripened, brined cheese that can be made from cow, sheep or goat's milk. It can be eaten raw but is truly delicious cooked, having a high melting point, makes it an excellent choice for grilling or frying.
Use your spatula to test for doneness before you remove it from the heat. Once the cheese feels soft inside and gives easily you'll know that it is cooked to perfection. If you'd rather skip the oil, halloumi can also be dry-fried in a non-stick pan. Or toss it in your air fryer for up to ten minutes.
Can you fry mozzarella like halloumi? ›
Cheeses that have a high melting point can be fried. While the cheese melts slightly, it will generally retain its shape in the fryer or skillet. Popular fried cheese options are cheese curds, queso blanco, halloumi, paneer, mozzarella, bread cheese, certain cheddars, and provolone.
What is halloumi called in the USA? ›
Many Halloumi-style cheeses are prepared by dairy and goat farmers in Canada and the United States. For legal proprietary reasons, these cheeses are usually called Halloumi-style or grillable cheeses. Sometimes they are called grilling cheese or frying cheese, or queso de freír in Spanish.
How do Greeks eat halloumi? ›
Halloumi saganaki is a traditional Greek dish made with semolina-crusted fried halloumi cheese that is served with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds, bitter greens, and a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
Why is halloumi so expensive in the US? ›
What's more, halloumi is made from sheep's milk, which is more expensive than cow's milk or goat's milk due to a lower milking yield from sheep. And halloumi is often aged, which can also amplify the price.
Does soaking halloumi make it less salty? ›
Simply patting the haloumi dry with paper towel will remove some of the saltiness, but you can also place it in a bowl of cold water to remove more of the salt, if you prefer. Just soak for 5 minutes, then pat dry with paper towel – patting dry is important to ensure the lovely golden crispy edges!
Why is halloumi stored in brine? ›
Halloumi is stored in brine to control moisture content, salt levels, and preserve texture. Dry salting for 24 hours retains more calcium and nutrients, making it a preferable method. Effect of partial substitution of NaCl with KCl on proteolysis of halloumi cheese.
Should you store halloumi in water? ›
How to store halloumi. An unopened packet of halloumi will keep in the fridge for up to a year. Once opened store in salt water in the fridge.
What stops halloumi from melting? ›
It is the high pH (low acid) of the cheese that causes this non-melting characteristic.