9 new ways to serve halloumi
This Cypriot-origin cheese is loved for its robust texture and deeply savoury flavour - plus its capacity to be grilled, barbecued or fried without losing its shape. We show you how to cook halloumi.
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It's hard to remember a time when halloumi wasn’t a mainstay of British dinner tables – we’ve fallen in love with its meaty and enjoyably rubbery texture, versatility and umami flavour. Here, we show you inventive ways to cook and serve this satisfying cheese.
How to cook halloumi on the barbecue
Halloumi is a sturdy enough beast to withstand being cooked over coals. We recommend threading the cheese onto skewers, as it has a tendency to stick. For simple halloumi kebabs, cut the cheese into thick cubes and thread onto skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for around 20-30 mins before using). Brush them with a little olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice too if you like and cook on the barbecue grill for 5-10 mins, turning regularly, until golden and a little charred on all sides. Alternatively, cut the halloumi into long fingers, à la our membrillo-glazed halloumi skewers.
How to serve halloumi with fruit
Whoever discovered the divine matrimony of salty halloumi and sweet, crisp watermelon deserves a medal. This cooling salad sings with summery flavour and many textures. Experiment with different types of melon, or combine halloumi with citrus fruit, which also works a treat. Try our halloumi & watermelon bulghar salad.
How to make halloumi omelette
We’re accustomed to putting melty cheeses into, and on top of, omelettes, but slices of halloumi add a satisfying firmness to this grilled omelette. The sweet pumpkin, spicy chilli and fresh mint make this a picnic-worthy rainbow beauty. Try our pumpkin, halloumi & chilli omelette.
How to make halloumi fries
Deep-fried cheese? You heard us. Our halloumi fries have been a huge hit with our social media fans, and it's not difficult to see why. Served with za'atar spice and a cooling harissa yogurt, these addictive bites are actually really easy to make – as our video hack demonstrates. Try our halloumi fries.
How to make halloumi pie
Greece, Cyprus and Middle Eastern countries know how to celebrate the virtues of flexible filo pastry. Ready-made packs are easy to handle and provide several meals-worth of pastry. These chunky halloumi blocks flavoured with tahini are perfect as a vegetarian main course – just make sure you check the packaging to ensure your cheese doesn’t contain animal rennet. Try our sesame halloumi parcels with sweet potato mash & chopped herb salad.
How to make halloumi burgers
Stack in style and combine fried slices of halloumi with harissa, red peppers, aubergine and hummus. If you don’t fancy quite such a beastly bap, treat fried halloumi as you would a meat patty and top with salad and sauce of your choice, grilled mushrooms, avocado or salsa. Maybe hold the processed cheese slice though. Try our halloumi & aubergine burgers with harissa relish.
How to make glazed halloumi
This Lebanese halloumi dish with pomegranate molasses demonstrates how a sticky, sweet glaze can really bring the cheese to life. You can find thick, gooey pomegranate molasses in the world food aisle and it's great for adding texture, tang and richness to dishes. Try our halloumi with tomatoes & pomegranate molasses.
How to make halloumi canapés
Salt on salt? We can get behind these sodium-rich rolls as an occasional treat. Add chopped chives to cut through the savoury richness, and serve as a gluten-free party nibble or cooled down and packed into a picnic or lunchbox. Try our halloumi & bacon rolls.
How to grill halloumi
One of the easiest but most effective ways to cook halloumi is to cut it into slices and toast under the grill. It doesn't require any additional ingredients, just keep an eye on it as it cooks quickly – once it's golden, it's good to go. Try our warm quinoa salad with grilled halloumi.
Watch our video for the easiest way to cook halloumi:
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Are you a fan of squeaky, salty halloumi? How do you like to cook with it? We'd love to hear your recipe ideas...