What Is Halloumi Cheese? And How Should You Eat It?
The Middle Eastern cheese's high melting point makes it the perfect grilling cheese. That's right, Halloumi can go directly on the grill.
Both kids and adults enjoy a melty grilled cheese sandwich (who can resist warm cheese?!) made with familiar Swiss, Cheddar, or Jack cheese. But what is Halloumi cheese, and how should it be eaten? For starters, you can direct-grill Halloumi (pronounced huh-loo-mee) cheese over an open flame due to its texture and high melting point. The hard, tangy cheese has roots in the Middle Eastern country of Cyprus but is becoming more popular all over the world. Here, you'll learn what Halloumi cheese is made of, and we'll share our favorite ways to enjoy it. Prepare to add this addicting cheese to your regular menu.
Related: Your Ultimate Cheese Guide
Try Grilled Halloumi In Our Veggie Gyro Recipe
What Is Halloumi?
Halloumi (also sometimes spelled Haloumi or Hallomi) is a semisoft cheese with a stretchy, rubbery texture similar to balls of fresh mozzarella on your pizza Margherita or Indian paneer cheese. Traditionally, Halloumi is made from goat's or sheep's milk (or a combo of the two), but cow's milk is also used today. As for the flavor, it's tangy and salty, somewhere between mozzarella and feta cheeses. A 1-ounce serving of Halloumi cheese has up to 9 grams of protein and 25% of your daily calcium needs, making the nutritional value beneficial to vegetarian diets.
Where to Buy Halloumi
Halloumi cheese can be found in most larger grocery stores. It will likely be in vacuum-sealed packaging or a container stored in brine (a salt and water solution). Look for it in the specialty cheese section of your local store. The price will vary depending on the brand and where you're shopping, but expect it to cost an average of $8–$10 for a half-pound (8-ounce) portion.
Buy It: Halloumi Cheese 3 Pack ($37, Amazon)
How to Cook Halloumi
What is Halloumi best for? While Halloumi can be enjoyed raw, it's most commonly served after grilling or frying. It has a firm texture and high melting point, so it won't turn into a cheesy mess, as you might think. Since the cheese is already brined with salt, you only need to brush a little cooking oil on your Halloumi slices and place them on the grill ($119, The Home Depot). The salt helps crisp up the outside while the inside gets all nice and melty. For more detailed directions, check out our sister site, Allrecipes, to learn how to cook Halloumi on the grill or pan-sear some Halloumi fries in a skillet.
Related: What Is Labneh? What to Know About This Secret Mediterranean Spread
Halloumi Cheese Recipes
Once you get hooked on Halloumi, you'll look for ways to incorporate it into your favorite recipes. Feel free to use Halloumi in any recipe you'd usually go for mozzarella or feta cheese. Try it in vegetarian shawarma. Grill it and make a vegetarian taco. Batter and fry your Halloumi cheese like mozzarella sticks for an unforgettable appetizer.
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