Move over Mozzarella Sticks because there’s a new gooey cheese appetizer in my life and her name is grilled halloumi cheese. What’s halloumi cheese? Let me introduce you.
Halloumi is a firm cheese that originated in Cyprus. It’s made with some mixture of goat’s, sheep’s, and cow’s milk and is popular throughout the Mediterranean.A unique trait of halloumi cheese is its high melting point which allows it to be cooked directly on the hot grill plates without melting into total oblivion.
Cooking it feels a little bit like magic and eating is pretty magical too.
How to Grill Halloumi Cheese
Grilled halloumi makes an unexpected, impressive appetizer (especially served with Greek Layer Dip) that will delight your friends. When warm, halloumi cheese tastes creamy, salty, and absolutely delicious! It can be a vegetarian main, or use the grilled halloumi cheese to make an actual grilled cheese sandwich. However you enjoy grilled halloumi cheese, you can’t go wrong!
The Ingredients
Halloumi Cheese. This mild, firm cheese shines on the grill. It’s also quite the party trick!
Herbs. While you can enjoy halloumi cheese all on its own, I love to give a nod to its Mediterranean roots by adding oregano and thyme. Or even mint!Lemon Juice. A squeeze wakes up the flavor and nicely balances the richness of the halloumi.Olive Oil. While you can fry halloumi cheese in a nonstick skillet without adding any oil (the fat content of the cheese is sufficient), when grilling, oil is an important insurance policy.
The Directions
Ways to Serve Grilled Halloumi
Appetizer. Pile it on a plate alongside pita, Homemade Naan, or toasted baguette slices. As an appetizer is my favorite way to serve halloumi, and my friends go crazy for it!Grilled Halloumi Salad. Cut the grilled halloumi into bite-sized pieces and pile them on your favorite salad. This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Israeli Couscous Salad, and this Arugula Salad would all be tasty.Grilled Halloumi Sandwich. Tuck your grilled halloumi into a pita or between slices of toasted bread with thinly sliced, roasted, or grilled vegetables and a smear of Edamame Hummus for a filling vegetarian main. Or make burgers!Grilled Halloumi Wrap. Use pita or a whole wheat tortilla to create a tasty grilled halloumi wrap.
Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. To Reheat. Rewarm it in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.To Freeze. Halloumi cheese can be frozen. Freeze slices of uncooked halloumi cheese in a vacuum-sealed bag or airtight container for up to 6 months. Then you can thaw in small batches and grill on-demand.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Measuring Spoons. Magnetic measuring spoons keep organized in your drawers.Tongs. These stainless steel tongs have lasted years. Plus, they lock for easy storage.
Now, THIS is my idea of grilled CHEESE!
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