When Halloumi cheese is being made, the curds are typically cooked at a high heat for at least an hour, but often more. This gives the cheese a rubbery, semi-firm texture that softens when heated but doesn't melt entirely. For this reason, Halloumi is a cheese that can be grilled or pan-fried because it will hold it's shape. In fact, the cheese isn't really meant to be eaten cold, as it tastes much better when warm. The texture and flavor are more enjoyable if the cheese is heated in some way.
Although the directions below explain how to grill slices of Halloumi, the cheese can also be cut into cubes. Cubes of Halloumi cheese can be heated in a pot of soup or threaded onto skewers and grilled with vegetables. You could even saute cubes of Halloumi with oil and garlic or vegetables.
If you want to pan-fry slices of halloumi instead of grilling it, cut the cheese into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slabs. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the cheese and fry for 3 minutes on each side. Video: How to Pan-Fry Halloumi Cheese
Often, Halloumi is served with nothing more than a squirt of lemon on top. Or, you can try one of these Grilled Halloumi Recipes:
To Grill Halloumi:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Slice the halloumi into slabs that are 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick.
- Put the slices of cheese directly on the grill.
- Grill the slices of Halloumi cheese for about 3 minutes per side, until the cheese is lightly browned on the outside and warm and soft through the middle.
- Plate and serve the cheese immediately. Halloumi has the most flavor when it is warm.
- Garnish the cheese slices with wedges of lemon and/or fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, mint, basil or oregano.
