Halloumi, The Hype is real!

By David TisueAppetizers
Halloumi

Halloumi has been taking the internet by storm. Lately, you can’t help but run across someone grilling this strange cheese from Cyprus if you follow any cooking people on social media or run across a cooking show, especially in Britton (they seem to be crazy for it!) So I finally decided to try this squeaky cheese that doesn’t melt. It is absolutely delicious! It has a texture unlike anything else. It is slightly chewy, almost squeaky, and yet salty and flavorful but not overly so. Halloumi is grilled cheese without the bread. It is very addictive, and the more you eat some, the more you want. I get how it has begun to appear on cheese boards and appetizer plates all over the place. It will be showing up on mine!

Halloumi

This sheep and goat cheese has been made for centuries and is a staple on the Island of Cyprus. It is made similarly to mozzarella and then brined. Halloumi has a slightly spongy yet firm texture. It is unique as it doesn’t melt, but when grilled or fried, it gets this lovely golden crisp crust and just softly melts on the inside, almost like a marshmallow. It can be served all on its own with some crusty bread, in a salad, or, my favorite way, with tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. I used the grill on my stove, which worked wonderfully. A grill pan would be perfect for this cheese.

Halloumi on a plate.

Ok, That is all for this week. This was a quick one! I hope you are all staying safe and healthy out there in this crazy world. Please think of others in your choices. We all need to get through these times together. Until next time!

cheese on plate

grilled cheese
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Halloumi, The hype is real.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
4 mins
Total Time
9 mins
 
Halloumi is a cheese from Cyprus that can be grilled without melting and is delicious with some olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: British, Cypriot
Keyword: appetizer, halloumi, quick appetizers
Servings: 4
Ingredients
  • 6-8 oz Halloumi sliced ½ inch thick
  • Olive oil
  • Tomatoes
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Fresh oregano mint or basil, or dried herbs
  • Freshly ground black pepper optional
Instructions
  1. Heat your grill or frypan to high heat.
  2. Brush the slices of halloumi generously with olive oil.
  3. Place the slices on the hot grill or fry pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until a golden crust appears.
  4. Arrange on a platter with the tomatoes.
  5. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with optional black pepper.
  6. Serve while still hot.

HalloumiHalloumi