When you know how to grill halloumi cheese, your life is forever changed!
Grilled Halloumi is FANTASTIC. The salty, briny cheese has an incredibly high melting point, so it holds its shape when heated. The result is a warm, chewy (in the best way) cheese perfect for all kinds of uses – eat it by itself, or enjoy it as a base for this bruschetta or thrown into or onto salads like this simple grilled peach halloumi salad.
Grilled halloumi is, basically, a cheese lover’s dream. And before halloumi came along, you may have asked yourself, how in the heck could you possibly grill cheese without it melting through the slats and making a huge mess?
Well, turns out grilling cheese is a thing, thanks to Halloumi. It’s not only totally possible, but highly recommended.
Here’s how to grill halloumi cheese!
Table of Contents
- What is Halloumi Cheese?
- Why You’ll Love Grilled Halloumi
- Ingredients
- How to Grill Halloumi Cheese
- Tips for Grilled Halloumi Success
- More Grilled Halloumi Recipes
What is Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened, brined goat and sheep’s milk cheese (although it can be made with cow’s milk as well). It has a higher melting point that most cheese, and that high melting point that makes it great for the grill and perfect for so many light summer meals.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Halloumi
I suspect you’ll love the possibilities once you know how to grill halloumi cheese. They seem endless, really!
It’s delicious all on its own, or add halloumi to some vegetable skewers and grill it that way. Make a cheese sandwich out of it maybe with some fresh pesto (or add it to these grilled veggie sandwiches!). Top a fresh salad with the grilled halloumi slabs, or chop it up small and top a summer grain salad.
I love placing it on top of a portobello burger for one heck of a vegetarian option!
Whatever you do, just make sure to add “grilling cheese” to your summer bucket list!
Ingredients
- Halloumi cheese – It comes in a tub with brine that you’ll want to drain off.
- Olive oil or vegetable oil – For brushing your grilling surface so the cheese doesn’t stick.
How to Grill Halloumi Cheese
Slice the block of cheese into thick pieces – about 1/3 inch – so they don’t fall apart on the grill. It’ll sound squeaky as the knife goes through it, kind of like chewing cheese curds which is always fun.
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush the grilling surface with oil, then throw the cheese on for about three minutes per side until those lovely golden brown char marks appear. Remove from the grill and serve – it’s that simple!
Tips for Grilled Halloumi Success
- Brush your grill with olive oil or vegetable oil so that the cheese doesn’t stick.
- Don’t flip your cheese too much when grilling. You really want those charred grill lines to develop. Those bits are extra flavorful!
More Grilled Halloumi Recipes
Grilled Halloumi Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 package Halloumi cheese (brine drained, cut into 1/3-inch slabs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for brushing the grill)
Equipment
- 1 Grill or grill pan
Instructions
- Preheat outdoor grill or stove-top grill pan over medium-high heat/flame, about 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut the halloumi into approximately 1/4-1/3 inch slices.
- Once hot, place the halloumi on the grill. Flip each slice after about 3 minutes, or once golden brown grill marks appear. Grill on other side then remove from grill. It’s done!
This is awesome, I think a little char makes almost everything taste better, but I have to admit i hadn’t thought of grilling cheese, I’m off to find some halloumi!
It’s so worth it! 🙂
I absolutely love halloumi!!! I will sometimes just pan fry it and eat it by itself lol. But my favorite it to put it straight from the grill onto cold, sweet watermelon… Yum!!!
Oh goodness that sounds divine!
I prepared the dish but had to use Queso Blanco Cheese the stores did not carry Halloumi cheese…my husband and I enjoyed it so much. I prepare it for him on Father’s Day…it was a hit…Thank-you for sharing.
I have tried this many times, but always end up leaving the golden char on the grill! Any tips?
How about brushing some canola or veg oil on the grill before cooking? That’s disappointing – that’s the tastiest part! 😉
Isn’t that salty you direct grilled your halloumi chesse? I think you most soak it first in the lukewarm water with an small amount of vinegar for atleast 1 hour… Btw evrythings great.. Tnx
Great question! I find that the halloumi I find here in the Pacific NW of the US any soaking is unnecessary. Yes, the cheese is salty, but not overly so.
Have you ever tried marinating the cheese before grilling? Do you know if it takes up the flavors? I’ve had the Halloumi cheese in my fridge for the last couple of weeks trying to think of what to do with it. I have had it grilled once before and it was delish I just wonder about marinating to take on something different?! Thanks!
Can I reheat cheese that I’ve already grilled? Looking to take in leftovers to work the next day, and I won’t have a way to cook the cheese at the office. Thanks!
Really good.
Yum! Thanks for the quick and easy recipe!! Can’t wait to try it!