Add Some Mediterranean Flair to Your Menu With Halloumi Cheese

Are you one of the average Americans who eat almost 37lbs of cheese each year? If you're a cheese lover, then you might want to add another favorite to your list: halloumi cheese.

Halloumi cheese is a wonderful Mediterranean cheese that has been around for hundreds of years. But the true value of this delightful cheese has only started to be realized outside of Europe in recent years.

So, what is halloumi cheese and how can you add it to your table? Keep reading to find out.

What Is Halloumi Cheese?

Halloumi is a type of predominantly sheep milk cheese, though it can also be made with goat's milk, cow's milk, or a mixture of the three. The resulting flavor is mild yet complex, making it a favorite ingredient.

Cypriot halloumi cheese has a high melting point, so it's perfect for frying or throwing on the grill. While you can eat it cold, the flavors really pop when you cook it up. The resulting texture is crisp on the outside, and creamy yet firm on the inside.

Because of its structural integrity and versatility, halloumi is a great alternative to meat in burgers and salads. It takes on added flavors with gusto. But don't just use it as a substitute - you can whip it up into delicious Mediterranean meals as well.

Appetizers

A halloumi cheese appetizer is light yet satisfying and can be customized to your heart's content. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Grilled Halloumi Cheese - Served 2 Ways

This recipe for grilled halloumi cheese is a great place to start. Simply cook on a grill or grill pan for 5-6 minutes until the cheese is golden and firm. Top with a sweet sauce and serve.

Pan-Fried Halloumi With Peppered Honey

For a quick yet impressive appetizer for guests, this pan-fried halloumi with peppered honey is the way to go.

All you'll need to do is pan-fry the halloumi cheese in a mixture of butter and olive oil for 2-4 minutes. Then, arrange the sliced halloumi on a plate and top with peppered honey and salt. Serve with warm bread.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Halloumi With Melon and Mint Salad

For an elegant appetizer, this prosciutto-wrapped halloumi with melon and mint salad won't fail to please. The saltiness of the ham complements the creamy halloumi, and the sweet melon makes the flavors sing.

Entrees

A halloumi cheese entree is a great meat-free and tasty meal for the whole family. Stick to traditional Mediterranean flavors, or go your own way with fusion halloumi recipes you'll love.

Halloumi and Greek Salad Wraps

These halloumi and Greek salad wraps marry delicious Mediterranean flavors with convenience.

Simply make up the salad, fry the halloumi cheese, and then gather your flatbreads. Assemble your Greek salad wrap using Greek yogurt, and you'll have a delicious and filling midweek meal in no time.

Herby Rice With Roasted Veg, Chickpeas, and Halloumi

If you'd prefer a more substantial main, then this herby rice with roasted vegetables, chickpeas and halloumi should hit the spot.

To make this dish, you'll start by roasting vegetables and making some rice. While those are cooking, put together a pesto full of garlic, parsley, and cashew nuts. And instead of frying the halloumi, this time you'll be stirring it into the roasted vegetables and cooking it through.

Mix the pesto into the rice and serve the halloumi mixture on top for a healthy, filling meal any day of the week.

Crispy Halloumi Burgers

If you want a quick meal in 15 minutes that will wow the kids and taste incredible, then you need to make these crispy halloumi burgers.

Just coat the halloumi in some flour and shallow-fry it until a deep golden color. Assemble using brioche buns, salad, and sauce, and serve with sweet potato fries or wedges.

Butter Halloumi Curry

If you're into strong flavors and want an entree that is luxurious and decadent, then this butter halloumi curry is a great choice. It's a quick dish to make, and if you struggle to find paneer where you live, then halloumi is an excellent alternative to this dish.

Desserts

If you're wondering what other dessert with cheese there might be other than cheesecake, then halloumi fits the bill here as well. Here are some halloumi dessert recipes that will get your tastebuds tingling.

Kataifi Haloumi and Pistachio Crunchy Bake

If you like Middle-Eastern Baklava and other syrupy pastries, then this kataifi halloumi and pistachio crunchy bake is one to try. This sweet and crunchy delight can be enjoyed at the end of a meal or on its own with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Fried Halloumi Cheese and Pears, Spiced Dates With Blueberries

If you're one of those people who doesn't love the cloying sweetness of a traditional dessert, then this one's for you. This fried halloumi cheese and pears with blueberries recipe is the perfect end to a meal, with most of the sweetness coming from the fruit and sauce.

Add Halloumi Cheese to Your Meal Rotation

Whether you're a cheese fiend or prefer your cheeses mild, halloumi cheese is one you'll love to try. It goes with a huge array of flavors and can make a quick meal any day of the week. If you've got a dinner party coming up, then a halloumi appetizer is quick to make and will impress your guests.

For hearty entrees, pair halloumi with bread or rice and pulses, which will give you a balanced and healthy meal every time. And you can have your cheese and eat it too - for dessert, that is! Whatever the occasion, Atalanta Halloumi Cheese is the premier halloumi addition to any meal and is one to try today.

But have you ever wondered how cheese was discovered in the first place? Check out this article for a brief history of cheese!