How To Cook Halloumi (2024)

Published: Jan 19, 2024 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

Diet: Gluten Free / Vegetarian

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Follow this easy method for How To Cook Halloumi so you get perfect results every time. Soft and salty halloumi with slightly crunchy edges is SO easy to make and this fried halloumi has lots of uses too.

About this pan fried halloumi recipe

We are a little bit halloumi obsessed - it might just be the BEST cheese and one of the main reasons we couldn't be vegan! Perfectly salty and although it doesn't taste of much raw, when cooked it has the most incredible flavour and texture. It's known as the squeaky cheese for a reason.

If you have ever wondered how to cook halloumi cheese, then this post is full of all the tips and tricks you need for perfectly cooked halloumi every time. Frying halloumi in a dry pan is the best way, as it keeps it nice and soft inside, but a little charred on the outside.

If you are looking for other delicious cheese recipes, then why not try our quick 2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce, healthy Mac and Cheese or our easy Cauliflower Cheese?

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About this pan fried halloumi recipe
Ingredients and substitutions
How to fry halloumi - Step by step
Variations
Serving suggestions
Storage
Extra Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
More cheese recipes
Recipe
Feedback

Ingredients and substitutions

Halloumi - This is the only ingredient you will need for the best way to cook halloumi. No oil needed!
You will find halloumi in the cheese aisle of pretty much every supermarket. Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese made from sheep's, goat's or cow's milk. It is a unique cheese, because unlike other cheese, it retains it's shape when cooked and doesn't melt.

A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

How to fry halloumi - Step by step

One: First you will need to slice the halloumi. Don't slice it too thin, otherwise it will fall apart and also be too dry. About 1cm/0.5 inch thick slices are best. We used a crinkle cutter for ours, give give those grill line effects.

Two: Put the halloumi in a non-stick frying pan (no oil is needed). You need to cook it until it releases all the liquid and then that liquid evaporates. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

Three: As you can see in the pan, all the liquid has gone and it has left a golden brown colour in the pan which is how you know the halloumi is ready to flip. The halloumi underneath will be the same golden colour.

Four: This side of the halloumi will cook a lot quicker, as the liquid has already been released. It should only take about 1 minute this side.

Variations

Now you have learnt how to cook halloumi, you might want to know the different ways you can make it. If you wanted to add some flavour to the halloumi whilst frying it, then we are BIG fans of hot honey halloumi.

Put the halloumi slices in a bowl with honey, lemon juice and red chilli flakes and marinate for 30 minutes and then follow our recipe.

You could also just sprinkle some smoked paprika on it before cooking.

Did you know that you can air fry halloumi too? It's so easy! Just follow our recipe for Air Fryer Halloumi.

You can also bake halloumi in the oven. Not our first choice, but if the oven is already on because you are cooking something else then it's a good way to save energy.

Put the halloumi slices on a line baking tray and then drizzle with a little olive oil. Put in the oven at 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6 for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

You could also make our Baked Halloumi Fries.

Serving suggestions

The best thing about frying halloumi, is that there are SO many different ways to eat it. I mean, we would happily just eat it straight from the pan, but we do try to save some to add to actual meals.

We love it in a kebab or on a salad (like our Roasted Vegetable Cous Cous Salad), sandwich or burger. But we also have lots of recipes that use halloumi. Why not try one of these:

Halloumi Salad
Halloumi Fajitas
Greek Halloumi Wraps
Halloumi Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes
Creamy Halloumi Curry
Halloumi and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich

It is also a delicious addition to our Greek Meze Platter.

Storage

Store: Halloumi is best eaten straight away, as it doesn't taste as nice once it has cooled and the texture isn't great either.

Reheat: Whilst you could reheat it in the microwave for 30 seconds, we wouldn't recommend it as it won't have the best texture.

Extra Tips

You have to use a non-stick pan for this recipe, as we are not using any oil to fry the halloumi in, so you need to make sure it won't stick.
Make sure you don't overcook the halloumi, otherwise it will become rubbery and dry.
Sometimes the halloumi closest to the middle of the pan cooks quickest, so you might want to rotate the halloumi around the pan towards the end of cooking each side so that it cooks evenly.
Any leftover raw halloumi can be stored in a bowl of salty water in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the black dots in halloumi?

Halloumi is usually rolled in dried herbs like mint or parsley before being packaged, so that is the black dots you will see. This is because traditionally, the cheese used to be kept in mint leaves to keep it fresh.

Do I have to use a crinkle cutter?

No, you can just use a regular knife. We have used one as we were using a flat frying pan, rather than a griddle pan, so used a crinkle cut knife to give the grill lines.

Why is my halloumi rubbery?

To stop your halloumi getting rubbery, make sure that you cut the slices thicker. You also need to make sure that you are not over-cooking it and that you are eating it straight away.

How long to fry halloumi for?

On a medium heat, you will need to fry it for about 3 minutes on the first side and then 1 minute on the second side.

Can you eat halloumi raw?

Yes, you can, but we are not a huge fan of that. However, if you are going to eat it raw then the best way to do that is to make a watermelon salad and then grate some raw halloumi over it.

More cheese recipes

Blue Cheese Dip
Cheese Savoury Sandwich
Savoury Muffins with Cheese and Vegetables
Cheese Biscuits

If you’ve tried this fried halloumi recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
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