How To Fry Halloumi Cheese

Halloumi has got to be one of our all-time favourite cheeses to make and cook with. The delicious semi-firm cheese is craved by cheese lovers around the world. Once you try halloumi cheese, you’ll know why. We explain the reason it is so good, and how to fry halloumi cheese to achieve the perfect golden crust. We also outline a few of the main ways you might want to serve halloumi. So let’s get sizzling!

The ‘squeak’ on halloumi

Halloumi is a traditional Cypriot cheese. The reason it’s so great to cook with is that it holds its shape so well. The salty goodness of this cheese (and mint if you use Olympus Halloumi!) adds a beautiful depth of flavour and texture to a variety of meals. Once fried, it has a gorgeous crunch on the outside, with a salty texture on the inside. It also has a characteristic squeak when you bite into it which is seriously addictive. This hearty cheese is great on its own or as an accompaniment to a variety of meats, vegetables and salads at any time of the day. It can also be stored unopened in your fridge for many months, so there’s really no reason not to have it on hand!

How to fry halloumi cheese perfectly in 7 simple steps

Halloumi cheese is really quick to cook, so it’s a good meat alternative for week-night meals. It can be fried and served in a matter of minutes! Here we show you how to fry halloumi cheese to perfection:

1. Cube or slice halloumi into pieces approximately 5-10mm thick.
2. Heat a frying pan over a medium-high heat.
3. If using a great non-stick pan no oil is needed as the natural fat of the cheese is released when cooking. If not using non-stick, add a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to the pan.
4. Place the halloumi into the pan. The halloumi will release some juices as it cooks.
5. Cook on one side until golden brown and the liquid has evaporated (should cook in 1-2 minutes).
6. Turn and cook on the other side (usually about 1 minute).
7. Serve immediately.

Serving suggestions

Now you’ve learnt how to fry halloumi cheese perfectly, how will you serve it? It’s simply delicious served straight up with a little bit of lemon. Or here are some more ideas for getting more halloumi into your day.

Breakfast time

For the perfect indulgence, why not serve up the ultimate halloumi cheese breakfast! With smoked salmon or bacon, grilled tomato, spinach, mushrooms, and the perfect fried eggs. Enjoy with toast or without. Or for something a little different make a halloumi and chorizo shakshuka. This rich tomato dish is satiating, spicy and oh-so-delicious!

Lunch

Lamb and Halloumi at Putia Pure Food

A burger is seriously better with a few slices of halloumi cheese. Our scrumptious halloumi and mushroom burger recipe is lifted to new heights with portabella mushrooms, marinated capsicum and of course, a generous serve of golden delicious. halloumi. Or why not add halloumi to a classic chicken avocado wrap? 

Or what about this tasty dish? Slow braised lamb, leek and parsnip puree, grilled cabbage, minted halloumi, smoked yoghurt and pomegranate. If you’re not sure how to pull that one off yourself, you can head out for lunch to Putia Pure Food Kitchen at Banyo, Brisbane where most times there is a mouth-watering dish like this on the menu featuring our Olympus Halloumi or other cheeses from our range.

Dinner

When you fire up the barbie next time, throw on some thick-cut slices of halloumi. Halloumi goes beautifully with barbequed vegetables and a juicy piece of steak. Or for entertaining its the perfect starter that gets gobbled up immediately, especially when you pair halloumi with chorizo and an amazing dipping sauce. Or toss it through your favourite salad or char-grilled vegetables to turn it into a satisfying meal. Halloumi even makes brussels sprouts a divine offering! 

For more ideas on serving halloumi, why not check back at our recipes page from time to time. Good Food also has a great article: 9 new ways to serve halloumi which might tempt your taste buds

Choosing Halloumi Cheese

Want to try out Halloumi cheese? Luckily, Claire K Creations has done a lot of the groundwork for you, with a comprehensive article on where to buy halloumi, and a comparison of the halloumi cheese available in Australia titled The great haloumi hunt. We are humbled to say that our own Olympus Halloumi is her favourite one.

Delicious halloumi recipes for your table