Halloumi cheese is a beloved Mediterranean ingredient that has gained immense popularity in the UK due to its unique texture and versatile use in cooking. Known for its firm, squeaky bite, halloumi cheese can be grilled, fried, baked, or air-fried without losing shape, making it perfect for a variety of dishes. Originating from Cyprus, this semi-hard cheese has become a staple in both home kitchens and restaurants, appreciated for its salty, savoury flavour and adaptability in recipes.
Beyond its taste, halloumi cheese is incredibly practical in everyday cooking. Its firm texture allows it to be sliced, diced, or cubed, making it ideal for salads, wraps, burgers, and even curries. Many UK food lovers now incorporate halloumi cheese into quick snacks like halloumi fries, or as a main feature in gourmet dishes. With simple cooking techniques, anyone can enjoy halloumi cheese in a multitude of ways.
What is Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese is traditionally made from a mixture of goat and sheep’s milk, though cow’s milk is increasingly used due to demand. Its semi-hard, white brined texture sets it apart from other cheeses like paneer or mozzarella. Halloumi cheese is celebrated for its unique squeaky texture when bitten and its ability to retain shape when cooked. This makes it a favourite for grilling, frying, and air frying.
Nutritionally, halloumi cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins, making it a healthy addition to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Despite being moderately high in fat, halloumi cheese offers a substantial source of energy and is suitable for vegetarians. For pregnant women, halloumi cheese is safe to eat when thoroughly cooked, making it both delicious and versatile for family meals.
How to Cook Halloumi Cheese
Cooking halloumi cheese is simple, but mastering a few techniques can elevate your dishes. Grilling halloumi cheese is one of the most popular methods, providing crispy edges while keeping the centre soft and squeaky. It pairs beautifully with vegetables, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Pan-frying halloumi cheese is equally popular, creating a golden-brown crust that intensifies its naturally salty flavour.
Air-frying halloumi cheese has become increasingly popular in the UK, offering a crisp exterior without excess oil. Baked halloumi cheese can also be used in casseroles or as part of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. For more adventurous meals, halloumi cheese can be added to curries, pasta, or even breakfast dishes. Seasoning halloumi with spices, herbs, lemon, or hot honey adds depth and enhances its flavour, allowing for endless culinary creativity.
Delicious Halloumi Cheese Recipes
Halloumi cheese is incredibly versatile, lending itself to a wide variety of recipes. Halloumi fries are a favourite snack, offering a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. These can be served with dips, salads, or as a standalone indulgence. Halloumi burgers have become a popular vegetarian alternative, with the cheese serving as a protein-rich patty that pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables, sauces, and buns.
Salads featuring halloumi cheese are fresh, vibrant, and nutritious, combining textures and flavours for a light yet satisfying meal. Halloumi wraps make for an easy, portable lunch, while halloumi pasta adds a Mediterranean twist to traditional dishes. For those seeking a sweet and spicy flavour, hot honey halloumi cheese provides a unique, irresistible taste. By experimenting with different recipes, halloumi cheese can be adapted to suit any meal or occasion.
Where to Buy Halloumi Cheese in the UK
Halloumi cheese is widely available throughout the UK, from supermarkets to artisan cheese shops and online retailers. Supermarkets offer convenience, while artisan shops often provide authentic, high-quality halloumi cheese sourced from Cyprus or Mediterranean producers. Cities like Glasgow have seen a rise in restaurants and speciality shops focusing on halloumi cheese dishes, reflecting its growing popularity.
When buying halloumi cheese, it is important to check for freshness and the milk origin to ensure authenticity. Proper storage is essential to maintain its flavour and texture. Keeping halloumi cheese in its original brine or sealed container in the refrigerator extends shelf life, while freezing can be an option for longer-term storage, though it may slightly alter the texture.
Tips for Storing and Serving Halloumi Cheese
Storing halloumi cheese correctly is key to maintaining its quality. It should be kept in the refrigerator, preferably in its brine or a tightly sealed container to prevent drying. Halloumi cheese can be frozen, but this may affect the texture slightly. Serving it hot enhances its natural flavours, whether grilled, pan-fried, baked, or air-fried.
Halloumi cheese pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, from fresh salads and grilled vegetables to breads and dips. It can act as a main ingredient or complement other components of a dish. Creative serving ideas, such as halloumi burgers, wraps, or hot honey halloumi, showcase its versatility and make it a standout ingredient in UK kitchens.
Conclusion
Halloumi cheese is a versatile, delicious, and nutritious ingredient that has become a favourite in UK kitchens. Its firm texture, unique flavour, and adaptability make it suitable for a wide range of dishes, from simple snacks to gourmet meals. Whether grilled, fried, baked, or air-fried, halloumi cheese provides endless culinary possibilities for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
By exploring recipes like halloumi fries, burgers, wraps, salads, pasta, and hot honey halloumi cheese, you can enjoy this Mediterranean favourite in countless ways. With easy cooking techniques and storage tips, halloumi cheese is accessible, convenient, and a must-have for anyone looking to add flavour, protein, and creativity to their meals.
FAQs
What is halloumi cheese made of?
Halloumi cheese is traditionally made from a combination of goat and sheep milk, though cow’s milk is commonly used today.
Is halloumi healthy?
Yes, halloumi cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins, though it should be consumed in moderation due to its fat content.
How do you cook halloumi cheese?
Halloumi cheese can be grilled, pan-fried, baked, or air-fried to achieve a crispy exterior and soft, squeaky interior.
Can you eat halloumi when pregnant?
Cooked halloumi cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy when thoroughly heated.
What dishes can I make with halloumi cheese?
Halloumi cheese works well in fries, salads, wraps, burgers, pasta, curries, and even hot honey dishes.
Where can I buy halloumi cheese in the UK?
Halloumi cheese is widely available in supermarkets, artisan shops, and online stores across the UK, with high-quality options often sourced from Cyprus.
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