How To Cook Halloumi (+ Recipe Ideas)

To pan-fry

1. Slice the halloumi into approximately 1-2 cm thick slices. Slice across the width, just like you would a loaf of bread.
2. Pre-heat a frying pan or griddle pan on a medium-high heat. Unless you're using a non-stick pan, brush the halloumi all over with the olive oil.
3. Place the slices of halloumi into the pan and leave them to cook for a few minutes. Don't move them until the liquid that oozes out of the cheese has evaporated and the residue has gone golden brown. At this point, check to see if the underside of the cheese is mid to dark golden brown. If it is, flip it over with a fork or tongs and cook on the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes. Towards the end of the cooking time, you may need to move some of the pieces on the outer edges of the pan into the middle to finish browning equally.
4. When the halloumi is mid to dark golden brown on both sides, arrange on a small platter or medium sized plate with slices of bread, toast or pita bread and lemon or lime segments. Scatter over any fresh herbs and/or other spices/flavourings and serve immediately.

To grill/BBQ

1. Pre-heat the grill or BBQ to a medium-high heat or 200C/390F. If you prefer to make kebabs and are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning while cooking.
2. If cooking slices, slice the halloumi into roughly 2 to 3cm (or 1/2 to 1 inch) thick slices and brush all over with the olive oil. If cooking kebabs, cut into large chunks and carefully thread the halloumi onto the skewers, then brush carefully with oil. Pinch the sides of the cheese as you thread it on to minimise splitting (Add chunks of vegetables such as zucchini, peppers and mushrooms or even meatballs if you like).
3. Place the cheese on the BBQ/grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes without moving. Wait until any liquid has evaporated and the residue has gone golden to dark brown, then flip onto the other side with a fork/tongs and let cook for a further 2 to 3 minutes. If cooking kebabs, cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning regularly to brown all sides.
4. Serve immediately with bread/toast/pita bread, lemon and lime wedges and any other herbs/spices/flavours.

To air fry

1. Preheat the air fryer to 200C/390F. Slice the halloumi into 1-2cm slices, into long 2-3cm thick fry shapes or 1-2cm cubes or 'bites'.
2. Brush the halloumi all over with olive oil. Then air fry in the air fryer basket for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until mid to dark golden brown and crispy.
3. Serve immediately with bread/toast/pita bread, lemon or lime wedges and any other spices/herbs/flavours. You might also like to serve some Greek yogurt and/or sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.

To bake

1. Pre-heat the oven to 200C/390F. Slice the halloumi into thick (around 1/2 inch) slices.
2. Lay in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Add pepper, paprika, dried herbs, or chili flakes if you like.
3. Bake for around 15 minutes, turning half way through, or until golden brown and lightly crisp.
4. Serve immediately with optional toasted bread, lemon or lime wedges and fresh herbs.