Halloumi: The Queen of Summer Grills
In this section we share the stories and recipes of the most popular Mediterranean dishes and the region’s culinary specialties
There are few foods that capture the feeling of a Mediterranean summer quite like Halloumi. Salty, golden, smoky and impossible to resist straight off the grill, halloumi has earned its title as the queen of summer barbecues.
What makes halloumi special is its unique texture. Unlike many cheeses, it holds its shape beautifully over heat, developing crispy grill marks on the outside while staying soft and rich inside. The moment it hits the barbecue, the aroma instantly feels like summer in Cyprus.
How it is made?
I saw the process of making halloumi in one of the biggest factories in Cyprus.
Halloumi in brine
Fresh milk is heated slowly in large steel vats before the curds begin to form. Workers fold each piece by hand with precision and tradition, often adding fresh mint leaves before the cheese is placed into brine.
Steam rises, trays move rhythmically through production lines, and rows of perfectly shaped halloumi blocks are stacked and packed, ready to travel to tables in Cyprus and around the world.
The finishing touches before Halloumi blocks go into packages.
Halloumi is also one of the most versatile cheeses, endless recipes evolve around this cheese in summer and winter.
These are some of my favorite Halloumi recipes, simple, authentic dishes that are part of our daily table and summer rituals:
1-Grilled or fried Halloumi:
Cut the Halloumi into thick slices then grill or pan-fry then serve along with pita bread or plain with a drizzle of honey.
2- Grilled halloumi & watermelon salad:
Pair grilled halloumi with watermelon, mint leaves, cucumber and a drizzle of lemon, honey and olive oil sauce.
3-Pasta Salad:
Toss Halloumi cubes into some boiled pasta of your choice, then add boiled or grilled chicken (optional), some sundried tomatoes and arugula leaves and drizzle with a sauce made of Pesto, lemon juice, and olive oil.
4- Cyprus Sandwich/Wrap/Pita:
The famous “Cyprus Sandwich” consists of Halloumi and Lountza (cured pork loin) paired with tomato and cucumber in Cypriot bread or Pita bread. The most modern variation of this sandwich designed to satisfy the taste of youngsters consists of placing Halloumi on a tortilla wrap with a pesto spread and some spinach or rocket leaves and cherry tomatoes.
5- Halloumi burgers:
Swap meat for thick grilled halloumi slices inside toasted brioche buns with tomato, avocado and spicy mayo.
6- Halloumi Pie/cake:
The traditional Halloumi cake is the king of all occasions and can be found on almost all tables in Cyprus, especially on celebrations from birthday parties to name days to family gatherings or women’s brunches to accompany coffees.
7- Halloumi sprinkled on village pasta or ravioli:
Shredded Halloumi cheese is a delicacy that tops village pasta, brown small pasta, or handmade ravioli dishes. It can be part of the Cypriot meze or eaten separately as a main dish.
8- Halloumi skewers:
Wrap Lountza or bacon around Halloumi cubes, drizzle with some olive oil and grill. Alternatively place the Halloumi cubes on a skewer with cherry tomatoes, colored pepper cubes and grill.
9- Halloumi cubes in Trahana soup:
This is a comforting winter recipe. Trahana is a dried grain-and-dairy product which can be soaked in water to make a comforting winter soup with broth and usually finished with adding the Halloumi cubes
Et voilà! Nine recipes for one cheese! It is a slice of warmth and welcoming note!
Bon appétit!