Key Takeaways -

• Grilled halloumi is versatile and retains its shape due to its high melting point, making it perfect for BBQs.
• Proper preparation, including oiling and preheating the grill, ensures halloumi grills beautifully without sticking.
• Halloumi can be enjoyed in various dishes, from simple salads to complex wraps, enhancing meals with their unique flavour.
• Experiment with different grilling techniques, like skewers and stuffed variations, to explore new flavours and presentations.

Grilling halloumi can turn your BBQ into a gourmet feast, but it needs the right touch. This gluten-free cheese is easy to prepare, and it adds a delicious twist to any BBQ. However, specific techniques are required to enhance its flavour and texture when grilled.

We will guide you through the key steps to grill halloumi perfectly on your BBQ. It will provide practical tips for cooking this unique cheese just right, avoiding common mistakes and bringing out its best flavours.

Keep reading to learn how to impress your friends and family with delicious, perfectly grilled halloumi at your next outdoor gathering. Whether you’re new to grilling or a seasoned pro, these tips will make your BBQ dishes stand out.

Preparing Halloumi for the Grill

Essential Ingredients and Tools

To grill halloumi successfully, you’ll need just a few key ingredients: halloumi cheese and high-quality olive oil for brushing. A sturdy grill pan or a clean, well-maintained outdoor grill are essential tools.

Consider using a long-handled spatula for easy flipping and tongs to handle the cheese safely, lessening breakage.

Pre-Grill Preparation

Before you fire up the grill, pat the halloumi dry to remove excess moisture; this helps achieve a better sear. Slice the cheese into ½-inch thick pieces to ensure they hold up well on the grill without falling apart.

Lightly brush each slice with olive oil to enhance flavour and prevent sticking. Preheating your grill to a medium-high temperature ensures that each piece cooks evenly, creating those desirable grill marks.

Grilling Halloumi Cheese

How to Make Grilled Halloumi Cheese

Grilling halloumi is straightforward if you follow these key steps to ensure a deliciously smoky flavour:

1. Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature.
2. Place oiled halloumi slices directly on the grill.
3. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden char marks appear.
4. Carefully flip the slices to grill the other side and achieve the same golden char.

Advanced Grilling Techniques

Take your halloumi grilling to the next level with these advanced techniques for halloumi skewers and stuffed variations:

1. Cube the halloumi and thread it onto skewers, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Brush lightly with olive oil and grill, turning occasionally until all sides are golden.
2. Slice the halloumi thickly, make a pocket in each slice, and stuff with ingredients like sundried tomatoes or olives. Grill until the cheese is warm and the filling is heated through.

BBQ Halloumi Cooking Guide

• Preheating the BBQ: Ensure your BBQ is preheated to about 400°F (200°C) — a hot grill ensures the cheese grills quickly without melting.
• Preparing and seasoning halloumi slices: Slice the halloumi about half an inch thick. Lightly brush with olive oil and season with herbs or spice if desired.
• Grill time and techniques for optimal results: Place the slices on the grill, and don’t move them until it's time to flip. This patience will reward you with perfect grill marks and prevent sticking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To avoid sticking, make sure the grill is very hot and well-oiled before you add the cheese. Halloumi should be grilled for just enough time to achieve char marks; overcooking can make it rubbery.

Allow the cheese to cook undisturbed until the grill marks form before flipping. If the cheese sticks, give it a bit more time. Once it's properly seared, it will release more easily.

Grill vs. Pan-Fry Halloumi

Differences in Texture and Flavour

When halloumi is grilled, it develops a crispy, charred exterior while maintaining a soft, gooey interior, adding a smoky flavour that can't be replicated indoors.

In contrast, pan-fried halloumi t gives it a uniformly golden-brown crust that's crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth insides, with a milder, fried cheese flavour. Both methods enhance the cheese’s salty notes, but grilling cheese introduces a robustness ideal for outdoor dining.

Ease of Cooking

Grilling halloumi might sound daunting, but it's straightforward with some prep. Ensure your grill is hot and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Flip the cheese carefully to get those perfect grill marks. Pan-frying is arguably easier and less weather-dependent.

Simply heat a non-stick pan with a small amount of oil, add the cheese slices, and cook until golden brown on each side. Both methods require attention to timing to achieve the desired crispiness without overcooking (1).

Serving Grilled Halloumi

Simple Serving Suggestions

Grilled halloumi shines as a standalone dish with its robust texture and flavourful char. Serve it simply sliced and still sizzling from the grill, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to enhance its natural flavours.

This straightforward presentation lets the unique qualities of the cheese take centre stage.

Recipes Incorporating Grilled Halloumi

Grilled halloumi's salty, savoury profile elevates a variety of dishes. Toss chunks into salads for a protein boost, or slice it for hearty wraps and sandwiches.

It pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables, tangy dressings, and even fruits like watermelon and peaches in summer salads.

Creative Serving Tips

For a creative twist, use grilled halloumi as the foundation of a dish. Layer it in a grilled vegetable stack with zucchini, peppers, and eggplant, or use it as the base for a savoury appetizer topped with tomato and basil salsa.

Alternatively, cut grilled halloumi into bite-sized pieces and skewer with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a delightful small plate or appetizer that’s both tasty and visually appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Halloumi Made Of?

Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese traditionally made from a mixture of goat and sheep milk, though it can also include cow's milk. The cheese is set with rennet and is notable for its layered texture and ability to retain its shape when cooked.

Halloumi's high melting point makes it perfect for grilling or frying, allowing it to develop a crispy exterior while remaining soft inside.

What Dishes Can I Make with BBQ Halloumi?

BBQ halloumi adds a savoury, smoky flavour to a variety of dishes. You can make halloumi salad with grilled or marinated vegetables. You can also incorporate it into wraps or chop it into cubes for a hearty addition to pasta salads.

Halloumi fries are also a popular dish. The cheese is breaded and grilled or fried until crispy. Grilled halloumi can also be served as a side dish. But if you want it to be the show's star, you can serve the cooked halloumi sliced and grilled with fresh lemon juice.

How Is Halloumi Different from Fresh Mozzarella?

Halloumi differs significantly from fresh mozzarella in both texture and taste. While mozzarella is soft and moist with a mild flavour, halloumi is firmer and saltier. Its high melting point allows it to be grilled or fried without losing its shape.

This characteristic makes halloumi more versatile for cooking, especially for recipes that require higher temperatures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of grilling halloumi can transform your BBQ into a gourmet experience, offering a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional grilled dishes.

Whether served as a standalone delicacy, savoured for its distinct taste and texture, or skillfully incorporated into salads, wraps, and various other dishes, grilled halloumi cheese offers a unique culinary experience.

Following the practical tips and creative ideas shared in this article, you can elevate your outdoor cooking and enjoy the rich, smoky flavours of perfectly grilled halloumi.

Sources -

1. https://healthyrecipesblogs.com/grilled-halloumi-cheese/