![halloumi cheese fingers in a frying pan with lemon wedge](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.allrecipes.com/thmb/KiasBGUZOUdlYr_lzLIa8rgXpkE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/166667-halloumi-cheese-fingers-FranceC-square-2000-156402ce0f1e4e49b01966a0040d8619.jpg)
Halloumi takes the concept of "grilled cheese" literally. This cheese won't be constrained between two slices of bread. It dives directly onto the grill. Deliciousness ensues.
Because halloumi cheese is firm and has a high melting point, it won't turn into messy, melt-through-the-grill-grates goo. Instead, the surface of the cheese firms up, develops gorgeous grill marks, a savory, slightly salty flavor, and a wonderful texture that's unlike anything else. But if you were pressed to compare it to something familiar, you might say it almost has the texture and squeak of cheese curds.
How to Grill Halloumi: Pre-heat the grill to get the grates hot. Give the cheese just enough time to develop dark beauty marks — 1 or 2 minutes per side. To flip, slide a thin metal spatula under the cheese to loosen the grill's grip.
Too chill to grill? That's okay, halloumi is also amazing popped under the broiler or fried over medium-high heat in a skillet.
Halloumi is made with sheep and goat milk. In 2021, Cyprus was awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for halloumi by the European Union, which means that only halloumi produced in Cyprus can be called "halloumi." In Cyprus, halloumi is enjoyed a myriad of ways, such as with watermelon or with pasta. It's easy to get creative with a block of halloumi in your own kitchen — try it in warm salads, skewering it into kabobs, or grilling it with veggies and enjoying in a pita wrap. The possibilities are seemingly endless, as you'll find in these recipes:
Halloumi Parmigiana
![Halloumi Parmigiana](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/cP7yDjjU_1R2xLJ8U55eKiIbMBQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/5747507-430afc6a4f5245a3816b508766198d0b.jpg)
"Breaded and fried, halloumi adds a new dimension to an Italian favorite," says Buckwheat Queen. "It's definitely worth the effort."
Halloumi Three-Bean Salad with Pomegranate-Harissa Vinaigrette
![Halloumi Three-Bean Salad with Pomegranate-Harissa Vinaigrette](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/XOPtbjkZfhRId78pZOj7z_DDnKE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/5584011-2000-0d3baa3b2d834f5db5fbec624e703d7c.jpg)
"Pan-fried halloumi, 3 types of beans, red onion, fresh coriander, and mint are tossed with homemade vinaigrette for a unique salad your taste buds will love," says Buckwheat Queen.
Halloumi Sheet Pan Meal for Two
![halloumi sheet pan meal](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/8_4z19B51wDUAOxirBtPJP5um5Y=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/283084-halloumi-sheet-pan-meal-Buckwheat-Queen-31c4b59b54034348a915d165d5cb567f.jpg)
Turn a block of halloumi into a satisfying vegetarian meal that cooks all in one sheet pan. Recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar Buckwheat Queen suggests serving with harissa paste and flatbread, if desired.
Harissa Fried Halloumi Panini
![Harissa Fried Halloumi Panini](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/eM_XsWwJ5G65xJGNGqJwt0mmi-w=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/5292676-e011971ba15a40bb9beeea74a974423c.jpg)
Hit your halloumi with the heat of harissa, the spicy North African sauce, then press it, panini-style.
Halloumi Saganaki
![pan-fried halloumi with lemon juice and oregano](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/AkSuBaojiyMg_G28rXw7M13dc2U=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/halloumi-saganaki-fdfd5d419c13430eaae521e38e8a0494.jpg)
Pan frying halloumi is a classic way to enjoy it, and the lemon juice and oregano in this halloumi saganaki just adds to the deliciousness. Be sure to have a baguette or other crusty loaf of bread at the ready for mopping up the yummy pan juices.
Simple Salad with Halloumi
![Simple Salad with Halloumi](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/PPN6aXOevQ6WuYOcutDwE0h3lE4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/5747118-90817c7a93174bc2817cf5c31007a180.jpg)
"If you can keep from eating the halloumi straight out of the pan or off the BBQ, then chop it up and throw it in this delicious fresh avocado and tomato salad," says recipe creator geneviever. "Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine." Grilled halloumi would also be a delicious addition to a Greek salad.
Grilled Halloumi Wraps
![Grilled Halloumi Wraps](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/cGTPiUFn5RBmtL2puBCTvPqeJeg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/6861219_grilled-halloumi-wraps_france-c-2000-6b3270a351fa49c39d9e5d174226891f.jpg)
"Salty halloumi cheese slices grill up beautifully, along with peppers and onions, to make this tasty vegetarian wrap bursting with flavors of the Mediterranean," says France C. "I like to use low-carb tortillas, but you could also stuff everything inside a pita half instead. Using flavored hummus also adds a nice twist."
Spinach, Nectarine, and Halloumi Salad
![Spinach, Nectarine, and Halloumi Salad](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/wCxhmcUyn8YqvJl6spLEmVkViQQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/5553322-26a83554c9b2492dabbef57db414d501.jpg)
"Gorgeous golden brown pan-fried halloumi cheese tops this spinach and nectarine salad dressed with red onion and bell pepper for a crunchy bite," says SunnyDaysNora.
Sweet Potato, Spinach, and Halloumi Curry
![Sweet Potato, Spinach, and Halloumi Curry](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/XM-oQ1pEzp3x03ILts_mcWIieVo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/5794356-d156f5650bae4d41aa436caf65892089.jpg)
Here's halloumi in a vegetarian curry with sweet potatoes, spinach, and chickpeas. "I saw this at a festival last year but never got to try it, so I came up with a recipe that I love and is very adaptable to different tastes," says nhannides. "Serve hot with brown basmati rice and papadums."
Watermelon Surprize
![Watermelon Surprize](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/ssSSX792owHo9_qtX38zbvrMHFk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2096538-f7d3adf2c22f436d95de019549a5e889.jpg)
Add grilled halloumi to this refreshing summer salad, and you have a serious Cyprus-inspired treat.
Or try this tasty arugula and tomato salad with broiled or grilled halloumi and a simple dressing of balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil.
Grilled Halloumi with Herbed Berry Salsa
![Grilled Halloumi with Herbed Berry Salsa](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/hPwEhqzleZ9vB6zVfOlEdtrLwyk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/6927566-1467d46be6cf4ee1b704e175c0337157.jpg)
"Grilled halloumi is topped with a fresh-tasting salsa made from sweet blueberries, tart red currants, fresh herbs, and a spicy fresh pepper," says Buckwheat Queen. "Serve this as an appetizer or light lunch. It also makes a lovely sandwich."
Halloumi, Chickpea, and Tomato Salad with Mint
![halloumi salad with tomatoes, chickpeas, and mint](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/obtkSlRMAvaiohhp3O8zGPPEIzQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/283916-halloumi-chickpea-and-tomato-salad-with-mint-cheesemite-20b2469dd34d4d4298d363ad5ef9e293.jpg)
This fresh salad with warm halloumi comes together in mere minutes for a delicious and satisfying lunch or light summer supper.
Halloumi and Zucchini Frittata
![zucchini and halloumi frittata](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/8FI2ehRXd3fAyP-dRSenmZ09pbI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Zucchini_halloumi_frittata-2000-c23384bba49f4fa8a2f23f13ef57808d.jpg)
Halloumi and eggs can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in this fabulous frittata. Change up the fresh herbs according to your personal preference, though mint and dill both work especially well. If you don't have zucchini, try it with finely chopped bell peppers and onions instead.
Butternut Squash and Halloumi Salad
We often think of halloumi paired with summer produce, like tomatoes and watermelon. But in this recipe you'll see how well it works year-round with autumn and winter favorite, butternut squash. The salty halloumi is a great contrast to the sweet winter squash.
Grilled Halloumi Kebabs
This tasty recipe is a testament to halloumi's place on the grill! Recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar Soup Loving Nicole pairs the halloumi with honey and balsamic vinegar for a delicious combination of flavors that tantalize the tastebuds.
Halloumi Cheese Fingers
![halloumi cheese fingers in a frying pan with lemon wedge](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/KiasBGUZOUdlYr_lzLIa8rgXpkE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/166667-halloumi-cheese-fingers-FranceC-square-2000-156402ce0f1e4e49b01966a0040d8619.jpg)
"Fry or grill this Cypriot-style cheese and serve with a Greek salad and crusty bread for a complete meal," says Linda.
Grilled Spicy Halloumi Cheese
![grilled spicy halloumi on a black plate](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/QljSSlISAVG7JgOf87lt8DGB8Qk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/274811-grilled-spicy-halloumi-cheese-yoly-2da11bc169c746c69f770a8b0b4f4531.jpg)
Use your favorite spicy sauce or chile paste — such as sriracha or harissa — in this easy halloumi recipe that features double the heat!
More Inspiration
![cyprus gyro burger](https://www.allrecipes.com/thmb/r4jl4lWk2khBULU0uVs5H4Kd24U=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/218487-cyprus-gyro-burger-Doughgirl8-9321d31820a440678e76534da2fc1ba2.jpg)
Want more? See our complete collections of Greek Recipes and Middle Eastern Recipes for more deliciousness. Also check out these Cypriot recipes, all created by home cooks like you: