This quick and easy Halloumi cheese recipe delivers golden-brown perfection in just 15 minutes.
Whether pan-fried or grilled, these squeaky Greek cheese slices develop an irresistibly crispy exterior while maintaining their deliciously soft, salty center.
A versatile appetizer that works beautifully for casual dinners or elegant entertaining, this Mediterranean favorite requires minimal prep yet delivers maximum flavor.
Learn two foolproof methods to achieve restaurant-quality Halloumi right in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Grilled Halloumi
- Halloumi cheese: 250g block, sliced into 8 equal pieces
- Extra virgin olive oil: For brushing the cheese
- Mixed or black pepper: Freshly ground to taste
- Lemon: Half a large lemon for fresh juice
Ingredients for Honey & Sesame Version
- Halloumi cheese: 250g block, cut into 8 even slices
- Extra virgin olive oil: 1½ tablespoons
- Honey: 2 tablespoons, ensure it’s runny consistency
- Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon for toasting
- Lemon: Half for fresh juice
Grilled Halloumi Instructions
- Prepare the cheese: Pat dry thoroughly and slice into 8 equal pieces
- Season: Brush with olive oil and season generously with pepper
- Grill: Cook on very hot griddle pan for 1-2 minutes per side until golden lines appear
- Finish: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and serve immediately
Honey & Sesame Version Instructions
- Toast sesame: Heat pan and toast seeds until lightly golden
- Prepare cheese: Pat dry and slice evenly into 8 pieces
- Cook cheese: Heat oil and fry halloumi 3-4 minutes each side until golden
- Add honey: Drizzle honey over cheese, flip once bubbling
- Serve: Top with toasted sesame seeds and fresh lemon juice
Cooking Techniques
The secret to perfect halloumi lies in two simple steps: drying the cheese well and getting your pan nice and hot! Pat each slice with paper towels – this helps create that gorgeous golden crust.
For the grill pan method, those beautiful char lines appear when you resist the urge to move the cheese around. If you’re pan-frying, wait for the oil to shimmer before adding your halloumi – that’s how you know it’s ready!
Serving Suggestions
Hot, salty halloumi is simply magical when served right away! The grilled version makes a wonderful appetizer with some crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil.
For the honey-sesame halloumi, try it on a bed of fresh arugula or with a side of grilled vegetables.
Both styles work beautifully in Mediterranean-style salads or tucked into warm pita bread with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.
Quick Tips and Tricks
Want the best results? Let your halloumi sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking – this helps it cook more evenly.
If your honey is too thick, warm it slightly so it spreads more easily over the cheese. And here’s a fun twist: add a pinch of chili flakes to the honey-sesame version for a sweet-spicy kick!
Storage Tips
Halloumi tastes best fresh off the pan, still warm and squeaky! If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, just pop the slices in a warm pan for 30 seconds on each side – but remember, fresh-cooked halloumi will always have the best texture!
How to cook Halloumi cheese (Pan fried and Grilled Halloumi recipe)
Equipment
- Grill pan
- Non-stick frying pan
- Kitchen towel
Ingredients
Grilled Halloumi cheese (Grill Pan Method)
- 250 g block halloumi cheese approx. 8 oz
- extra virgin olive oil
Pan Fried Halloumi with Honey & Sesame
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp runny honey
Instructions
- Remove the halloumi from any packaging and pat as dry as possible with a piece of kitchen towel. Slice into 8 pieces (approx. 1/2 inch, 1.3cm thick) and pat each piece dry with a fresh piece of paper.
- Heat a seasoned or non-stick griddle pan over a very high heat. Meanwhile brush each halloumi piece with olive oil and season well with freshly ground pepper.
- Cook the cheese for a minute or two on each side, trying not to move it around the pan so it forms nice golden lines.
- Remove from the heat and squeeze over the lemon juice before serving immediately.
- For Pan Fried version: Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for about a minute until just coloured, and remove from the pan.
- Add oil to the pan and once shimmering, add the halloumi. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
- Spoon honey over halloumi slices. Flip them, and when honey bubbles, remove from heat. Add lemon juice and serve with honey drizzle and sesame seeds.