In this post, we will walk through the simple process of how to cook halloumi cheese. It is a zero-carb food that is perfect for appetizers, salads, breakfast, and more.
Together, we will see just how easy it is to perfectly sear halloumi, turning it in a golden, crispy and utterly delicious eating experience.
This halloumi cheese recipe is LOW CARB, KETO and GLUTEN-FREE.
My Inspiration for How to Cook Halloumi Cheese
My love affair with halloumi cheese began while making a Lebanese-style pizza topped with hummus and grilled halloumi – an incredibly flavorful but high-carb meal. My family loves it, but it disappeared from my meal rotations in 2017 when I embraced the low carb diet.
Recently, my wife asked me to make the Lebanese pizza again. I decided to focus on making the halloumi replace the flatbread, leading to an exploration of pan-searing halloumi to perfection.
To keep it all low carb, I deleted the hummus and paired it with a zesty lemon and herb sauce. The result? An amazing, keto-friendly dish that everyone loves.
Is This How to Make Halloumi Cheese Recipe Truly Low Carb and Keto?
Yes. This halloumi cheese recipe isn't just low-carb; it's a zero-carb recipe, making it the perfect choice for both low-carb and keto diets.
By its nature, Halloumi contains virtually no carbohydrates, aligning perfectly with the requirements of ketosis. This dish continues with zero-carbs when pan-seared to crispy perfection in olive oil.
It's an ideal option for those who are meticulously tracking their carb intake for ketosis. Use it as a base for any number of keto-friendly toppings.
What are the ingredients to make this Halloumi Cheese Recipe?
Olive Oil: Used for pan-searing, olive oil prevents the cheese from sticking to the pan and adds a nice flavor profile to the halloumi.
How do I change the recipe to grill the halloumi cheese?
Grilling halloumi cheese is a great way to cook it as well. It is quite simple. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. Lightly brush the halloumi slices with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place them on the grill, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side or until you see those beautiful grill marks.
Where do I buy Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi cheese can typically be found in the cheese section of most grocery stores, especially those with a good selection of international or specialty foods. It is often in a box with a cutout showing the cheese.
You can also check local cheese shops and European-style markets.
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How to Cook Halloumi Cheese
Cooking halloumi cheese to achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior is easy to do. To start, slice your halloumi into medium thickness - not too thin, as you want the slices to hold up to the heat without breaking apart and stay soft in the middle.
Begin by heating a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and adding the olive oil. This helps prevent the cheese from sticking and adds a more complex flavor. You can also use clarified butter or ghee.
Once the oil is heated, gently place your halloumi slices in the pan. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This is crucial for developing that beautiful golden-brown sear. Be patient, knowing that the cheese will tell you when it's ready to flip - it should lift easily from the pan when it has formed a crispy crust.
As the halloumi cooks, it will take on a delectably crispy texture on the outside while staying deliciously soft and slightly chewy inside. Remove the halloumi from the pan once both sides are golden and the cheese has a nice crispy exterior.
It's best served immediately while it's wonderfully warm and the texture is just right.
How to cook halloumi cheese in your own kitchen:
I've tried to capture the important moments in this recipe on how to cook halloumi cheese in the following pictures. As always, if you have questions, please ask in the comments!
What is a substitute for Halloumi cheese?
If you can’t find halloumi, a great substitute is Queso Fresco. This cheese also holds up well to grilling or pan-searing without melting away. Another alternative is feta cheese. Although it's softer and more crumbly, it can still be lightly grilled or fried. Keep in mind that feta will not develop this nice crust and firm texture.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating this Halloumi Cheese Recipe
Storing: After cooking, if you have leftover halloumi cheese, it can be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Place the cooled cheese in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Properly stored, cooked halloumi will last about a week in the fridge.
Freezing: I can't recommend freezing this halloumi cheese recipe. It alters the texture and flavors, resulting in a rubbery mess.
Reheating: To reheat cooked halloumi, a skillet over low to medium heat works great. Gently warm the cheese until it’s heated through and slightly crispy again. You can also reheat in a warm oven (about 165F) for 5 minutes or so. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery.
Find More Great Appetizer Recipes to Try:
Keto Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: A perfect blend of spicy and savory, these poppers wrapped in crispy bacon are a keto-friendly delight that's sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Cheesy Keto Breadsticks: Indulge in these keto breadsticks' gooey, cheesy goodness, a perfect low carb treat that pairs wonderfully with your favorite dips and sauces.
Amazing Roasted Eggplant Appetizer: Discover roasted eggplant's rich, smoky flavors in this simple yet stunning appetizer with Burrata that's as elegant as it is delicious.
Easy Cream Cheese Dip: Whip up this creamy and versatile dip in minutes; it's the ideal low carb companion for veggies, crackers, or keto breads.
Easy Guacamole Recipe: Fresh, zesty, and full of flavor, this guacamole recipe is a timeless classic that's a must-have for your low carb snack arsenal.
Stuffed Cherry BLT Tomatoes: Combining the delicious flavors of a BLT, these bite-sized cherry tomatoes are stuffed with a delightful mixture, making them a refreshing and novel appetizer for any gathering.
Halloumi Cheese Recipe
Welcome to the world of cooking with halloumi cheese! This halloumi cheese recipe is a simple yet delightful way to enjoy a keto-friendly snack or side dish. With its unique texture and taste, Halloumi becomes irresistibly crispy when pan-seared, making it a perfect base for so many low carb or keto meal options.
Ingredients
- 1 lb halloumi cheese, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Halloumi: Start by slicing the 1lb block of Halloumi cheese into medium-thick slices, about ¼ inch each. This thickness is the KEY for ensuring a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, slightly chewy interior.
- Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add two to three tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness to the halloumi, complementing its natural flavors.
- Pan-Sear the Halloumi: Carefully place the halloumi slices in the pan once the oil is hot. Cook the halloumi for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until each side is golden brown and crispy. This process is key to creating that perfect texture that makes halloumi so enjoyable.
- Repeat: Please try not to overcrowd the pan, as it will not brown properly. The idea is to cook the halloumi in batches.
Notes
- Choosing the Right Halloumi: Look for halloumi cheese that feels firm to the touch. This ensures that it will hold its shape well when cooked. Halloumi is available in various forms, sometimes flavored with herbs or spices, so feel free to experiment.
- Prep for Less Stickiness: Halloumi can stick to the pan despite its high melting point. You can use clarified butter or ghee instead of olive oil if you prefer.
- Control the Heat: Cooking halloumi over medium heat is important. High heat can cause the cheese to burn quickly due to its low moisture content, while low heat might not give it that crispy exterior layer.
- No Overcrowding: Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the halloumi slices. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and gets a nice, golden-brown sear.
- Patience is Key: Allow the halloumi to cook undisturbed on each side for a couple of minutes. Flipping it too soon might prevent it from developing that delicious crust.
- Serving Time: Halloumi is best served immediately after cooking. As it cools, it can become firmer and less enjoyable.
- Make Ahead: This halloumi cheese recipe can be made ahead... simply brown the halloumi and cool it on a rack. When you want to serve, heat it in the oven for 5 minutes until nice and warm again. It's the perfect make-ahead appetizer!
- Complementary Flavors: Consider pairing your halloumi with acidic or fresh flavors to balance its salty nature. Lemon juice, fresh tomatoes, or a light salad are great accompaniments.
- Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Feel free to sprinkle some dried herbs or spices onto the cheese before cooking. Oregano, paprika, and black pepper are great options.
- Pairing Idea: I love to dunk my crispy halloumi cheese into a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg. Absolutely delicious. Even better than toast!
This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
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