Crispy Halloumi Grilled Cheese (Printer-friendly)

Golden pan-fried halloumi nestled between toasted rustic bread delivers a crisp, gooey flavor delight.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheese

01 - 7 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/5 inch thick pieces

→ Bread & Spread

02 - 4 slices rustic or sourdough bread
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Optional Additions

05 - 2 tsp honey or hot honey for drizzling
06 - 1 small handful fresh rocket/arugula or baby spinach
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat halloumi slices dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry halloumi slices 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
04 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface. Evenly layer fried halloumi on top, then add rocket or spinach and drizzle honey if using. Season with black pepper.
05 - Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
06 - Wipe skillet clean and return to medium heat. Grill sandwiches 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently until bread is golden and crisp and cheese is warmed through.
07 - Remove sandwiches, slice in half, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Halloumi actually gets better in the pan instead of falling apart, giving you that satisfying squeak and golden crust.
  • It's ready in 20 minutes, making it perfect for when you want something restaurant-quality but don't have time to fuss.
  • The contrast between the crispy cheese, toasted bread, and optional peppery greens tastes far more interesting than a standard grilled cheese.
02 -
  • Dry the halloumi thoroughly before frying or it will steam and release moisture instead of crisping, ruining the whole point of using this cheese.
  • Medium heat is essential because high heat will burn the bread before the cheese warms through, but low heat won't crisp anything properly.
03 -
  • If you find honey is overpowering, a single drop goes a long way, and hot honey adds complexity that regular honey can't match.
  • Some people swear by grilling the halloumi slices over high heat for color, then finishing the sandwich gently so the cheese stays warm but doesn't dry out.
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