What is halloumi cheese made from?

Halloumi cheese traditionally comes from Cyprus and is made using a blend of goat’s and sheep’s milk. However, many varieties found in the U.S. are produced with cow’s milk. The original halloumi has a firm texture and a salty taste, making it ideal for grilling or frying since it holds its shape without melting.

How do you grill halloumi for a sandwich?

To grill halloumi, slice the cheese into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick pieces. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat and cook the slices for about 2-3 minutes per side. Look for a golden-brown crust and grill marks while keeping the inside soft. Grilled halloumi adds a crispy, savory element to sandwiches without melting away.

Can I cook halloumi in a pan instead of grilling it?

Yes, pan-frying halloumi is a simple alternative if you don’t have a grill. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil, then cook halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. This method produces a deliciously crispy outside and a warm, firm inside, perfect for sandwiches.

What ingredients pair well with a grilled halloumi sandwich?

Grilled halloumi sandwiches taste great with fresh ingredients such as ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, arugula, or roasted red peppers. Adding a spread like hummus or tzatziki enhances flavor and moisture. You can also include herbs like mint or basil for added freshness. These combinations balance the salty halloumi for a satisfying bite.

Is halloumi cheese good for vegetarians?

Yes, halloumi is suitable for most vegetarians as it is made from milk and does not involve animal rennet in many commercial varieties. If you follow a strict vegetarian diet, look for halloumi labeled as made with microbial or vegetarian-friendly rennet to avoid animal-derived ingredients. This makes halloumi a tasty protein option in vegetarian sandwiches.

Grilled Halloumi Sandwich With Veggie Sauce Recipe

Name: Grilled Halloumi Sandwich
Prep time: PT-487487H48M35S
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-487487H48M35S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: – 8 oz halloumi cheese sliced into 1/4-inch pieces Provides the chewy, protein-rich base that’s high in calcium, giving the grilled halloumi sandwich its signature texture and appeal.; – 2 tablespoons olive oil Helps grill the halloumi evenly, adding healthy fats and preventing sticking for a perfectly golden grilled halloumi finish.; – 1 lemon juiced Adds acidity and brightness, enhancing the flavor while tenderizing the halloumi for a more enjoyable sandwich.; – 1 teaspoon dried oregano Infuses herbal notes and antioxidants, complementing the grilled halloumi with Mediterranean flair.; – Salt and pepper to taste Seasons the cheese, balancing flavors and making the grilled halloumi more palatable in every bite.; – 4 slices whole grain bread Acts as the sturdy, fiber-filled foundation, holding the grilled halloumi and toppings together securely.; – 1 cup arugula leaves Brings peppery freshness and nutrients like vitamin K, adding crunch to the grilled halloumi sandwich.; – 1 tomato sliced Contributes juiciness and lycopene for heart health, pairing well with the grilled halloumi for a balanced taste.; – 1/2 red onion thinly sliced Offers sharpness and prebiotics, providing a crisp contrast in the grilled halloumi setup.; – 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves Lends a cooling, aromatic element, boosting the sandwich’s freshness and pairing with the grilled halloumi.; – 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Provides a sweet-tangy glaze, elevating the overall flavor of the grilled halloumi sandwich.

Description

🧀 This Grilled Halloumi Sandwich features crispy, salty halloumi cheese paired with fresh veggies for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
🍅 The addition of zesty pepper sauce or balsamic glaze adds a burst of flavor, making it perfect for quick and delicious dinners.

Ingredients

– 8 oz halloumi cheese sliced into 1/4-inch pieces Provides the chewy, protein-rich base that’s high in calcium, giving the grilled halloumi sandwich its signature texture and appeal.

– 2 tablespoons olive oil Helps grill the halloumi evenly, adding healthy fats and preventing sticking for a perfectly golden grilled halloumi finish.

– 1 lemon juiced Adds acidity and brightness, enhancing the flavor while tenderizing the halloumi for a more enjoyable sandwich.

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano Infuses herbal notes and antioxidants, complementing the grilled halloumi with Mediterranean flair.

– Salt and pepper to taste Seasons the cheese, balancing flavors and making the grilled halloumi more palatable in every bite.

– 4 slices whole grain bread Acts as the sturdy, fiber-filled foundation, holding the grilled halloumi and toppings together securely.

– 1 cup arugula leaves Brings peppery freshness and nutrients like vitamin K, adding crunch to the grilled halloumi sandwich.

– 1 tomato sliced Contributes juiciness and lycopene for heart health, pairing well with the grilled halloumi for a balanced taste.

– 1/2 red onion thinly sliced Offers sharpness and prebiotics, providing a crisp contrast in the grilled halloumi setup.

– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves Lends a cooling, aromatic element, boosting the sandwich’s freshness and pairing with the grilled halloumi.

– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Provides a sweet-tangy glaze, elevating the overall flavor of the grilled halloumi sandwich.

Instructions

1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Begin by gathering everything, which takes 2-3 minutes for efficiency. Slice 8 oz halloumi into 1/4-inch pieces and juice 1 lemon, while chopping toppings like tomato and red onion this sets up a smooth process. For vegan swaps, prepare 8 oz tofu as a halloumi substitute now, ensuring the grilled halloumi sandwich is ready for all preferences from the start.

2-Second Step: Marinate the Halloumi In a bowl, toss the halloumi slices with 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper; let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors. If adapting for low-calorie needs, use just 1 tablespoon oil here to reduce fats while keeping the grilled halloumi moist and tasty, enhancing the sandwich’s appeal.

3-Third Step: Grill the Halloumi Heat a grill pan over medium heat (around 350°F) and cook the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and marked don’t overcrowd the pan. For gluten-free options, prepare your bread now; this step ensures the grilled halloumi gets that perfect char, making the sandwich’s texture stand out.

4-Fourth Step: Assemble the Sandwich Toast 4 slices of whole grain bread in the pan for 1 minute per side for crunch, then layer with grilled halloumi, 1 cup arugula, sliced tomato, red onion, and 1/4 cup fresh mint spread evenly for balance, taking about 3 minutes. If making it vegan, use the tofu alternative and add extra herbs to mimic halloumi’s flavor, keeping the grilled halloumi sandwich customizable.

5-Fifth Step: Finish and Serve Drizzle with 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, press the sandwich halves together, and cut in half for easy handling let it rest for 1 minute before serving. This final step highlights the grilled halloumi’s taste; serve immediately for the best experience, with the guide totaling around 700 words for a seamless grilled halloumi preparation.

Notes

🍳 Use a non-stick skillet to prevent halloumi from sticking and getting perfect crispiness.
🌿 Marinate halloumi with herbs, salt, and pepper before cooking to enhance flavor.
🍅 Season tomato slices with a pinch of salt to bring out juices and sweetness.

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling and Toasting
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 400 kcal (approximate)
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 700 mg (approximate)
Fat: 20 g (approximate)
Saturated Fat: 10 g (approximate)
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g (approximate)
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g (approximate)
Fiber: 2.2 g (approximate)
Protein: 15 g (approximate)
Cholesterol: 35 mg (approximate)

Keywords: Grilled Halloumi, Halloumi Sandwich, Veggie Sandwich, Zesty Pepper Sauce