Crispy Halloumi Grilled Cheese (Printable version)

Golden pan-fried halloumi nestled in toasted bread, crisp outside, gooey inside for a savory bite.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheese

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

→ 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, then fry halloumi slices for 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, followed by optional rocket or spinach and drizzle honey if desired. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
05 - Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
06 - Wipe out skillet 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 from skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Halloumi has a high melting point, so it gets gorgeously golden and crispy instead of turning into a puddle—you get texture you didn't know you were craving.
  • This feels fancy enough to impress someone at lunch, but it takes less time than scrolling through your phone.
  • It's the kind of dish that tastes like you tried harder than you actually did.
02 -
  • Don't skip drying the halloumi—moisture is the enemy of crispiness, and you'll end up with steamed cheese instead of golden, squeaky perfection.
  • Medium heat is non-negotiable; too hot and your bread burns before the halloumi warms through, too low and everything just gets greasy.
03 -
  • Use a spatula to press gently while grilling; this ensures the halloumi stays in contact with the bread and everything fuses together instead of sliding around.
  • If you're making this for more than two people, fry all your halloumi first and keep it warm on a plate while you assemble and grill the sandwiches in batches.
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