Crispy Halloumi Grilled Cheese (Printable version)

Golden grilled halloumi layered between toasted bread with crisp edges and gooey center.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 7 oz halloumi cheese, sliced to 0.2 inch thickness

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Pat the 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 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove and keep aside.
03 - Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
04 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface. Layer fried halloumi evenly on top, add rocket or spinach, drizzle honey if desired, and season with black pepper.
05 - Cover with the remaining two bread slices, buttered side up.
06 - Clean skillet and reheat over medium heat. Grill sandwiches for 2 to 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 -
  • The halloumi gets impossibly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, totally different from regular cheese sandwiches.
  • Ready in twenty minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something warm and comforting without fussing for hours.
02 -
  • Medium heat is non-negotiable—high heat will burn your bread before the cheese inside has a chance to warm, leaving you with crunchy bread and cold halloumi.
  • Halloumi has a higher melting point than other cheeses, so it needs those extra minutes in the pan to get properly hot without turning into a puddle.
03 -
  • Toast one side of your bread lightly in the skillet before assembling if you want extra crunch and insurance against soggy bread.
  • Halloumi is salty enough on its own, so taste before adding extra salt to the finished sandwich.
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