Best Halloumi Cheese Brand: Our Top Picks for the Ultimate Grilling Experience
If you’re a fan of cheese, you’ve probably heard of halloumi. This semi-hard cheese hails from Cyprus and has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling or frying. It’s also a great option for vegetarians, as it’s made from a mixture of cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk.
But with so many brands of halloumi available, it can be tough to know which one to choose. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best halloumi cheese brands on the market.
We’ll explore what makes each one special, and give you all the information you need to make an informed decision when you’re next at the supermarket.
Key Takeaways
- There are many halloumi cheese brands available, each with their own unique qualities.
- When choosing a halloumi brand, consider factors such as texture, saltiness, and price.
- Halloumi cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches to grilled skewers.
Understanding Halloumi Cheese
If you’re a fan of cheese, you’ve probably heard of halloumi. This Cypriot cheese is known for its unique texture and flavour. Here’s what you need to know about halloumi cheese:
What is Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi is a brined cheese that is traditionally made from a mixture of sheep and goat milk, although cow’s milk is sometimes used. It has a firm texture and a salty, tangy flavour. One of the most unique things about halloumi is that it has a high melting point, which means that it can be fried or grilled without losing its shape.
How is Halloumi Cheese Made?
Halloumi cheese is made by curdling milk with rennet and then heating the curds. The curds are then placed in a cheesecloth and pressed to remove excess whey. The cheese is then cut into blocks and placed in a brine solution. The brine helps to preserve the cheese and gives it its salty flavour.
How to Enjoy Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas:
- Fry or grill halloumi and serve it with a salad or as a side dish.
- Add halloumi to a sandwich or wrap for a delicious and filling lunch.
- Use halloumi as a topping for pizza or flatbread.
- Add herbs or spices to halloumi for extra flavour.
Nutritional Benefits of Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese is high in protein and calcium, making it a great addition to a balanced diet. It also contains other important nutrients, such as vitamins A and B12. However, it is important to note that halloumi is a high-fat cheese, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.
Overall, halloumi cheese is a delicious and unique cheese that is worth trying if you haven’t already. Its firm texture and salty flavour make it a great addition to many dishes, and its high protein and calcium content make it a nutritious choice as well.
How to Cook Halloumi Cheese
You’ve got your hands on some delicious halloumi cheese and you’re ready to cook it up. Lucky for you, halloumi is a versatile cheese that can be cooked in many different ways. Here are some tips to help you cook perfect halloumi every time.
Grilling Halloumi Cheese
Grilling halloumi cheese is a great way to enjoy its unique texture and flavour. To grill halloumi, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the cheese slices with a little bit of oil and place them on the grill. Grill the cheese for 2-3 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown and grill marks appear.
Pan-Frying Halloumi Cheese
Pan-frying halloumi cheese is another popular method of cooking it. To pan-fry halloumi, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a little bit of oil to the pan and wait until it’s hot. Add the cheese slices to the pan and fry them for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown.
Baking Halloumi Cheese
If you’re looking for a healthier way to cook halloumi, try baking it. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas mark 6. Place the cheese slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake the cheese for 10-12 minutes, until it’s golden brown and crispy.
Seasoning Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese is well seasoned, but you can add extra flavour by seasoning it with spices or garlic. Before cooking the cheese, sprinkle it with your favourite seasoning and let it marinate for a few minutes. This will give the cheese an extra kick of flavour.
Vegetarian Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese is a vegetarian-friendly cheese that’s perfect for meat-free meals. You can use it in salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more. It’s a great source of protein and adds a unique flavour and texture to any dish.
Grilled Halloumi Cheese Recipes
Grilled halloumi cheese is a popular ingredient in many recipes. You can use it in salads, skewers, sandwiches, and more.
Check out some of our favourite grilled halloumi cheese recipes below:
- Grilled Halloumi Salad with Lemon and Mint
- Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Vegetables
- Grilled Halloumi Sandwich with Avocado and Tomato
With these tips and recipes, you’ll be able to cook delicious halloumi cheese dishes in no time. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Halloumi Cheese
You’ve got yourself some delicious halloumi cheese and now you’re wondering how to serve it. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some exciting serving suggestions that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Grilled Cheese
Grilled halloumi cheese is a classic and for good reason. The cheese’s unique texture and salty flavour make it perfect for grilling. Simply slice the cheese and grill it until it’s golden brown on both sides. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.
Summer Salad
Halloumi cheese is a great addition to any summer salad. Combine it with watermelon, red onion, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a refreshing and flavourful salad. Add a basil-mint oil dressing for an extra burst of flavour.
Skewers
Halloumi cheese is perfect for skewers. Thread it onto skewers with summer squash, cherry tomatoes, and red onion for a colourful and tasty appetizer. Grill the skewers until the cheese is golden brown and gooey.
Sandwiches
Halloumi cheese is a great filling for sandwiches. Combine it with prosciutto, mixed greens, and a lemon dressing for a delicious and filling sandwich. Add some crunchy croutons for texture.
Tacos
Halloumi cheese is a great alternative to meat in tacos. Combine it with pico de gallo, fresh herbs, and a honey and lemon dressing for a flavourful and low-carb taco. Add some grilled shrimp for extra protein.
Halloumi Fries
Halloumi cheese fries are a popular menu item and for good reason. Cut the cheese into strips, coat them in flour, and fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy. Serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Mixed Grill
Halloumi cheese is a great addition to any mixed grill. Combine it with paneer, grilled vegetables, and potato for a filling and flavourful meal. Add a lemon and honey dressing for extra flavour.
In conclusion, halloumi cheese is a versatile and delicious cheese that can be served in many different ways. Whether you’re grilling it, adding it to a salad, or serving it as an appetizer, halloumi cheese is sure to impress. So get creative and experiment with different flavours and textures to find your perfect halloumi cheese recipe.
The Best Halloumi Cheese Brands
If you are a fan of halloumi cheese, you know that not all brands are created equal. Some are too salty, others too rubbery, and some just don’t have the right texture. But fear not! We have scoured the internet and done the taste testing for you.
Here are the best halloumi cheese brands that you can find in the UK:
1. Cypressa Traditional Halloumi Cheese
Cypressa Traditional Halloumi Cheese is the winner of our taste test, and for good reason. This halloumi cheese has a firm texture and a satisfying chewy bite. It’s buttery, not too salty, and has a lovely flavour. You can find it at Ocado for £3.
2. Aldi Specially Selected Halloumi Cheese
Aldi’s Specially Selected Halloumi Cheese is a great option if you’re on a budget. It has a nice texture and a good flavour, and it’s not too salty. You can find it at Aldi for £1.99 for a 225g pack.
3. Yamas! Halloumi Cheese
Yamas! Halloumi Cheese is a great all-rounder. It has a nice texture, a good flavour, and it’s not too salty. You can find it at most major supermarkets for around £2.50 for a 250g pack.
4. Tesco Finest Halloumi Cheese
Tesco Finest Halloumi Cheese is a bit pricier than some of the other options on this list, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for something a bit more special. It has a lovely texture and a rich, creamy flavour. You can find it at Tesco for £3 for a 225g pack.
5. Lidl Deluxe Halloumi Cheese
Lidl’s Deluxe Halloumi Cheese is another great budget option. It has a nice texture and a good flavour, and it’s not too salty. You can find it at Lidl for £1.99 for a 225g pack.
When it comes to buying halloumi cheese, it’s important to look for a brand that has a good texture, a nice flavour, and isn’t too salty. Whether you’re looking for a budget option or something a bit more special, there’s a halloumi cheese out there for you. Happy shopping!
Dietary Considerations of Halloumi Cheese
If you’re looking for a cheese that’s high in protein and low in carbs, halloumi cheese might be the perfect choice for you. This semi-hard cheese is typically made from the milk of goats, sheep, or cows, and it’s known for its tangy taste and firm texture.
One of the great things about halloumi cheese is that it’s suitable for vegetarians and can be a valuable inclusion in a plant-based diet. However, it’s important to check the label as some types of halloumi are produced using animal-derived rennet.
When it comes to protein, halloumi cheese delivers. It’s a great source of protein and can be a good choice for those looking to increase their protein intake. Additionally, halloumi cheese is low in carbs, which makes it a good option for those following a low-carb diet.
It’s worth noting that halloumi cheese is relatively high in sodium, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you may want to limit your consumption of halloumi cheese.
Overall, halloumi cheese can be a great addition to a healthy diet. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and suitable for vegetarians. Just be mindful of your sodium intake and enjoy it in moderation.
Halloumi Cheese Regulations
If you’re a fan of halloumi cheese, you might be interested to know that there are regulations in place to ensure that only certain cheeses can be marketed as “halloumi.” These regulations are designed to protect the traditional methods of production and ensure that the cheese is of a certain quality.
The regulations for halloumi cheese are set by the government of Cyprus, where the cheese has been produced for centuries. According to these regulations, halloumi cheese must be made from a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk, with no more than 20% cow’s milk allowed. The cheese must also be produced in Cyprus.
In addition to these requirements, there are also specific rules for the production of halloumi cheese. For example, the cheese must be made using traditional methods, such as using a mixture of fresh and mature milk. The cheese must also be brined after production to give it its characteristic salty taste.
The regulations for halloumi cheese are enforced by the Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. The ministry has established a certification mark for halloumi cheese, which is used to indicate that the cheese meets the required standards. Only producers who have been certified by the ministry are allowed to use the mark on their products.
The regulations for halloumi cheese have been in place since 1990, and they have been updated several times since then to reflect changes in production methods and consumer preferences.
The European Commission has also recognized halloumi cheese as a protected designation of origin (PDO), which means that only cheese produced in Cyprus can be marketed as “halloumi” in the European Union.
Overall, the regulations for halloumi cheese help to ensure that consumers are getting a high-quality product that is made using traditional methods. If you’re looking for authentic halloumi cheese, be sure to look for the certification mark on the packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of halloumi cheese available in Singapore?
There are several types of halloumi cheese available in Singapore, including traditional halloumi, smoked halloumi, and flavoured halloumi. Traditional halloumi is the most common type and is made from a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. Smoked halloumi has a smoky flavour and is often used in grilling or barbecuing. Flavoured halloumi comes in a variety of flavours, such as chilli, mint, and garlic.
Where can I find the best deals on halloumi cheese in Singapore?
You can find halloumi cheese in most supermarkets and specialty cheese shops in Singapore. Some popular places to buy halloumi cheese include Cold Storage, NTUC FairPrice Finest, and The Cheese Ark. You can also find good deals on halloumi cheese online, through websites such as RedMart and Lazada.
What makes Aphrodite Halloumi stand out among other brands?
Aphrodite Halloumi is a premium brand of halloumi cheese that is made using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. It is made from 100% sheep’s milk, which gives it a rich, creamy flavour. Aphrodite Halloumi is also known for its firm texture and excellent melting properties, making it perfect for grilling, frying, or baking.
Is halloumi a healthy cheese option?
Halloumi cheese is a relatively healthy cheese option, as it is low in fat and calories. It is also a good source of protein and calcium. However, it is high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Why is halloumi cheese so popular?
Halloumi cheese has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its unique texture and flavour. It has a firm, chewy texture that makes it perfect for grilling or frying, and it has a salty, tangy flavour that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Additionally, halloumi cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of recipes, from salads and sandwiches to pizzas and pasta dishes.
What are some delicious recipes that feature halloumi cheese?
There are many delicious recipes that feature halloumi cheese, including grilled halloumi skewers, halloumi and vegetable kebabs, halloumi burgers, and halloumi and watermelon salad. Halloumi cheese can also be used as a substitute for meat in vegetarian dishes, such as halloumi and mushroom burgers or halloumi and vegetable stir-fry.