Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Za'atar Seasoning

Appetizers and Sharables

Origin: Cyprus, Middle Eastern

Method: Grill

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This Grilled Halloumi Cheese recipe is seasoned with Za'atar seasoning and then cooked on a BBQ grill.  This grilling cheese makes for an easy BBQ appetizer that requires minimal ingredients and effort but gives maximum flavor. Move over, burgers and brats, there's a new grilling champion in town! Halloumi cheese, with its unique ability to hold its shape and develop beautiful grill marks, is quickly becoming a summer BBQ favorite.

What is Halloumi Grilling Cheese?

Halloumi cheese is a brined cheese of Cypriot origin, traditionally made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk. Today, you can also find halloumi made with cow's milk, or a blend of all three milks. This unique semi-hard cheese has a high melting point making it perfect for searing, baking or grilling.

Halloumi boasts a firm, slightly crumbly texture and a salty, tangy flavor and can provide a protein-rich alternative to meat on the grill.  The cheese has a slightly salty flavor similar to mozzarella but has a similar squeaky texture to cheese curds.

Making Grilled Halloumi at Home

To make the perfect Halloumi cheese on your BBQ grill, here are a few helpful hints before you get started.

Tips for Success:

• Don't overcook: Halloumi should be firm and slightly softened, not mushy. Keep an eye on it and avoid overcooking.
• Use a hot grill: This ensures the cheese gets beautiful grill marks without sticking.
• Brush with oil: Olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
• Get creative: There are endless possibilities for grilling halloumi! Experiment with different marinades, toppings, and serving suggestions.

Ingredients for the Za'atar Crusted Grilled Halloumi

To make this easy grilled halloumi recipe you just need a block of halloumi, a couple tablespoons of Za'atar seasoning, and a little olive oil.  While it was once a challenge to find halloumi in the United States, it has become much more common in recent years.  Specialty cheese sections of many larger grocery stores carry Halloumi and we have also been able to find the cheese at Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Aldi, and even Costco.  

Za'atar: Za'atar is a spice mix common in the Middle East.  It is typically made of dried herbs like oregano, marjoram, and thyme with toasted sesame seeds and spices like cumin and sumac. 

Cooking the Halloumi Cheese on a BBQ grill

This brined Cypriot cheese is perfect for barbecues and is a versatile ingredient that can be pan-fried, skewered, or even added to salads for a salty, chewy punch. Of course, we feel one of the best ways to make this salty halloumi is on an outdoor grill.

The key to grilling Halloumi is heat! Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, or about 400 degrees. While we love the flavor of making the Cypriot grilling cheese on a charcoal grill, the BBQ halloumi can also be seared on a gas or propane grill.  

Slice the cheese into thick slices (about ½ inch thick) and brush with about a tablespoon of olive oil. Season both sides of the salty cheese with the Za'atar seasoning and place on the BBQ grill.  Alternatively, the Halloumi can be cut into cubes and cooked on skewers, either alone or with vegetables like peppers, onions, and zucchini for a colorful and flavorful kabob.

It is also helpful to coat your grill grates with a little oil to prevent the cheese from sticking to the grill.  Grill for a couple of minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly softened. You'll hear a satisfying sizzle as the cheese hits the heat and witness beautiful grill marks form.  After only a few minutes, the warm cheese is ready to eat.

What to Serve with the BBQ Grilled Halloumi

This delicious cheese is great served with crackers or include other cheeses and salami on a charcuterie board. The BBQ halloumi also pairs well with seasoned olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping or drizzle the slices of halloumi cheese with honey or pomegranate molasses to add a little sweetness to the salty grilled cheese.  Warm pita bread and cherry tomatoes also pair well with the Za'atar crusted Halloumi.

For more great Greek and Mediterranean recipes take a look at some of our favorites:

• Grilled Feta and Orzo Stuffed Branzino
• Greek Grilled Shrimp with Basil-Orange Orzo
• Smoked Greek Moussaka with Grilled Eggplant, Beef and Lamb
• Grilled Chicken Souvlaki- Greek Chicken Skewers
• Easy Greek Feta and Avocado Tzatziki Sauce
• Grilled Cevapi: Balkan Style Sausages

Ther grilled cheese can also be sliced thin for use in sandwiches or add grilled halloumi to a bed of greens for a protein-packed and satisfying salad. Drizzle with a balsamic reduction or a creamy avocado dressing.

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