🥛 Dairy

Halloumi Style Cheese Substitute: Grilling Cheeses That Work

Discover halloumi style cheese substitutes and grilling cheeses that mimic halloumi's unique properties. Find commercial alternatives and DIY options that grill and fry without melting.

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Quick Answer

The best halloumi style cheese substitutes are commercial grilling cheeses like Violife, Follow Your Heart, or Miyoko's vegan options. For DIY, make halloumi-style cheese with paneer, queso blanco, or homemade nut-based cheese.

Best Substitutes

Commercial Grilling Cheese

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Store-bought cheeses specifically designed to grill and fry like halloumi

Best for:

GrillingFryingWhen you want authentic halloumi experienceRestaurant-style dishesConvenience

Look for brands like Violife, Follow Your Heart, Miyoko's, or any 'grilling cheese' in specialty stores. These are designed to mimic halloumi's properties.

Paneer (Halloumi Style)

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Indian fresh cheese prepared to mimic halloumi's texture and cooking properties

Best for:

GrillingFryingCurriesKebabsMediterranean dishes

Paneer is naturally similar to halloumi. For an even closer match, press it well and marinate in salt and herbs before cooking.

Queso Blanco (Halloumi Style)

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Latin American fresh cheese that can be prepared to mimic halloumi

Best for:

GrillingFryingMexican dishesBBQTacos

Queso blanco has similar grilling properties to halloumi. For a closer match, press it well and add salt before cooking.

Homemade Halloumi-Style Cheese

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DIY cheese made to mimic halloumi's texture and cooking properties

Best for:

GrillingFryingWhen you want to control ingredientsCustom flavor profilesCost savings

Make with milk, rennet, and salt. The key is the high melting point achieved through the cheese-making process. Requires some skill and time.

Vegan Halloumi-Style Cheese

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Plant-based cheese designed to mimic halloumi's grilling properties

Best for:

Vegan grillingFryingWhen you want plant-based optionDietary restrictionsEthical eating

Look for commercial vegan halloumi-style cheeses or make your own with cashews, nutritional yeast, and agar-agar. Requires proper preparation to achieve the right texture.

Firm Tofu (Halloumi Style)

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Soy-based protein prepared to mimic halloumi's texture and cooking properties

Best for:

Vegan grillingFryingStir-friesMarinated dishesProtein-rich meals

Press tofu well, marinate in salt and herbs, then cook. Won't be exactly like halloumi but can develop good texture and flavor when prepared properly.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For the most authentic halloumi experience, look for commercial grilling cheeses specifically designed to mimic halloumi
  • 💡If using paneer or queso blanco, press them well and add salt before cooking to get closer to halloumi's texture
  • 💡For homemade halloumi-style cheese, the key is achieving a high melting point through proper cheese-making technique
  • 💡For vegan options, look for brands that specifically market their cheese as 'grilling cheese' or 'halloumi-style'
  • 💡When grilling halloumi-style substitutes, preheat your grill and brush with oil to prevent sticking
  • 💡For frying, use a non-stick pan with a little oil and cook until golden brown on both sides
  • 💡Don't overcook your substitute - it should be golden brown with a slightly crispy exterior
  • 💡Let the cooked cheese rest for a minute before serving to allow it to firm up
  • 💡For extra flavor, marinate your substitute in herbs, spices, and citrus before cooking
  • 💡If making your own, experiment with different milk types and aging times to achieve the desired texture

Frequently Asked Questions

What is halloumi style cheese?

Halloumi style cheese refers to any cheese that mimics halloumi's unique properties: high melting point, firm texture, ability to hold shape when grilled or fried, and squeaky texture when bitten.

Can I buy halloumi style cheese?

Yes, several brands make halloumi style cheeses, including Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Miyoko's. Look for 'grilling cheese' or 'halloumi-style' in the cheese section or vegan section.

Is paneer a halloumi style cheese?

Paneer is naturally similar to halloumi in texture and cooking properties, making it a good halloumi style cheese. It can be grilled and fried without melting, just like halloumi.

Can I make my own halloumi style cheese?

Yes, you can make halloumi style cheese at home using milk, rennet, and salt. The key is achieving a high melting point through proper cheese-making technique. It requires some skill and time.

What's the difference between halloumi and halloumi style cheese?

Halloumi is the original Cypriot cheese, while halloumi style cheese refers to any cheese that mimics halloumi's properties. Halloumi style cheeses can be made from different milk types or be plant-based.

Are there vegan halloumi style cheeses?

Yes, several brands make vegan halloumi style cheeses using plant-based ingredients. Look for brands like Violife, Follow Your Heart, or Miyoko's in the vegan section.

How do I choose the best halloumi style cheese?

Choose based on your dietary needs and preferences. Commercial grilling cheeses offer convenience, paneer provides authenticity, and vegan options work for plant-based diets.

Can halloumi style cheese be grilled?

Yes, that's the main feature of halloumi style cheese - it can be grilled and fried without melting, just like authentic halloumi. This is what makes it special compared to regular cheese.

Summary

Discover halloumi style cheese substitutes and grilling cheeses that mimic halloumi's unique properties. Find commercial alternatives and DIY options that grill and fry without melting.