Crispy Halloumi Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A golden, crisp halloumi sandwich featuring toasted bread and savory Mediterranean flavors.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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
06 - 1 small handful fresh 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. Fry halloumi slices 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.
03 - Butter one side of each bread slice evenly.
04 - Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Layer fried halloumi evenly, add arugula or spinach, drizzle honey if desired, and season with black pepper.
05 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
06 - Clean 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 Tips:

01 -
  • The halloumi gets impossibly crisp without melting away, giving you these golden cheese steaks inside the sandwich
  • It comes together in twenty minutes but tastes like something from a fancy cafe
  • The salty sweet combo with optional honey hits every craving at once
02 -
  • Dry the halloumi thoroughly before frying. Excess moisture means steaming instead of searing.
  • Do not rush the grill. Let the bread get properly golden so it does not get soggy the moment you add fillings.
  • Hot honey changes everything. Try it once and you will never go back to regular honey on this sandwich.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one. The heat distribution creates the most even golden crust.
  • Press gently but consistently while grilling. This encourages contact between bread and cheese.
  • Serve with something acidic. A simple salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
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