Fried Halloumi Cheese with Corn & Tomatoes

Fried Halloumi Cheese with Corn and Tomatoes is a simple, fresh summer appetizer. This humble cheese from Cyprus makes for an unforgettable experience.

I’m super excited that within the last few years fried halloumi cheese has become more commonplace in the US. You can easily get it in your local Trader Joe’s, or other supermarkets, or if all else fails…on Amazon. I was first served fried halloumi cheese in 2009, when I visited Cyprus. I knew nothing about the cheese. It was my best friend’s wedding and I had arrived there a week prior to the big day to spend some time with her and helped her get ready.

One day we went to lunch at a local restaurant and I saw fried halloumi cheese on the menu. Without even asking what it was, I ordered it. I love cheese…I love fried cheese…so there was no hesitation in ordering this appetizer.

Oh my, let me tell you, I took my first bite and was immediately in love. I mean, why had I never heard about this cheese until that point still then baffles me. The cheese has salty flavor and is layered in texture, similar to mozzarella. Because of its high melting point, it is intended to be fried or grilled.

Here are  few frequently asked questions about halloumi:

What is halloumi cheese made from?

Halloumi is made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk and sometimes a dab of cow’s milk.

How do you fry halloumi cheese?

Very simply: It doesn’t require any fat. Just place slices onto a hot non-stick skillet and fry them up on both sides until golden brown. You can also use an electric grill with a flat surface for it.

How long does it take to fry halloumi?

The cheese fries quickly so pay close attention. It can be done in just two minutes on each side.

Can you grill halloumi?

Yes, you can. Check Grilled Halloumi Cheese from Bobby Flay.

What to eat with fried halloumi cheese? Here are few suggestions:

• Very simple, with tomatoes, corn, lemon juice and olive oil;
• As a topping to any of your favorite salads;
• With watermelon, like in this watermelon feta salad, but substitute fried halloumi instead of feta;
• On top of a burger or a veggie burger;
• On top of a chickpea patty;
• As part of a Mediterranean Hummus Bowl (replace feta with fried halloumi cheese);
• Or by adding it to your Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs.

This fried halloumi cheese with corn and tomatoes is more of an idea than an actual recipe. Tomatoes and corn are at their peak right now, so for me the choice was super simple.

Also, in Greece and Cyprus people sprinkle lemon on top of everything, so I didn’t use any vinegar for this recipe. I just sliced some super ripe beefsteak tomatoes, cut some cooked corn freshly off the cob, and fried the halloumi. Then I placed everything on a plate, sprinkled with lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper, and garnished it with basil leaves. You could substitute mint leaves instead of basil. Whatever the case, it’s so simple, but super impressive. And, may I add, beyond this world delicious!

Fried Halloumi Cheese with Corn and Tomatoes

Fried Halloumi Cheese with Corn and Tomatoes is an amazing summer appetizer. This humble cheese from Cyprus will make for an unforgettable experience.

5 from 3 votes

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Course: Appetiser

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: 187kcal

Author: Edyta

Ingredients

• 2 slices Halloumi Cheese
• 1 cobb corn cooked
• 1 Beefsteak Tomato
• lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin

Instructions

• Heat up a non-stick frying pan and place slices of halloumi cheese onto the surface. Fry them up on each side for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown;
• Boil corn for approximately 10 minutes, or use leftovers from previously grilled or cooked corn. Cut the kernels off the cob;
• Sliced large, beefsteak tomatoes;
• Assemble: place tomatoes on a plate, top them with corn and cut in half slices of fried halloumi cheese;
• Drizzle with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then garnish with either basil or mint, and serve!

Notes

Nutrition Facts

Fried Halloumi Cheese with Corn and Tomatoes

Amount Per Serving

Calories 187 Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Sodium 368mg16%

Potassium 402mg11%

Carbohydrates 6g2%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 8g16%

Vitamin A 1415IU28%

Vitamin C 23.3mg28%

Calcium 317mg32%

Iron 0.5mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 368mg | Potassium: 402mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1415IU | Vitamin C: 23.3mg | Calcium: 317mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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