10+ Excellent Halloumi Cheese Substitutes

Halloumi is a high-fat Greek cheese that originated on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. It’s a semi-hard, brined cheese created from sheep and goat milk.

This mild cheese is made out of flaky layers of a younger white cheese, comparable to Mozzarella. It is often cooked and may be used as a meat replacement for barbecue. Halloumi cheese is also often eaten in salads or with fruits like as watermelon.

If you run out of Halloumi cheese at a picnic, what should you do? The good news is that you can try a variety of Halloumi replacements. Several of these alternatives are already in your kitchen. Let’s see who they are.

1. Queso Para Frier

Queso Para Frier is a Central American cheese that works well as a replacement for Halloumi when grilling or frying. When grilled or fried, it gets a gorgeous golden hue and is excellent with salads, vegetables, and meats.

When fried, Queso Para Frier is significantly softer than Halloumi yet retains its structure. You may also use it to create baked goods or popular recipes like Queso Frito.

2. Queso Panela

Queso Panela is a cow’s milk cheese similar to Queso Para Frier. It is a semi-soft white Mexican cheese that may be baked or fried.

This mildly salty cheese has a light texture that makes it a tasty complement to dishes. Crumble it over Quesadillas and other baked dishes that call for a light, moist cheese. Queso Panela stands up well to heat and tastes fantastic when roasted or baked.

3. Saganaki

Saganaki is a good choice for a cheese that can endure very high temperatures. It’s created using Greek cheeses like Kefalograviera and Keflotyri.

This is a Halloumi cheese alternative that may be melted over meals, flambéed, or pan seared. Use it in salads or as an appetizer on warm pita bread. Fried Saganaki is served with lemon to cut through the richness.

4. Feta

Feta is a crumbly Greek goats milk cheese that differs somewhat from Halloumi. It is one of the world’s oldest cheeses, known for its sour flavor and rich scent.

It is saltier than Halloumi and is often used in dishes as a stronger taste choice. Yet, because of its decreased fat level, Feta is a healthier cheese alternative. Crumble it over dishes that need salty, earthy cheese, such as green salads.

5. Kefalotyri

Kefalotyri is a sour Greek cheese produced from sheep or goat milk from Cyprus. It is one of the oldest hard Greek cheeses, dating back to the Byzantine period.

This renowned cheese tastes similar to Gruyere and is one of the replacements for Halloumi, which is firmer and creamier in texture. It’s also more pungent, which means it could overshadow certain foods.

Kefalotyri works well with appetizers that call for salty, creamy cheese. Grating it over salads, sauces, pizzas, and stews is another option. For a healthful snack, combine it with fruits like grapes and other tangy cheeses on a cheese board.

6. Queso Blanco

Queso Blanco is yet another adaptable replacement for Halloumi cheese. It comes from South America and makes a great garnish or topper for dishes.

This widely consumed cheese is soft, unaged, somewhat salty, and creamy. You may either fry or grill it till golden brown and crispy. It may also be crushed and mixed into rice dishes, salads, tacos, and enchiladas, or grilled and eaten on its own.

7. Paneer

Paneer is a fresh white cheese that is also known as Indian cottage cheese. It is widely used in curries and is created from sour milk.

This gentle Indian treat adds a creamy touch to spicy dishes. Paneer, like many Halloumi cheese replacements, is delicious when fried. To temper the spiciness of a vegetarian curry, use it as a meat alternative. You may also prepare cheese skewers and Indian Kheer using Paneer as appetizers and sweets.

8. Provolone

Provolone is a fantastic choice for melting cheese that tastes like Halloumi. It is a semi-hard mild Halloumi cheese alternative that may be grilled.

Although Provolone may keep its form when seared on a grill, it dissolves when pan-fried for an extended period of time. It may be used in lasagna, grilled sandwiches, and fondue. It also complements savory foods like chicken spaghetti and salads.

9. Tofu

If you’re searching for a vegan substitute for Halloumi, consider tofu. Tofu is simply a curdled soy milk bean curd. This healthy alternative originates from Japan, where it has been used for almost 2,000 years.

Tofu absorbs the flavors of the spices and sauces in which it is cooked. Without them, it lacks taste when compared to Halloumi. Yet, it is just as flexible and tastes fantastic in savory dishes. Tofu may be used as a protein in sauces or as a soft cheese replacement in lasagna. It may be be grilled or used in stir-fries.

10. Mozzarella

When you require a thick, creamy cheese, one of the Italian Halloumi cheese alternatives you may use is mozzarella. It began in the 16th century, when buffalo husbandry became popular in Southern Italy.

This creamy, nutty cheese is manufactured from cow and buffalo milk and is often used in pizza and pasta dishes with tomatoes and basil. Mozzarella has a bouncy texture, but when heated, it becomes creamy and velvety.

Conclusion

Halloumi is an excellent cheese to use while frying or grilling. It grills well, but it also tastes great raw and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. If Halloumi is not available, you should be able to locate any of the aforementioned replacements in a supermarket or specialized shop.