16 Best Substitutes For Halloumi Cheese

Halloumi cheese is a popular type of cheese that is used in many dishes. Unfortunately, halloumi cheese can be difficult to find in some parts of the world. If you can't find halloumi cheese or you're looking for a halloumi substitute, don't worry! There are plenty of alternatives that you can use instead. In this blog post, we will provide a list of the 16 best halloumi substitutes. We will discuss what halloumi cheese is and the characteristics that make it unique.

What Is Halloumi Cheese?

Halloumi cheese is a firm, white cheese that originates from the Greek island of Cyprus. It has a high melting point, making it ideal for grilling or frying. Halloumi is traditionally made from a mixture of sheep's milk and goat's milk, although it is now also available in a vegetarian version made from soy milk. The cheese has a distinctively salty flavor and a chewy texture. It is often used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes. Halloumi is exported all over the world and is popular in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. It can be bought pre-packaged in supermarkets or fresh from traditional Cypriot cheese shops.

Characteristics Of Halloumi Cheese

There are a few things that make halloumi cheese unique. First, as we mentioned before, halloumi cheese has a high melting point. This means that it won't melt when you cook it at high temperatures, making it ideal for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or fried halloumi. Second, halloumi cheese is very salty. This is because the cheese is soaked in brine (a saltwater solution) before it is packaged. The high salt content also makes halloumi a good choice for dishes where you want a bit of salty flavor, like in a pasta dish. Finally, halloumi cheese has a firm texture and is quite chewy. This texture is due to the high amount of protein in the cheese.

Common Uses For Halloumi Cheese

So, what can you use halloumi cheese for? One of the most popular uses for halloumi is in dishes where it is grilled or fried. This includes dishes like halloumi burgers, halloumi fries, or grilled halloumi sandwiches. Halloumi is also a popular addition to salads and pasta dishes where its salty taste adds some extra kick. It can be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes or added to soups and stews for extra flavor. Halloumi can also be eaten as a standalone snack, either raw or cooked.

16 Best Halloumi Cheese Substitutes

Now that we've talked about what halloumi cheese is and some of its unique characteristics, let's get to the list of substitutes! We've split this list into two main categories: (1) Best Cheese Alternatives, and (2) Dairy-Free Substitutes. The best substitute for halloumi will depend on what you plan to use it for, so be sure to take this into consideration when making your choice.

Best Cheese Alternatives For Halloumi

If you're looking for a halloumi substitute, there are plenty of other cheeses that you can use instead. Here are some of the best cheese alternatives for halloumi:

1. Feta

Feta cheese is a popular substitute for halloumi. It is a firm, white cheese that originates from Greece. Feta has a similar flavor and texture to halloumi, although it is crumbly rather than chewy. Feta is also quite salty, making it a good choice for dishes where you want a bit of salty flavor.

2. Paneer

Also known as Indian cottage cheese, paneer cheese is another firm, white cheese that makes a great halloumi substitute. It originates from India and is made from cow's milk. Similar to halloumi, paneer is a non-melting versatile cheese that can be grilled or fried. Paneer has a similar texture to halloumi and is also a good choice for dishes where you want a bit of salty flavor.

3. Ricotta

Ricotta cheese is a soft, white cheese that originates from Italy. Ricotta has a higher moisture content, giving it a different texture to halloumi, but it can be used in similar dishes. Ricotta is a good choice for dishes where you want a bit of salty flavor.

4. Mozarella

Mozzarella cheese is a soft, white cheese that originates from Italy. Mozarella has a different texture to halloumi, but it can be used in similar dishes. Fresh mozarella is a good choice for dishes where you want a bit of salty flavor. It's an excellent substitute for halloumi in dishes such as salads, pasta dishes, and pizzas.

5. Queso Blanco

Queso blanco is a firm, white cheese that originates from Mexico. It's made from milk and an acidifying agent, such as vinegar and lemon juice, making it a good vegetarian option. Queso blanco has a similar texture to halloumi, although it is not as chewy. Queso blanco is also quite salty, making it a good choice for dishes where you want a bit of salty flavor. This cheese is another option that has a high melting point, making it a great option if you're looking for a substitute that you can fry or grill.

6. Queso Panela

Queso panela is a semi-soft white cow's milk cheese originating from Mexico. It doesn't melt when heated, so can be used in place of halloumi in recipes where the cheese needs to hold its shape. Queso panela has a milder flavor than halloumi, so if you're looking for a cheese with more of a punch, this may not be the best substitute.

7. Queso Fresco

Queso fresco is another white Mexican cheese. It is made from cow's milk or goat's milk and is curdled with rennet. Queso fresco has a mild flavor and a slightly crumbly texture. It's a good substitute for halloumi in dishes such as salads, pasta dishes, and pizzas.

8. Graviera

Graviera is a hard cheese from Greece that can be used as a substitute for halloumi. It has a hard rind, a mild flavor, and a similar texture to halloumi when cooked over high heat. Graviera is also quite salty, making it an excellent choice for dishes where you want a bit of salty flavor.

9. Provolone

Provolone cheese is a good alternative if you're looking for a cheese with a similar taste to halloumi. It's important to note that provolone is a melting cheese so it won't hold its shape when heated and isn't suitable for grilling or frying. It's a good substitute for use in sandwiches or on pizza.

10. Saganaki

Saganaki is a Greek cheese that is often fried or grilled. It's made from a mixture of sheep's milk and goat's milk, and has a strong flavor. Saganaki can be used as a substitute for halloumi in dishes where you want a bit of salty flavor.

11. Queso Para Freir

Queso para freir is a firm, white cheese from Mexico. It has a high melting point, making it a good choice for dishes where you want a bit of salty flavor. Queso para freir can be fried or grilled, making it a good substitute for halloumi in dishes such as salads, pasta dishes, and pizza. Although it has similar properties to halloumi, queso para freir has a different texture.

Best Dairy-Free Substitutes For Halloumi

If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative to halloumi, there are plenty of options. Here are some of the best dairy-free substitutes for halloumi:

12. Tofu

Tofu is a popular choice for a dairy-free halloumi substitute. It is made from soybeans and has a similar texture to halloumi. Tofu can be grilled, fried, or baked, making it a versatile option. Tofu is also a good source of protein, making it a healthy choice.

13. Tempeh

Tempeh is another popular choice for a dairy-free halloumi substitute. It is made from soybeans and has a similar texture to halloumi. Tempeh, a fermented soybean cake, can be grilled, fried, or baked. Tempeh is high in protein and a good substitute for halloumi in recipes where it will be the star of the dish.

14. Seitan

Seitan is another popular choice for a dairy-free halloumi substitute. It is made from wheat gluten and has a similar chewy texture to halloumi. Seitan can be grilled, fried, or baked, making it a great substitute for halloumi in many different recipes. Seitan can be easily customized by adding different seasonings, making it a versatile choice.

15. Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms make a good dairy-free substitute for halloumi. They have a similar chewy texture and can be grilled, fried, or baked. Portobello mushrooms are low in calories and are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent lighter choice

16. Soy Curls

Soy curls are made from soybeans and have a texture similar to chicken. They're a good substitute for halloumi in dishes such as stir-fries, curries, and salads. Soy curls are high in protein and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

How To Store Halloumi

If you're lucky enough to have some leftover halloumi cheese, you'll want to know how to store it properly. Halloumi cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. It's best to wrap the cheese in plastic wrap or wax paper, and then place it in a resealable bag or container. You can also store the cheese in brine, which will help to prolong its shelf life. To make brine, simply dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in 1 cup of water. Submerge the cheese in the brine and store it in the fridge for up to four weeks. When ready to use, simply remove the cheese from the brine and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Halloumi Recipes

Now that you know some of the best substitutes for halloumi, here are some recipes to try: