Halloumi cheese is a popular type of cheese that originated in Cyprus. It is a semi-hard, salty cheese that is often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a unique texture that is both chewy and squeaky. While halloumi cheese is delicious, it is not always easy to find. If you are unable to find halloumi cheese in your local grocery store or if you are looking for a halloumi cheese substitute, this article will explore 12 different types of cheeses that you can use instead.
What Is Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard, unripened cheese that originated in Cyprus. It is traditionally made from a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk, although some varieties may also include cow’s milk. The cheese has a distinct salty flavor and a rubbery texture, making it a popular ingredient in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes.
One of the unique characteristics of halloumi cheese is that it has a high melting point, which allows it to be grilled or fried without losing its shape or turning into a gooey mess. This makes it a popular cheese to use in dishes such as halloumi fries, salads, sandwiches, and kebabs.
Halloumi cheese is also a good source of protein and calcium, and it can be a tasty addition to a balanced diet. However, it is important to note that like most cheeses, halloumi cheese is high in fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
12 Halloumi Cheese Substitutes
1. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a Greek cheese that is similar to halloumi cheese in texture and flavor. It is a crumbly, salty cheese that is often used in salads and as a topping for dishes. While feta cheese is not as chewy as halloumi cheese, it is a great substitute for recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use feta cheese as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply slice the feta cheese into thick pieces and grill it until it is slightly charred.
2. Saganaki Cheese
Saganaki cheese is a Greek cheese that is often served as an appetizer. It is a semi-hard cheese that is fried until it is crispy on the outside and melty on the inside. Saganaki cheese is similar to halloumi cheese in texture and can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use saganaki cheese as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply slice the saganaki cheese into thick pieces and fry it until it is crispy on the outside and melty on the inside.
3. Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is an Italian cheese that is often used in pizza and pasta dishes. While mozzarella cheese is not as salty as halloumi cheese, it has a similar texture and can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use mozzarella cheese as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply slice the mozzarella cheese into thick pieces and grill it until it is slightly charred.
4. Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese is an Italian cheese that is often used as a topping for pasta dishes. While parmesan cheese is not similar to halloumi cheese in texture or flavor, it can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use parmesan cheese as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply grate the parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the dish.
5. Queso Para Freir
Queso para freir is a type of cheese that is popular in Latin American cuisine. It is a semi-hard cheese that is often used in dishes such as empanadas and arepas. Queso para freir is similar to halloumi cheese in texture and can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use queso para freir as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply slice the queso para freir into thick pieces and fry it until it is crispy on the outside and melty on the inside.
6. Saganaki Cheese
As mentioned before, saganaki cheese is a Greek cheese that is often served as an appetizer. It is a semi-hard cheese that is fried until it is crispy on the outside and melty on the inside. Saganaki cheese is similar to halloumi cheese in texture and can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use saganaki cheese as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply slice the saganaki cheese into thick pieces and fry it until it is crispy on the outside and melty on the inside.
7. Queso Panela
Queso panela is a Mexican cheese that is often used in dishes such as enchiladas and quesadillas. It is a soft, crumbly cheese that is similar to queso fresco in texture. While queso panela is not as chewy as halloumi cheese, it can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use queso panela as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply slice the queso panela into thick pieces and grill it until it is slightly charred.
8. Kefalotyri Cheese
Kefalotyri cheese is a Greek cheese that is often used as a topping for pasta dishes. It is a hard, salty cheese that is similar in texture and flavor to pecorino romano cheese. While kefalotyri cheese is not as chewy as halloumi cheese, it can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use kefalotyri cheese as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply grate the kefalotyri cheese and sprinkle it over the dish.
9. Queso Blanco
Queso blanco is a Mexican cheese that is often used in dishes such as chiles rellenos and queso dip. It is a soft, crumbly cheese that is similar to queso fresco in texture. While queso blanco is not as chewy as halloumi cheese, it can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use queso blanco as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply slice the queso blanco into thick pieces and grill it until it is slightly charred.
10. Paneer Cheese
Paneer cheese is a type of cheese that is popular in Indian cuisine. It is a soft, crumbly cheese that is often used in dishes such as saag paneer and palak paneer. While paneer cheese is not as chewy as halloumi cheese, it can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use paneer cheese as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply slice the paneer cheese into thick pieces and grill it until it is slightly charred.
11. Tofu
Tofu is a vegan alternative to cheese that is often used in dishes such as stir-fry and salads. While tofu is not similar in texture or flavor to halloumi cheese, it can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use tofu as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply slice the tofu into thick pieces and grill it until it is slightly charred.
12. Provolone Cheese
Provolone cheese is an Italian cheese that is often used in sandwiches and as a topping for pizzas. While provolone cheese is not as salty as halloumi cheese, it has a similar texture and can be used as a substitute in recipes that call for halloumi cheese. To use provolone cheese as a substitute for halloumi cheese, simply slice the provolone cheese into thick pieces and grill it until it is slightly melted and charred on the outside.
Conclusion
While halloumi cheese is a unique and delicious cheese, it may not always be readily available or suitable for certain dietary restrictions. Fortunately, there are many substitutes for halloumi cheese that can be used in a variety of recipes. Feta, saganaki, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, queso para freir, queso panela, kefalotyri, queso blanco, paneer, tofu, and provolone cheese are all great options for replacing halloumi cheese in a recipe. Experiment with these substitutes to find the one that works best for you, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures that they bring to your cooking.
Do you have any other halloumi cheese substitutes that you love to use in your cooking? Let us know in the comments below!