Halloumi cheese is a popular cheese from Cyprus. It is a delicious, salty cheese that is perfect for grilling.
However, this can be difficult to find! Good thing many different types of cheeses can be used as a replacement.
In this article, we will discuss 12 different substitutes for halloumi cheese.
We’ll explain the differences and similarities between each one. Plus, we’ll give examples of how to use them in recipes.
Let’s get started!
Substitutes for Halloumi Cheese
- Kasseri
- Vlahotiri
- Cheese Curds
- Feta
- Provolone
- Tofu
- Queso Blanco
- Paneer
Kasseri
Kasseri cheese is a perfect substitute for halloumi cheese. It has a similar texture and taste, but it is much cheaper and easier to find.
Kasseri is a Greek cheese that is made from sheep’s milk. It is a hard, white cheese that has a mildly salty flavor.
It can be grilled or fried, and it melts well.
Kasseri is an excellent choice for salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta. It is also a great cheese for grating over vegetables or potatoes.
Vlahotiri
Vlahotiri is a cheese that is similar to Halloumi Cheese. It is a white, hard cheese that originates from Greece.
Vlahotiri can be used as a substitute for Halloumi Cheese in many recipes. It is a suitable substitute because it has a similar texture and flavor.
Vlahotiri is also a good substitute because it is lower in fat and calories than Halloumi Cheese.
Additionally, Vlahotiri is less expensive than Halloumi Cheese. Vlahotiri can be used in all the same recipes as Halloumi Cheese.
It can be used in salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, and more. Vlahotiri will make the dish slightly lower in calories and fat, but will not change the flavor or texture of the dish significantly.
Vlahotiri is a good substitute for those who are trying to eat healthier or watch their weight.
It is also a good substitute for those who are on a budget.
Cheese Curds
Cheese curds make a great substitute for halloumi cheese in recipes. They have a similar texture and melt in the same way, making them ideal for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and even pizza.
Cheese curds also share many of the same nutritional benefits as halloumi cheese, including being a good source of protein and calcium.
In addition, cheese curds tend to be lower in fat and calories than their halloumi counterparts.
As a result, they are a healthier choice for those looking to enjoy all the flavors of cheese without all the guilt.
There are some slight differences between the two kinds of cheese, however.
Cheese curds tend to be slightly saltier than halloumi cheese, so you may need to adjust your seasoning accordingly.
In addition, cheese curds will not brown or caramelize in the same way as halloumi cheese when cooked, so they may not be the best choice for dishes that rely on that particular flavor or texture.
Feta
Feta and halloumi are both types of sheep’s milk cheese that originated in Greece.
Feta is a well-known cheese that is often used in salads and on pizzas, while halloumi is less common but gaining popularity as a grilling cheese.
Both kinds of cheese have a sharp, salty flavor and a firm texture that makes them ideal for cooking.
When choosing a substitute for halloumi, feta is a good option because it has a similar flavor and texture.
In addition, feta is more widely available than halloumi and is usually less expensive.
However, there are some important things to keep in mind when substituting feta for halloumi.
First, feta is a softer cheese, so it will not stand up to high heat as well as halloumi.
Second, feta has a stronger flavor than halloumi, so you may need to use less of it to avoid overwhelming your dish.
Finally, feta will not brown in the same way as halloumi when grilled or fried, so it may not have the same visual appeal.
Provolone
Provolone is a semi-hard cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of foods.
I have found that it makes an excellent substitute for halloumi cheese in many recipes because it has a similar consistency and can be easily found in most grocery stores.
Additionally, provolone adds a nice depth of flavor to dishes without being overpowering.
In my opinion, it is the perfect cheese for those who are looking to experiment with new flavors without straying too far from the familiar.
Tofu
Tofu is a popular substitute for halloumi cheese, as it has a similar texture and can be easily flavored to taste.
Tofu is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes, including salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and more.
Additionally, tofu is a good source of protein and provides numerous health benefits, such as lowered cholesterol and improved heart health.
While tofu may not have the same flavor as halloumi cheese, it is a suitable replacement in most recipes.
For best results, look for firm tofu that has been pressurized to remove excess water.
When cooking with tofu, be sure to add extra seasonings to taste.
Queso Blanco
There are several reasons why queso Blanco makes a great substitute for halloumi cheese.
For one, queso Blanco is much cheaper than halloumi, so it’s a great way to save money without sacrificing flavor.
Additionally, queso Blanco has a very similar texture to halloumi, so it will melt in the same way and provide the same level of creaminess.
Finally, queso Blanco has a very mild flavor, making it versatile enough to use in a variety of recipes.
Whether you’re looking for a cheese to fry up and serve as an appetizer or you’re looking for something to add some creaminess to a dish, queso Blanco is a great substitute for halloumi cheese.
Paneer
Like halloumi, paneer is a firm cheese that can be easily grilled or fried. In addition, it has a slightly sweet taste that pairs well with both fruit and vegetables.
Perhaps most importantly, paneer is more versatile than halloumi and can be used in a variety of dishes.
From Indian curries to Italian pizzas, paneer is a versatile cheese that can add both flavor and nutrition to any meal.
Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing Substitutes for Halloumi Cheese
- What is the best halloumi cheese substitute?
The best halloumi cheese substitutes are kasseri, vlahotiri, and Queso Blanco.
These cheeses have a similar texture and flavor to halloumi cheese, but they are lower in fat and calories.
Additionally, these cheeses are less expensive than halloumi cheese.
- What is the best substitute for halloumi cheese in a recipe?
The best substitute for halloumi cheese in a recipe is tofu.
Tofu has a similar texture to halloumi cheese and can be used in all the same recipes.
Additionally, tofu is lower in fat and calories than halloumi cheese.
- What is the best halloumi cheese substitute for grilling?
The best halloumi cheese substitutes for grilling are kasseri and queso Blanco.
These cheeses have a similar texture to halloumi cheese and will brown or caramelize in the same way when cooked.
Additionally, these cheeses are lower in fat and calories than halloumi cheese.
- What is the best halloumi cheese substitute for frying?
The best halloumi cheese substitutes for frying are queso Blanco and paneer.
These cheeses have a similar texture to halloumi cheese and will brown or caramelize in the same way when cooked.
Additionally, these cheeses are lower in fat and calories than halloumi cheese.
Conclusion
Halloumi cheese is a delicious, salty cheese that can be used in a variety of recipes. However, it is high in fat and calories.
If you are looking for a healthier alternative, several kinds of cheese make great substitutes for halloumi cheese.
So go ahead and experiment with different cheeses in your cooking and see what you like best.
Who knows, you may just find a new favorite cheese!