Halloumi has captured the hearts of restaurants and takeaways across the UK. Known for its rich flavour, unique texture, and versatility it is now a firm favourite for diners seeking an exciting meat-free option as part of their meals.
At Magna Foodservice, we know how important it is to stay ahead of food trends. That’s why we’ve built a fantastic range of halloumi and cheese products, giving you everything you need to inspire your menu and satisfy your customers.
Let’s dive into the delicious world of halloumi!
What is Halloumi?
Originally from Cyprus, halloumi is a semi-hard cheese made from a mix of goat’s and sheep’s milk. It’s known for its high melting point, which makes it perfect for grilling or frying without losing its shape.
Key Characteristics
- High melting point (ideal for grilling or frying)
- Mild, slightly salty flavour
- Satisfying, chewy texture
Why is Halloumi Trending?
Consumers are looking for bold, exciting meat-free options. Halloumi ticks all the boxes, it’s hearty, indulgent and naturally vegetarian.
Key Trends Driving Demand for Halloumi
- Growth in flexitarian and vegetarian diets.
- Rising demand for premium, indulgent menu options.
- Focus on Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
- Appeal across breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
Many businesses across the sectors Magna Foodservice supports including gourmet burgers and piri piri restaurants and takeaways have introduced halloumi into their menus with great success.
Innovative Ways to Use Halloumi
It’s not just about the classic grilled halloumi salad anymore. Here are some trending menu ideas to consider:
- Halloumi Fries: Perfect for starters, sides and sharing platters.
- Halloumi Burgers: A strong vegetarian main course option, grilled and stacked with vibrant toppings.
- Breakfasts: Add grilled halloumi to avocado toast, breakfast wraps or fry-ups.
- Street Food Style: Skewered halloumi with spiced marinades, served with dips.
- Global Fusion: Combining halloumi with Middle Eastern, Asian or Latin American flavours for something new.
Tips for Cooking Halloumi to Perfection
To get the best out of your halloumi, keep these tips in mind:
- Pat it dry before grilling to achieve a better sear.
- Use a hot, dry pan or a grill with minimal oil to avoid sogginess.
- Cook quickly over medium-high heat, around 2 minutes per side for golden-brown perfection.
- Serve immediately — grilled halloumi is best hot and fresh.
Real Life: How Different Sectors are Using Halloumi?
- Takeaways: Halloumi burgers have become a menu staple, offering a premium vegetarian alternative at takeaways.
- Schools and Universities: Catering teams are turning to halloumi wraps or skewers as a popular protein-rich option for students wanting meat-free lunches.
- Hotels: Halloumi breakfast options are trending in hotel brunch menus — think Mediterranean brunch platters featuring grilled cheese alongside olives, tomatoes and flatbreads.
- Quick Service Restaurants: Loaded halloumi fries or wraps are perfect for casual dining.
Magna Foodservice supplies all these sectors, supporting businesses in creating standout dishes with reliable, high-quality products.
Why Choose Magna Foodservice for Halloumi?
At Magna Foodservice, we pride ourselves on supplying products that help you stay ahead. Our handpicked range of cheeses including halloumi, comes from trusted producers who meet our high standards for quality and consistency.
Whether you need authentic Cypriot halloumi for an upscale restaurant or a versatile grilling cheese for a fast-paced takeaway, we’ve got you covered.
1. Solutions for a Changing Market
With consumer interest in plant-forward dishes growing, it’s crucial to have versatile, appealing ingredients that work across your menu.
Halloumi and grilling cheeses offer a:
- High-margin opportunity for vegetarian and flexitarian dishes.
- Simple way to refresh menus without major kitchen retraining.
- Sustainable solution, tapping into reduced meat consumption trends.
Ready to Transform Your Menu?
Explore our full range of halloumi and other cheese products through our easy-to-use website or speak to your Account Manager today. With Magna Foodservice, staying ahead of trends and delighting your customers has never been easier. Don’t miss the opportunity to make halloumi the next big hit on your menu start grilling up something amazing!
2. Culinary Versatility and Appeal
Halloumi’s ability to retain its structure under high heat allows it to be grilled, pan-fried or baked, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. This characteristic makes it a favourite in various dishes from salads and sandwiches to kebabs and vegetarian entrees. Its salty flavour complements a range of ingredients, enhancing both simple and complex recipes.
3. Nutritional Profile
Beyond its culinary uses, halloumi offers nutritional benefits. It is a good source of protein and calcium, essential for muscle maintenance and bone health. A 100g serving provides approximately 21g of protein and 700mg of calcium. However, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, so moderation is advised.
4. Growing Demand and Market Trends
The demand for halloumi has surged, particularly in the UK, which has become the largest importer of the cheese. Its popularity is attributed to its unique taste, versatility and suitability for vegetarian diets. This growing demand has led to increased production and the introduction of halloumi-style cheeses in various markets.
5. Cultural Significance
Halloumi holds cultural importance in Cypriot cuisine and has been granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in the European Union, ensuring that only cheese produced in Cyprus using traditional methods can be labelled as halloumi. This recognition preserves the authenticity and heritage of the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions on Halloumi and Grilling Cheese
1. What is halloumi?
Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese traditionally made from sheep’s and goat’s milk, originating from Cyprus. It has a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling or frying without losing its shape.
2. What are grilling cheeses?
Grilling cheese refers to any cheese specifically designed to be cooked at high temperatures without melting into a liquid. Halloumi is the most well-known, but there are also cow’s milk-based alternatives with similar textures.
3. Is halloumi vegetarian?
Many halloumi cheeses are vegetarian. It’s important to check the label or specification sheet for confirmation, especially when catering to vegetarian diets.
4. Does halloumi need to be cooked?
Halloumi can be eaten raw, but it’s best enjoyed grilled or fried. Cooking brings out its rich, savoury flavour and creates a golden, crispy exterior.
5. Why doesn’t halloumi melt like other cheeses?
Halloumi’s unique structure and higher acidity prevent it from melting, allowing it to retain its shape during cooking.
6. How should I cook halloumi?
Slice the cheese about 1–2 cm thick, pat it dry, and grill or fry it over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. What dishes can I use halloumi in?
Halloumi is great in wraps, burgers, salads, skewers, breakfast platters and standalone sides such as halloumi fries.
8. Can I freeze halloumi?
Yes, halloumi can be frozen. Simply portion, wrap and freeze, then defrost in the fridge before use. Texture may change slightly, but it remains suitable for cooking.
9. What’s the difference between halloumi and other grilling cheeses?
Authentic halloumi is often made with sheep and goat milk, offering a more traditional, briny taste. Other cheeses may be made with cow’s milk and are typically milder.
10. Where can I order halloumi and grilling cheese for my food business?
Magna Foodservice offers a carefully curated range of halloumi and cheese products suitable for all sectors within the restaurant and takeaway sector.