Now, this is an interesting idea, can you cook halloumi on a sandwich press?
Halloumi is, of course, also called grilling cheese.
But surely that doesn’t mean you can’t cook it in other ways?
Maybe it would stick to the sandwich press and be difficult to remove?
Do you need to add oil for the best result?
Let’s take a look at whether it’s recommended or not.
It is possible to cook halloumi on a sandwich press. The cheese should be sliced thickly and placed directly onto the grill plates; no oil is necessary. It will take approximately three minutes to cook. The high melting point of halloumi ensures that it will not stick to the sandwich press, although it may exude some liquid. Other methods of cooking halloumi include grilling, frying, or baking. It can also be barbecued and even cooked in a toaster, although it will need to be placed in a toastie bag.
How Do You Cook Halloumi on a Sandwich Press?
Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to cook halloumi in this way?
A sandwich press, also known as a panini press, is a very versatile gadget, and you can certainly cook many different types of food in it.
So, yes, you will be pleased to know that halloumi is no exception!
Start by slicing the halloumi quite thickly so that it doesn’t fall apart.
Place the cheese directly on the grill plate, and it’s not even necessary to add any oil.
However, any extra flavorings should be added after cooking.
Herbs or chili, for example, could burn in the sandwich press or acquire a bitter taste.
The halloumi will take around three minutes to cook for a crispy exterior and a gooey center.
Perfect for a quick snack or as an interesting topping for a salad.
Because halloumi has a high melting point, it shouldn’t stick to the sandwich press or create a mess that takes forever to clean!
You might see some liquid, but this will probably just be the brine seeping from the cheese.
What Other Methods Are There for Cooking Halloumi?
Now, having successfully established that you can cook halloumi on a sandwich press, what other methods can you use?
You might know halloumi under its other name, which is grilling cheese.
So, there’s a bit of a clue as to the best way to cook halloumi!
Grilling is the traditional method and produces a crispy texture with attractive seared lines across the cheese.
It takes a couple of minutes on each side to produce that lovely golden exterior and squidgy center.
My personal favorite is to pan-fry the halloumi.
Add a few drops of good olive oil to the pan and cook for two or three minutes.
Adding a splash of lemon juice toward the end of cooking time adds a delicious fresh flavor.
You can also dip the halloumi in water and then in flour to give a more substantial coating on the outside of the cheese.
Baking is another option, although this does take slightly longer, at 10 to 15 minutes.
The oven should be at a temperature of 400°F/gas 7, and you will need to add a drizzle of olive oil over the halloumi.
If the weather is being kind to you, then barbecued halloumi makes a niche change, especially if you have vegetarian guests.
Cut the halloumi into large cubes and marinate in your choice of herbs, lemon juice, and oil as required.
Thread the cheese onto wooden skewers and cook for five to 10 minutes.
Two methods that are not really recommended when cooking halloumi are using a toaster or microwave.
It is possible to use a toaster, but preferably place the cheese in a toastie bag.
If any liquid was to seep out, it could damage your toaster.
And the less said about microwaving halloumi, the better!
It simply doesn’t work.
The cheese will go soggy within seconds but then harden almost immediately, making it inedible.
How to Grill Non-Melting Halloumi Cheese
Final Thoughts
Yes, halloumi can be cooked on a sandwich press.
It takes just a few minutes, and no oil is necessary.
Other methods of cooking halloumi include grilling, frying, and baking.
Toasting and microwaving halloumi are not recommended.
So, go and dig out your unloved sandwich press and bring it back to life with halloumi!
If you are interested in other methods of cooking cheese, find out if you can microwave mozzarella sticks.