If you’ve never tried halloumi before, you’re in for a treat. It’s a salty, “squeaky” cheese that doesn’t melt like most cheeses, which means it can be pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft and warm in the center. This is one of those quick recipes that feels fancy, but takes almost no effort.

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• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe
• How to Make This Recipe
• Serving Ideas
• FAQs
• Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 3 ingredients and ready fast.
• Crispy outside, soft inside — the best texture combo.
• Perfect as an appetizer, salad topper, or quick snack.
• No complicated steps, no special tools.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of the post.

• Halloumi cheese
• Olive oil or butter
• Dried oregano or fresh thyme (optional)

How to Make This Recipe

Full step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card at the end of the post.

1. Slice the halloumi and pat it very dry so it browns well.
2. Heat oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pan-fry the slices until deeply golden on both sides.
4. Add herbs after flipping (optional), then serve immediately.

Serving Ideas

• Squeeze fresh lemon over the top and serve as a quick appetizer.
• Add to a Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Serve alongside roasted veggies or tuck into a wrap with greens and sauce.

FAQs

Do I need to rinse halloumi first?

Usually no. Halloumi is naturally salty, so most people cook it as-is. If you prefer it less salty, you can rinse quickly and pat it very dry.

Why do I need to dry it?

Drying the surface helps it brown faster and reduces splattering.

Can I cook it without oil?

You can, but a little oil or butter helps create a better golden crust and keeps it from sticking.

Can I reheat leftovers?

Halloumi is best fresh, but you can reheat it in a dry skillet for a minute per side to bring back some crispness.

3-Ingredient Crispy Pan-Fried Halloumi

Prep Time: 5 minutes  |  Cook Time: 6 minutes  |  Total Time: 11 minutes  |  Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) halloumi cheese, sliced about 1/2-inch thick
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano or fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove halloumi from the package, slice into 1/2-inch thick pieces, and pat each slice very dry with paper towels.
2. Heat الزيت أو الزبدة in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
3. Add halloumi in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp.
4. Flip and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes. If using oregano or thyme, sprinkle it on after flipping.
5. Remove from the pan and serve immediately (great with a squeeze of lemon).