If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously satisfying, look no further than this Halloumi Burgers Recipe. It’s one of those easy dishes perfect for a casual dinner or weekend cookout when you want all the comfort of a burger but with that brilliant, squeaky cheese that grills up to golden perfection. I love how the halloumi gets crispy outside and stays tender inside—it’s just the right kind of indulgent without being heavy.
Jump to:
In the Kitchen
This Halloumi Burgers Recipe wins by balancing textures and flavors without fuss—crispy cheese, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings come together in a flash.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: The secret is grilling the halloumi just right—golden crust with a melting center.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: Toasting the buns in the same pan picks up all the flavour-packed halloumi goodness.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: A handful of spices and a homemade tangy sauce make the difference here.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Quick prep and cook times mean you’ll have dinner ready any night of the week.
Ingredients at a Glance
When gathering ingredients for your Halloumi Burgers Recipe, go for freshness and quality in your cheese and toppings. The right halloumi and crispy buns elevate this simple recipe to something special.
- Halloumi Cheese: Choose a firm, good-quality block for slicing that holds up on the grill without melting away.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for that fruity aroma in the marinade and for toasting buns.
- Fresh Vegetables: Crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes add refreshing contrast.
- Brioche Buns: Soft yet sturdy, brioche buns toast beautifully and hold the burger together.
- Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise: Both work well in the sauce—yogurt gives tang, mayo adds creaminess.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Halloumi Burgers Recipe
Step 1 — Whip Up the Tangy Sauce
Start by mixing Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and sweetness until it hits that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and a touch sweet. This sauce brightens up the burger and keeps it from feeling dry. Pop it in the fridge to let the flavors meld while you move on to the halloumi.
Step 2 — Marinate and Grill the Halloumi
Combine olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Gently coat each halloumi slice in this fragrant mix. Then, heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook halloumi slices for about 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a toasty golden-brown crust. You’ll notice the edges crisp up nicely while the center stays beautifully tender—avoid overcooking or the cheese gets rubbery.
Step 3 — Toast and Build the Burgers
Brush the cut sides of the burger buns with olive oil. Using the same pan (don’t waste those leftover flavors!), toast buns cut side down until golden and crunchy. Assemble your burger by spreading sauce on the bottom bun, layering crisp lettuce, the warm halloumi slices, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and any extras like avocado or pickles. Finish with more sauce on the top bun and crown your burger!
Things to Remember
Making halloumi burgers might seem straightforward, but little tweaks make all the difference between a great burger and a meh one.
- Doneness Cue: Look for a golden crust and slightly soft center—if it’s too firm, it’s overcooked.
- Temperature Trick: Medium heat is your friend; too hot and the halloumi burns before warming through.
- Make-Ahead Move: Prepare the sauce ahead and keep it chilled; it deepens the flavor and saves time.
- Common Pitfall: Avoid thick halloumi slices; thinner ones grill more evenly and stay tender inside.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I love slathering the buns with this herby, tangy sauce because it cuts through the cheese’s saltiness. Fresh tomato and crunchy red onions brighten the burger up, while optional avocado adds creaminess. It’s all about balance—don’t skip lettuce for that crisp contrast that keeps each bite lively.
Plays Well With
Halloumi burgers shine alongside sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. If you want to amp up the flavors, serve with pickled jalapeños or a spoonful of harissa for a spicy kick. You’ll enjoy the mix of textures and flavors around this burger every time.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For a casual weeknight, keep it simple on a plate with a handful of fries. But for something a bit fancier, slice the burger diagonally and arrange with a side of colorful roasted veggies or a crisp slaw. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top of the sauce or a drizzle of chili oil can make your Halloumi Burgers Recipe look and feel restaurant-worthy in minutes.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover halloumi slices and cut buns separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce chilled in a sealed jar. Halloumi holds up well but can firm up, so let it come to room temperature or lightly reheat before assembling.
Freezing Tips
While halloumi doesn’t freeze perfectly once cooked (it may get a bit crumbly), you can freeze uncooked slices wrapped tightly for up to one month. Thaw slowly in the fridge, then cook as usual. Buns freeze beautifully if wrapped well—just toast them again to refresh.
Reheating Halloumi Burgers Recipe Without Drying Out
To warm up halloumi slices without drying, use a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) wrapped lightly in foil for 5–8 minutes. Or reheat briefly in a skillet over low heat. Avoid the microwave as it can make the cheese rubbery. Toast buns separately to retain crispness, then assemble just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Halloumi is unique because it grills well without melting away, giving a crispy outside and soft center. Regular cheese won’t hold up the same way on the grill, so halloumi is best for this recipe to get that perfect texture.
Make sure your pan is well-heated and lightly oiled before adding halloumi. Medium heat is key—too hot and it’ll stick and burn. Turning only after a golden crust forms also helps the cheese release naturally.
Absolutely! Halloumi is a great vegetarian-friendly cheese, making these burgers a satisfying meat-free option packed with flavor and texture.
Yes, you can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge to deepen the flavors. You can also slice and marinate the halloumi early on, but cook right before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Halloumi Burgers Recipe is one of my reliable go-tos when I want something a little different but fuss-free. The way halloumi crisps up on the outside while staying soft inside is honestly addictive, and the simple sauce brings it all together perfectly. Once you try this, you’ll find yourself reaching for halloumi more often, wondering why you ever thought burgers had to be only about beef!
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Halloumi Burgers Recipe
A delicious and easy-to-make halloumi burger recipe featuring golden grilled halloumi cheese slices seasoned with oregano and paprika, served on toasted brioche buns with fresh veggies and a tangy yogurt-based sauce. Perfect for a vegetarian main course that satisfies cravings with vibrant flavors and a crispy texture.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Halloumi Burgers
- 250g halloumi cheese, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Burger Assembly
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting buns)
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
- Optional: sliced avocado, pickles, or other preferred toppings
Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning or sweetness as needed. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator while preparing the burgers.
- Season the halloumi: In a shallow dish, combine olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat the halloumi slices thoroughly with the oil mixture.
- Cook the halloumi: Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the halloumi slices for 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy, being careful not to overcook as halloumi can become too firm.
- Toast the buns: Brush the cut sides of the burger buns with olive oil. Using the same pan, toast the buns cut side down until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread a layer of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a few lettuce leaves on top, then add the cooked halloumi slices. Layer on sliced tomatoes, red onions, and any additional toppings like avocado or pickles.
- Finish and serve: Spread more sauce on the top bun and place it on the assembled burger. Serve the halloumi burgers warm with your favorite side dishes such as sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Halloumi cooks quickly and firms up when overcooked; watch carefully to retain a pleasant texture.
- The sauce can be made in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Use brioche or your favorite soft burger buns for the best texture balance with the salty halloumi.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with pickles, avocado, or spicy peppers for extra flavor.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute halloumi with grilled tofu and use vegan mayo in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Leave a Reply