Halloumi Cheese Substitute

While Halloumi cheese is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, you may just need a Halloumi cheese substitute for a recipe you’re dying to try.

Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard cheese that can be grilled, fried, or barbecued without melting.

The best substitute for halloumi cheese depends on your individual needs and preferences. I will be here to guide you in learning more about Halloumi cheese and provide tips and recommendations for a tasty substitute.

The six top halloumi cheese substitutes we recommend are paneer, queso blanco, queso panela, feta, extra-firm tofu, and tempeh.

For substitution ratios and measurements, we have more for you below.

Substitute	Suggested Use Ratio
Paneer	1:1
Queso Blanco	1:1
Queso Panela	1:1
Feta	1:1
Extra-Firm Tofu	1:1
Tempeh	1:1

Top Halloumi Cheese Substitutes

Alright, it is time to talk about the cheese substitutes. Here are some of my favorite replacements that you can also use, including their taste and texture for you to properly determine if they are up for the task:

Paneer

This Indian cheese is my go-to Halloumi Cheese substitute. It is firm and mild, and I usually use it as a substitute for grilled or fried dishes, like Halloumi Salad. I also find it a worthy replacement when making salads, sandwiches, or skewers.

Use paneer as a substitute for halloumi cheese in a 1:1 ratio.

Queso Blanco

Hailing from Latin America, Queso Blanco is another delicious option. It has a mild taste and a firm texture that can handle the heat. If you are looking for a substitution to accompany your tacos or quesadillas, this one should make the experience worthwhile.

Use queso blanco as a substitute for halloumi cheese in a 1:1 ratio.

Queso Panela

Queso Panela is a Mexican cheese that is similar to Halloumi in texture. It is also a good choice for grilling or frying.

It tastes mild and a little salty, and due to its low-fat content, it does not melt when heated, only softens. Aside from this, I also love its spreadable quality that mixes well with many of my favorite dishes.

Use queso panela as a substitute for halloumi cheese in a 1:1 ratio.

Feta

While feta isn’t as firm as Halloumi and is pretty crumbly, it brings that tangy, salty flavor to the table. Crumble it on salads or roast it in the oven for a unique texture.

Use feta as a substitute for halloumi cheese in a 1:1 ratio.

What Makes Halloumi Unique?

So, what’s the deal with Halloumi cheese? It’s not your ordinary cheese, that’s for sure! Imagine a “squeaky” cheese you can grill, fry, or even barbecue without melting away like most cheeses.

Yep, that’s one of the reasons why I love Halloumi! This cheese originates from a blend of goat’s milk and sheep’s milk, and it has a firm texture yet is slightly springy.

Now, why is it so tricky to find a substitute for this magical cheese? Well, Halloumi’s uniqueness lies in its ability to maintain its shape under heat. 

When you cook it, it becomes all crispy on the outside while staying delightfully chewy on the inside. Not many cheeses can pull off this culinary magic.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Substitute

Okay, so you can’t find or cannot use Halloumi. And you need one for that recipe you want to make—the good news is that delicious alternatives can step up to the plate.

However, when choosing a substitute, there are also a few things for you to consider and keep in mind:

Taste

Halloumi boasts a mild, salty flavor that’s tangy and pleasantly creamy. When picking a substitute, look for cheeses with a similar taste profile. Think about cheeses like paneer, queso blanco, or even feta—they share some delightful salty goodness!

Texture

Halloumi’s ability to hold its shape while getting crispy is a big part of its charm. So, your substitute cheese should also have a firm texture that can handle the heat if your recipe requires it. Try cheeses like paneer or even tofu for that unique texture experience.

Cooking Method

The way you cook it matters when choosing a substitute. Some cheeses might shine on the grill, while others are better in a frying pan. So, depending on how you want to use it, you might find some cheesy options better than the other alternatives.

Nondairy Halloumi Cheese Substitutes

I also have some dairy-free recommendations in case you are lactose-intolerant. These are also choices that I love using whenever I want to get a break from some dairy:

Extra-Firm Tofu

Yep, you read that right—extra-firm tofu can imitate Halloumi’s texture when pressed and grilled. Marinate it for extra flavor before cooking.

Use extra-firm tofu as a substitute for halloumi cheese in a 1:1 ratio.

Tempeh

Tempeh is a fermented soybean product similar to tofu in texture, making it one of the commonly used substitutes if you are going for a non-dairy experience. It can also be grilled or used in stir-fries.

Use tempeh as a substitute for halloumi cheese in a 1:1 ratio.

The bottom line

To sum it all up, finding the perfect Halloumi substitute is all about understanding what makes Halloumi so unique in the first place. Its ability to hold its shape while grilling or frying makes it exceptional. When choosing a substitute, focus on taste, texture, and how you plan to cook it. 

Whether you’re grilling, frying, or roasting, there’s a Halloumi cheese substitute waiting to bring a burst of flavor and texture to your dishes. 

So don’t let the absence of Halloumi hold you back from creating delicious, cheesy dishes that will make your taste buds happy!

More About Halloumi Cheese

• What Is Halloumi?