The Ultimate Halloumi Burger Recipe –

If you love cheese and burgers, this halloumi burger recipe is a must-try. Halloumi has a unique ability to get crispy on the outside while staying soft and gooey on the inside, making it the perfect burger replacement. It’s a great option when you want something a little different, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s quickly become a favorite in our house.

The secret to this burger’s amazing flavor is the tangy, creamy sauce. It’s a mix of Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, a touch of honey, and garlic, simple ingredients that come together to create a sauce you’ll want to spread on everything. Top it with fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions, and you’ve got a burger that delivers texture and flavor in every bite.

If you’re looking for a lighter burger option without sacrificing taste, this halloumi version is the way to go. Pair it with sweet potato fries or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s satisfying and refreshing. Once you try it, this halloumi burger is sure to make it into your regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients

For the halloumi burgers:

• 250g halloumi cheese: Slice the halloumi into ½-inch thick pieces for that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Coat the halloumi slices with olive oil to help them crisp up beautifully in the pan.

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Add oregano for a savory, herby kick that enhances the halloumi’s flavor.

• 1 teaspoon paprika: A sprinkle of paprika brings a subtle smokiness and color to the halloumi.

• Salt and black pepper to taste: Season with salt and pepper to balance out all the flavors and bring everything together.

For the burger assembly:

• 4 burger buns: Choose soft, slightly sweet brioche buns for the perfect contrast to the salty halloumi.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Toast the buns with olive oil for a crispy, golden finish that adds extra flavor.

• Lettuce leaves: Add fresh lettuce for a crispy, refreshing crunch in every bite.

• Sliced tomatoes: Layer on juicy, ripe tomatoes for a burst of freshness and color.

• Sliced red onions: Red onions add a mild, zesty bite that pairs perfectly with the halloumi.

• Optional toppings: Customize your burger with sliced avocado, pickles, or anything else you love.

For the sauce:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or mayonnaise for a creamy, smooth base for the sauce.

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens up the sauce with a refreshing zing.

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard gives the sauce a nice sharpness that complements the sweetness of the honey.

• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance the flavors.

• 1 clove garlic, minced: Minced garlic gives the sauce a savory depth and a little kick.

• Salt and black pepper to taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste, making sure the sauce is perfectly balanced.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic.

2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning or sweetness as needed.

3. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator while preparing the burgers.

4. In a shallow dish, mix together olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

5. Coat the halloumi slices with the oil mixture.

6. Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat.

7. Cook the halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be careful not to overcook, as halloumi can become too firm.

8. Brush the cut sides of the burger buns with olive oil.

9. In the same pan used for the halloumi, toast the buns, cut side down, until golden and crispy.

10. Spread a layer of the prepared sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

11. Place a few lettuce leaves on top of the sauce.

12. Add the cooked halloumi slices on top of the lettuce.

13. Layer on sliced tomatoes, red onions, and any additional toppings like avocado or pickles.

14. Spread more sauce on the top bun and place it on top of the assembled burger.

15. Serve the halloumi burgers warm with your favorite side dishes, such as sweet potato fries or a fresh salad.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Halloumi Burgers

• With a side of crispy sweet potato fries: There’s something about the combination of crispy halloumi and the sweetness of fries that just works so well together. Plus, they’re the perfect vehicle for any extra sauce!

• Pile on the toppings: I love loading my burger with all kinds of fresh toppings – avocado, pickles, and even a few extra slices of tomato. It adds layers of flavor and makes every bite even more satisfying.

• Swap the buns: If you’re looking to cut carbs or just want to try something different, try serving the halloumi on a bed of leafy greens instead of a bun. It’s light and refreshing, and the cheese still shines!

• Add a squeeze of extra lemon: For a little extra zing, squeeze some fresh lemon juice right over the finished burger. It brings out the flavors in the halloumi and gives it a nice, fresh pop.

• Pair it with a cold, fizzy drink: Halloumi burgers are amazing with something bubbly, like sparkling water with a splash of lime or even a cold craft beer. It’s the perfect way to cool off and balance the savory flavors.

• Make it a slider: Want a fun twist? Make mini halloumi sliders for a party or casual get-together. You can easily serve them with an array of dipping sauces for everyone to enjoy.

Serving & Storing

• Serve immediately for the best experience: Halloumi burgers are best served hot and crispy, right off the grill or pan. The warm halloumi paired with the toasted buns makes for the ultimate burger experience!

• Perfect for meal prep: If you’re making these ahead of time, you can grill the halloumi and toast the buns separately, then store them in airtight containers. When ready to serve, just reheat and assemble the burgers with fresh toppings.

• Storage tip: If you have leftover halloumi, store the cooked slices in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in a pan to get that crispy texture back, just be careful not to overcook them!

• Keep the sauce fresh: The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it a great make-ahead option for future burger nights or even as a dip for veggies.

• Serve with a side salad: For a lighter meal, pair your halloumi burger with a simple mixed greens salad or even a tangy coleslaw. It balances out the richness of the cheese and makes for a well-rounded meal.

FAQs

Can I make halloumi burgers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the halloumi ahead of time by grilling or pan-frying the slices. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat them in a pan for that crispy finish. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I use a different cheese for this burger?
While halloumi is perfect for grilling, you can try other firm cheeses like paneer or even feta if you want a different twist. However, halloumi’s unique texture and ability to stay firm while grilling really make it the star of this recipe!

How do I make this burger vegan-friendly?
To make a vegan version, swap the halloumi with a plant-based cheese that can be grilled (look for vegan cheese designed for grilling). You can also make the sauce with dairy-free yogurt or mayo and leave out the honey, using maple syrup instead.

Can I freeze halloumi burgers?
It’s best to freeze the halloumi slices before they’re cooked. Just freeze the raw, seasoned slices individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight and grill them as usual.

What can I serve with halloumi burgers?
These burgers go great with a variety of sides! Try serving them with sweet potato fries, a simple salad, or some grilled veggies. You can even add a side of homemade coleslaw for a fun crunch.