Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20-25 minutes, this burger is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
- Crispy and creamy: Halloumi cheese offers a unique texture that gets crispy on the outside while staying creamy inside. It’s a great substitute for traditional meat-based burgers.
- Customizable: You can add a variety of toppings to suit your taste, such as sliced avocado, pickles, or hot sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that lets you get creative!
- Mediterranean flavor: With the tangy tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies, this burger brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 block halloumi cheese (about 7-8 ounces)
- 4 burger buns (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup lettuce leaves (romaine, arugula, or spinach)
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (or hummus, if preferred)
Optional toppings:
- Sliced avocado
- Pickles
- Hot sauce
Directions
1. Prepare the halloumi:
- Slice the halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick slices. Avoid making them too thin, as halloumi can become too soft when cooked.
2. Cook the halloumi:
- In a frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the halloumi slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can grill the halloumi by brushing it with olive oil and grilling it for 2-3 minutes on each side.
3. Toast the buns:
- Slice the burger buns and toast them until golden brown, either in a toaster or on a pan. This adds a nice crunch to the burger.
4. Assemble the burgers:
- Spread a generous amount of tzatziki (or hummus) on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Add lettuce leaves, a slice of tomato, and red onion.
5. Add the halloumi:
- Place the crispy halloumi slices on top of the veggies. Optionally, add toppings like avocado, pickles, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
6. Serve:
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately for a fresh, satisfying meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 burgers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Variations
- Grilled vegetables: Add grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Spicy version: Make your burger spicy by adding chili flakes or jalapeños.
- Vegan option: Use a dairy-free cheese substitute in place of halloumi (note that these may melt differently).
- Toppings: Switch up the sauce by using guacamole, aioli, or spicy mayo for a new flavor twist.
Storage
- Storage: Halloumi burgers are best enjoyed fresh, but leftover cooked halloumi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the halloumi by pan-frying it again to restore its crispy texture.
Nutrition (Per Burger)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
FAQs
Can I make this burger gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free burger buns to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use other cheese besides halloumi?
If you prefer a different flavor or texture, you can use other firm cheeses like paneer or a grilled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Can I make the halloumi burger in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the halloumi slices in advance and refrigerate them. Reheat in a pan to get the crispiness back before assembling the burgers.
How do I prevent the halloumi from becoming too soft?
Slice the halloumi thick enough to hold up while cooking (around 1/2 inch thick). Also, ensure the pan is hot enough to crisp up the cheese without it becoming too soft.
Can I add other veggies to the burger?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like grilled eggplant, mushrooms, or a handful of arugula to enhance the flavor.
Can I make this burger without a grill?
Yes, you can easily cook the halloumi in a frying pan or skillet. Just make sure the pan is heated well and add some oil to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
The Halloumi Burger is a delicious, vegetarian-friendly alternative to the traditional beef burger. With its crispy halloumi cheese, fresh veggies, and tangy sauce, it’s an easy and satisfying dish that works for a light lunch, dinner, or even a fun BBQ. The versatility of the recipe allows you to get creative with toppings and flavors, making it a perfect addition to any meal!
Halloumi Burger
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying, Assembling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Halloumi Burger is a crispy, creamy vegetarian alternative to a classic beef burger, featuring halloumi cheese, fresh veggies, and tangy sauces in a soft burger bun.
Ingredients
1 block halloumi cheese (about 7–8 ounces)
4 burger buns (gluten-free if needed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup lettuce leaves (romaine, arugula, or spinach)
1 medium tomato, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (or hummus, if preferred)
Sliced avocado (optional)
Pickles (optional)
Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- In a frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the halloumi slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Toast the burger buns until golden brown, either in a toaster or on a pan.
- Spread tzatziki (or hummus) on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices.
- Place the crispy halloumi on top of the veggies. Optionally, add avocado, pickles, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.
Notes
For a heartier version, add grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Use a dairy-free cheese substitute to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Try adding chili flakes or jalapeños for a spicy version of the burger.
Substitute the tzatziki with guacamole, aioli, or spicy mayo for a different twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
