Who doesn’t love fried cheese? This is a simple, anytime appetizer (or snack) that can be whipped up in under 5 minutes. In this recipe, pan-fried halloumi is served on top of a fresh cherry tomato and basil salad and dressed with balsamic glaze and EVOO.

What is halloumi cheese?
Halluoumi cheese originated in Cypres and is made from a mixture of goat’s milk, sheeps milk, and sometimes cow milk. Its texture is described as squeaky and it tastes salty like feta, but it has texture of mozzarella. It’s delicious. The best part? It has a high melting point – which makes it is the perfect cheese for grilling or frying! Definitely a must-try!

Pan Fried Halloumi Cheese & Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients:
8 oz halloumi cheese
1 tsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
.5oz fresh basil, torn into small pieces
2 tbsp balsamic glaze
salt & freshly cracked pepper to taste

Step 1.
Slice halloumi into thin slices, about 1/4-1/3 inch thick. Slice cherry tomatoes in half.

Step 2.
In a small serving dish, add cherry tomatoes and hand-tear basil leaves on top. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the tomato basil mixture. Season with salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste.

Step 3.
To fry the halloumi, preheat a nonstick fry pan on medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil.  Add halloumi slices and cook for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 4.
Plate the pan-fried halloumi over the fresh tomatoes and basil and serve!