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Grilled Halloumi Burgers With All the Fixings Recipe

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These Grilled Halloumi Burgers are a delightful vegetarian alternative to traditional beef burgers, featuring crispy golden halloumi cheese, fresh vegetables, and a smoky aioli spread. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe balances savory, tangy, and fresh flavors with a delightful texture contrast between the grilled cheese and soft buns.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Halloumi Burgers

  • 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into 4 slabs
  • 4 burger buns
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 lettuce leaves
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 4 dill pickles, sliced
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Smoked Aioli

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Optional

  • French fries, to serve

Instructions

  1. Make the Smoked Aioli: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. Set aside to allow flavors to meld while preparing the burgers.
  2. Prepare the Halloumi: Pat the halloumi slices dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure the cheese forms a crispy, golden crust when cooked rather than steaming.
  3. Fry the Halloumi: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a thin layer of olive oil. Place the halloumi slices in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Cook until the cheese develops a deeply golden crust and releases easily from the pan, sizzling gently around the edges.
  4. Toast the Burger Buns: Slice the burger buns and toast them lightly, just until the inside turns pale golden but remains soft in the center. This prevents the buns from becoming too hard, making the burgers easier to eat.
  5. Assemble the Halloumi Burgers: Spread a generous amount of smoked aioli onto the bottom half of each bun. Layer with lettuce leaves, tomato slices, the fried halloumi, red onion slices, and dill pickle slices. Add more aioli to the top bun before closing the burgers gently.
  6. Serve Immediately: Serve the burgers hot, accompanied by French fries if desired. These burgers are best eaten fresh while the halloumi retains its crisp edges and the buns remain lightly toasted.

Notes

  • Patting the halloumi dry is essential for achieving a crispy texture when fried.
  • Be careful not to over-toast the buns to maintain a soft, pleasant bite.
  • The smoked aioli can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days to deepen the flavor.
  • Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned pan for best results frying the halloumi.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese at its crispiest.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian