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If you are looking for a show-stopping vegetarian option for your Memorial Day cookout, these Halloumi Burgers are exactly what your grill has been waiting for. Crispy on the outside, soft and salty on the inside, halloumi cheese transforms a simple burger into something truly special. Stacked high on a toasted brioche bun with creamy hummus, fresh tomato slices, crunchy butterhead lettuce, and vibrant tomato salsa, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any Memorial Day party, Fourth of July BBQ, or summer picnic. The best part? It comes together in under 15 minutes, making it one of the easiest Memorial Day dinner ideas you will ever add to your rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love These Halloumi Burgers
- Ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect vegetarian option for Memorial Day cookout ideas
- No meat required satisfying, hearty, and full of flavor
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find at any supermarket
- Easily scalable for Memorial Day food for a crowd
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
What Is Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi is a firm, semi-hard cheese originally from Cyprus, traditionally made from a blend of goat and sheep milk. Its most remarkable quality is its ability to hold its shape and develop a beautiful golden crust when grilled or pan-fried, without melting. This makes it the ultimate cheese for the barbecue. It has a mild, slightly salty flavor that pairs beautifully with bold toppings like salsa and hummus. You can find halloumi at most well-stocked grocery stores, specialty food shops, or online.
Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe serves 4 and requires just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Use a reliable measuring cups and spoons set to keep your prep accurate and consistent.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Halloumi cheese | 250g block, cut into 8 thick slices | Pat dry before grilling for best crust |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For brushing the halloumi |
| Brioche buns | 4 | Soft and slightly sweet, ideal for this burger |
| Hummus | 4 tbsp | Store-bought or homemade |
| Large ripe tomato | 1, thinly sliced | Use a sharp chef’s knife for clean slices |
| Butterhead lettuce leaves | 4 leaves | Washed and dried |
| Fresh tomato salsa | 4 tbsp | Most supermarkets stock a good version |
Kitchen Equipment
Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier. Here is everything you will need:
- Frying pan or barbecue grill for cooking the halloumi to golden perfection
- Chef’s knife for slicing the tomato and halloumi cleanly
- Cutting board essential for safe, stable prep work
- Measuring cups and spoons set to measure olive oil and toppings accurately
- Kitchen utensils for flipping the halloumi while grilling
- Mixing bowls useful for organizing prepped toppings
How to Make Halloumi Burgers Step by Step
- Prepare your grill or pan. Heat a barbecue until the coals are glowing white hot, or alternatively heat a frying pan over medium-high heat on your stovetop. You want a high, consistent heat to get that beautiful golden crust on the halloumi.
- Brush the halloumi. Using a pastry brush or your fingers, coat each side of the halloumi slices generously with olive oil. This prevents sticking and promotes even browning. Place your slices on a cutting board for easy handling.
- Grill the halloumi. Place the halloumi slices directly on the grill or in your hot frying pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until each surface is golden and slightly charred. Use kitchen tongs or a spatula to flip carefully without breaking the slices.
- Prepare the buns. Split the brioche buns in half. If you like, toast them very briefly on the grill or in a dry pan for about 30 seconds per side this adds texture and prevents sogginess. Be careful not to burn them as brioche browns quickly.
- Assemble the burgers. Spread 1 tablespoon of hummus generously on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with a few thin tomato slices, followed by 2 slices of the grilled halloumi. Add a fresh butterhead lettuce leaf, then spoon over 1 tablespoon of tomato salsa. Place the top bun on and press gently.
- Serve immediately. These burgers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill. Serve with your favorite Memorial Day picnic food sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or potato salad.
Pro Tips for the Best Halloumi Burgers
- Pat the halloumi dry before brushing with oil. Excess moisture can cause steaming instead of searing, which prevents a good golden crust.
- Do not move the halloumi while it is cooking. Let it sit undisturbed for the full 2 to 3 minutes to develop a proper crust before flipping.
- Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. A ripe tomato adds natural sweetness and juiciness that complements the salty halloumi perfectly.
- Upgrade your salsa by mixing in diced red onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a homemade touch that elevates the whole burger.
- Make it vegan by swapping the brioche buns for vegan burger buns all other ingredients in this recipe are already plant-based.
- Scale it up easily for Memorial Day food for a crowd simply multiply the ingredients and keep the grilled halloumi warm in a low oven on a baking sheet while you finish the rest.
Serving Suggestions
These Halloumi Burgers shine as the star of any Memorial Day cookout spread. Pair them with crispy sweet potato fries, a fresh cucumber and red onion salad, or a classic American coleslaw. For a full Memorial Day picnic food table, add a big bowl of pasta salad, watermelon slices, and a jug of homemade lemonade. These burgers also make fantastic Fourth of July food BBQ fare alongside grilled corn, baked beans, and ice-cold drinks.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep ahead: Slice the halloumi, tomatoes, and lettuce up to 4 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator in covered mixing bowls.
- Leftover halloumi: Store any grilled halloumi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot pan for 1 minute per side to restore the crust.
- Do not assemble ahead: Build the burgers fresh to order to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Halloumi Burgers without a barbecue?
Absolutely. A frying pan or grill pan on the stovetop works just as well. Heat it over medium-high heat until very hot, then cook the halloumi slices following the same 2 to 3 minutes per side method. You will still get a beautiful golden crust.
Can I use an air fryer to cook the halloumi?
Yes, an air fryer is a great alternative. Brush the halloumi slices with olive oil, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Is halloumi healthy?
Halloumi is a good source of protein and calcium, making it a satisfying and nutritious vegetarian protein option. It is higher in sodium than many cheeses, so if you are watching your salt intake, rinse the slices under cold water before cooking and skip any added salt in the recipe.
What can I use instead of hummus?
If you are not a hummus fan, try spreading the buns with tzatziki, avocado mash, or a garlic aioli. Each option brings a different flavor profile while complementing the salty, savory halloumi beautifully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Simply substitute the brioche buns with your favorite gluten-free burger buns. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prevent halloumi from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill or pan is fully preheated and well-oiled before adding the halloumi. Brushing each slice generously with olive oil and ensuring the cooking surface is hot enough are the two most important steps for preventing sticking.
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PrintHalloumi Burgers : The Best Vegetarian BBQ Recipe for Memorial Day
Crispy grilled halloumi cheese stacked on a soft brioche bun with creamy hummus, fresh tomato, butterhead lettuce, and zesty tomato salsa. The perfect vegetarian burger for Memorial Day cookouts, Fourth of July BBQs, and summer picnics.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
250g block halloumi cheese, cut into 8 thick slices
1 tbsp olive oil
4 brioche buns
4 tbsp hummus
1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
4 butterhead lettuce leaves
4 tbsp fresh tomato salsa
Instructions
1. Heat a barbecue until the coals are glowing white hot. Brush each side of all the halloumi slices with olive oil and cook them on each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden.
2. Split the brioche buns and toast them very briefly on both sides if you like, being careful not to burn them.
3. Spread the bottom halves of the buns with hummus.
4. Add some tomato slices and then the grilled halloumi.
5. Finish with the butterhead lettuce and tomato salsa, then top with the other half of the bun. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pat the halloumi dry before brushing with oil to get the best golden crust.
Do not move the halloumi while cooking — let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side.
Scale up easily for a crowd and keep grilled halloumi warm in a low oven.
For a vegan version, swap brioche buns for vegan burger buns.