Sliders with Halloumi

Name: Sliders with Halloumi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 sliders
Ingredients: 8 oz halloumi, sliced into thick slices; 4 slider buns; 1 cup fresh spinach or mixed greens; 1 avocado, sliced; 1 tomato, sliced; Olive oil for grilling; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love creating sliders, especially when they feature deliciously grilled halloumi! The unique texture and flavor of halloumi really set these sliders apart. I discovered that to balance the saltiness of the cheese, a fresh topping of homemade salsa or a zesty yogurt sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. Each bite is a delightful mix of savory and fresh flavors, making these sliders a hit at any gathering. Perfect for a casual get-together or as a fun dinner option, they never fail to impress!

Created by

Cassidy Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:13:09.104Z

Creating sliders with halloumi has become one of my favorite culinary adventures. The way the cheese caramelizes on the grill creates a firm and golden exterior that contrasts beautifully with its soft interior. I always choose thick slices of halloumi to highlight its unique qualities, ensuring that each slider packs a punch in flavor. The addition of fresh ingredients truly brightens the dish.

These sliders are perfect for any occasion! I found that serving them with a side of crispy sweet potato fries complements the savory halloumi without overshadowing its taste. Experimenting with toppings, like pickled vegetables or extra herbs, give a refreshing twist. You'll love how easy it is to whip these up in no time!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Grilled halloumi that adds a wonderful salty flavor
Fresh and bright toppings elevate every bite
Perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike

      

Perfectly Grilled Halloumi

Grilling halloumi requires attention, as this cheese can quickly turn from perfectly golden to overly charred. Aim for a medium heat on your grill; this usually lands between 350°F to 400°F. Properly preheating your grill prevents sticking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks. Grill each slice for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until you see a golden-brown appearance and hear a gentle sizzling. The goal is to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a delightful chewy interior.

One of the unique characteristics of halloumi is its high melting point. Unlike many cheeses, it won’t ooze out while grilling, making it ideal for sliders. If you find halloumi is sticking to your grill, a light coating of olive oil on the cheese itself before grilling can help. It also aids in incorporating additional flavors from your grill smoke, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Fresh Toppings and Variations

The toppings in these sliders are essential not just for flavor but for texture as well. Fresh spinach or mixed greens add a crispness that balances the hearty grilled halloumi. Additionally, consider substituting spinach with arugula for a peppery kick, or even slaw for added crunch and a tangy twist. To amplify the health benefits, you could use whole grain slider buns or even lettuce wraps as a low-carb option.

If you're not fond of yogurt-based sauces, consider a homemade avocado crema. Simply blend ripe avocado with lime juice, garlic, and a touch of olive oil until smooth. This substitute enhances the creamy aspect of the slider while keeping it plant-based. You can also personalize the salsa by adding diced mango or corn for a sweet twist, or fire-roasted peppers for extra smokiness, further dialing in the freshness.

Meal Prep and Serving Suggestions

These sliders are great for meal prep! You can prepare the grilled halloumi and yogurt sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Grilled halloumi keeps well for about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container, while the yogurt mixture can last up to a week. This allows you to assemble the sliders fresh just before serving, which helps maintain texture and flavor integrity.

For a more substantial meal, consider pairing these sliders with side dishes such as sweet potato fries or a light quinoa salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. If you're serving at a gathering, arrange a slider station where guests can build their own with various toppings, creating a fun and interactive dining experience. This not only encourages creativity but also allows everyone to customize their slider to suit their preferences.

Ingredients

For the Sliders

8 oz halloumi, sliced into thick slices
4 slider buns
1 cup fresh spinach or mixed greens
1 avocado, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
Olive oil for grilling
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

1/2 cup plain yogurt
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Salt to taste

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your sliders!

Prepare the Topping

In a bowl, mix the plain yogurt with lemon juice, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Grill the Halloumi

Heat a grill or a grill pan over medium heat, adding a bit of olive oil. Grill the halloumi slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Assemble the Sliders

Cut the slider buns in half and toast them lightly on the grill. Layer a slice of grilled halloumi on each bun, followed by spinach, avocado, and tomato. Top with the yogurt mixture and finish with the other half of the bun.

Enjoy your delicious sliders!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your sliders with different vegetables or sauces. Adding a spicy element, like sriracha, can give a nice kick!

Ingredient Substitutions

If halloumi is difficult to find, paneer can serve as an effective substitute, as it shares a similar texture and also holds up well to grilling. Another alternative is aged feta; however, it will crumble rather than slice, so consider using it in crumbled form as a topping instead. For a vegan option, opt for tofu or seitan, marinated with herbs and grilled to mimic the salty richness of halloumi.

When it comes to the slider buns, any small bread roll will do, but whole grain or sourdough options can bring additional flavor and texture. If you're gluten-free, look for gluten-free slider buns or make mini portobello mushrooms that can act as the burger buns, offering a great flavor and healthy alternative.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can grill a larger batch of halloumi ahead of time for meal prepping. This cheese holds up well when reheated, so consider making extras to have on hand for quick lunches or dinners. Just quickly reheat the grilled halloumi in a skillet for a minute on each side until warmed through, so it retains that delightful texture.

For the yogurt sauce, mix in batches and adjust lemon juice to taste before serving. Citrus flavors may mellow after a day, so taste testing just before serving will ensure that it pops. Make sure to store the yogurt sauce in a tightly sealed container to maintain its freshness.

Serving Suggestions

For an elevated presentation, serve the sliders on a wooden board topped with colorful garnishes. Consider a mix of fresh herbs, edible flowers, or even nuts for an interesting look. You could arrange small bowls of different toppings and sauces to encourage customization, which allows guests to get creative with their sliders.

These sliders are incredibly versatile! Serve them as part of a larger buffet spread or alongside a charcuterie board featuring olives, hummus, and assorted cheeses. They can also shine at a barbecue or picnic setting, where their flavor complements outdoor socializing beautifully, ensuring you're the host with the most delicious bites.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, but halloumi is special for its grilling properties. If you use another cheese, choose one that melts well.

→ How do I store leftover sliders?

Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I prepare the toppings in advance?

Definitely! You can make the yogurt topping a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

→ What can I serve with sliders?

These sliders pair well with fries, a fresh salad, or even grilled vegetables.