Olympus HALOUMI Cheese 225g

Some cheeses are made to sit. Haloumi is made to sizzle. Slide a golden slab into a hot pan, hear that satisfying hiss, and within minutes you have one of the Mediterranean's most beloved bites — crisp on the outside, yielding and savory within. This is Olympus Haloumi, and it earns its reputation every single time.

Olympus Haloumi Cheese (also spelled halloumi; Greek: χαλούμι) is a semi-hard brined cheese with a uniquely high melting point — the quality that makes it the world's premier grilling and frying cheese. Produced by Olympus, a trusted Mediterranean dairy brand, this 225g vacuum-sealed block delivers the authentic character that has made haloumi a staple from Cyprus to kitchen tables across Europe and beyond.

The cheese is made from a blend of sheep and goat milk (sometimes with cow milk), giving it a pleasantly milky, lightly salty flavor with a characteristic squeaky, springy texture when fresh. Its dense, firm structure holds its shape magnificently under heat — rather than melting into a puddle, it develops a beautiful golden crust while the interior softens to a tender, chewy bite. This is not a coincidence of chemistry; it is the result of a centuries-old Cypriot cheesemaking tradition that treats the curd in a unique way to raise its protein structure and heat tolerance.

The 225g vacuum pack keeps this cheese fresh through shipping and storage, preserving its firm texture and clean dairy aroma until the moment you open it and lay it in the pan. Each pack contains enough for a generous starter for two, or a hearty component in a larger mezze spread.

How to Cook & Enjoy It

Pan-frying is the most popular method: slice the haloumi into 1cm planks, place in a dry non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply golden and caramelized. No oil needed — the cheese releases its own moisture and browns beautifully. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a pinch of dried oregano.

Grilling works equally well: brush slices lightly with olive oil and grill over direct heat for 2–3 minutes per side until grill marks appear. Serve immediately — haloumi firms back up as it cools, so it is best eaten hot off the heat.

Beyond grilling, haloumi shines in wraps and pita with roasted vegetables, cubed into salads (especially alongside watermelon and fresh mint), baked in the oven with cherry tomatoes and olive oil, or used as a protein-forward burger patty substitute. It is also excellent simply eaten fresh from the pack as a high-protein snack — its firm, satisfying bite requires no cooking to enjoy.

What Makes It Special

Haloumi is not just a cheese trend — it is a PDO-protected product with deep roots in Cypriot and Mediterranean culture. The Olympus brand brings professional dairy expertise to every batch, ensuring consistent quality, a clean ingredient list, and an authentic flavor profile that mass-market imitations simply cannot match. The vacuum-sealed format is purpose-built for shipping and storage: no brine spillage, no spoilage risk in transit, and an extended shelf life that keeps your cheese in peak condition. Available at Malincho.com — the USA's go-to source for imported European specialty foods — with nationwide shipping.

Quick Facts

• ✓  Cheese type: Semi-hard brined grilling / frying cheese
• ✓  Milk type: Sheep and/or goat milk blend (traditional recipe)
• ✓  Origin: Cyprus (Olympus brand — verify with supplier)
• ✓  Texture: Firm, springy, squeaky — holds shape under heat
• ✓  Flavor: Mild, milky, lightly salty with a savory finish
• ✓  Key property: High melting point — grills and pan-fries without melting
• ✓  Net weight: 225g (~8 oz)
• ✓  SKU: LO OLHA225V
• ✓  UPC: 8845540010308
• ✓  Packaging: Vacuum-sealed — no brine, no leakage
• ✓  Best cooking methods: Pan-fry, grill, bake, eat fresh
• ✓  Pairings: Lemon, oregano, watermelon, fresh mint, roasted peppers, olives, pita