Grill Cheese 200g

The cheese that doesn’t melt — Bulgarian halloumi-style grill cheese, made for the pan, the grill, and the oven. Slice it, sear it, watch it turn golden and squeaky on the outside while staying soft inside.

This is Bulgaria’s answer to halloumi — a firm, layered brined cheese (often labeled сирене за скара in Bulgaria, literally "cheese for the grill") made in the style of the famous Cypriot original. The texture is dense and sliceable with a fine, layered structure similar to mozzarella; the flavor is mild, milky, and pleasantly salty with the unmistakable squeak you get from a fresh halloumi-style cheese.

The defining feature is what happens when you cook it: it does not melt. Slice it, place it on a hot pan or grill, and it forms a crisp golden crust while keeping its shape. That makes it one of the most versatile cheeses in the kitchen — a five-minute meze, a vegetarian protein, a salad topping, a sandwich filling.

How to Cook It

Pan-sear: Slice into pieces about 1cm (1/2 inch) thick. Heat a dry non-stick pan over medium-high; place the slices flat and cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden. No oil needed.

Grill: Brush slices lightly with olive oil and grill 1–2 minutes per side over direct heat. Watch closely; the crust forms fast.

Oven-bake: Slice and roast at 200°C / 400°F for 8–10 minutes alongside vegetables, or layer it into baked dishes like a Bulgarian sirene-po-shopski clay pot.

What Makes It Special

Made in Bulgaria from real milk in the traditional layered halloumi method — folded and pressed to develop the chewy, non-melting structure. No vegetable fats, no melting agents, no shortcuts. The 200g vacuum pack is the perfect size for two to three servings, ready to slice straight from the fridge. Naturally vegetarian.

Quick Facts

✓  Style: Halloumi-style Bulgarian grill cheese (sirene za skara)
✓  Net weight: 200g (approx. 7 oz)
✓  Format: Vacuum-sealed pack
✓  Origin: Bulgaria (imported)
✓  Texture: Firm, layered, sliceable
✓  Flavor: Mild, milky, pleasantly salty
✓  Cooking: Non-melting — pan, grill, or oven
✓  Diet: Vegetarian
✓  Items per case: 45 packs
✓  UPC: 3800232265201
✓  SKU: C hall

Bulgarian Serving Tip

For a quick Balkan-style meze, slice the cheese into 1cm pieces and pan-sear in a dry skillet until each side is golden and crisp. Plate while still hot, drizzle with a little Bulgarian honey and a pinch of chubritsa (summer savory), and serve with warm pitka bread, fresh tomato, and roasted red pepper. For a heartier dish, layer seared slices over shopska salad, or build a vegetarian gyro using grill cheese instead of meat with cucumber, tomato, and lutenitsa as the spread. A small glass of chilled rakia completes the table.

Pairs perfectly with: Lutenitsa (LHDER) as a topping after searing, Familia Fillo Pastry Sheets for baked appetizers, and Bulgarian honey or chubritsa for a sweet-savory finish. For a meze board, add Beef Sujuk Salami by Tandem (TM33).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this halloumi?

It is a halloumi-style cheese made in Bulgaria. Authentic Cypriot halloumi has a protected designation of origin and can only be produced in Cyprus. This cheese is made in the same layered, non-melting tradition and behaves the same way in cooking, but it is a Bulgarian product.

Why doesn’t it melt?

During production the curds are heated and folded to develop a layered protein structure that holds together at high temperatures. The cheese softens slightly when heated but keeps its shape, allowing it to crisp on the outside while staying tender inside.

Do I need oil to pan-fry it?

No. The cheese is fatty enough to release its own oil into the pan as it heats. A dry non-stick pan over medium-high heat is all you need. Add a brush of olive oil only if you prefer a richer crust.

Is it salty?

It is moderately salty, like all brined cheeses. If you find it too salty, soak the slices in cold water for 10–20 minutes before cooking. This is a common preparation step in Cyprus and the Balkans.

How long does it keep?

Unopened, the vacuum pack keeps refrigerated until the printed best-by date. Once opened, wrap tightly and use within 7–10 days, or store the unused portion in lightly salted water in a covered container in the fridge.

Is it vegetarian?

Yes. The cheese contains milk, salt, rennet, and starter cultures. Many cooks use grill cheese as the protein in vegetarian meals because of its high protein content and satisfying texture.

Can I freeze it?

Yes — halloumi-style cheese freezes well in its sealed pack. Slice before freezing for easier portioning. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

How is it shipped?

Malincho ships refrigerated cheese in insulated packaging across the USA from our Egg Harbor Township, NJ warehouse. For questions, call 1-866-203-3525 or email [email protected].