Crispy Halloumi Grilled Cheese

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheese

01 - 7 oz halloumi cheese, sliced into 0.2 inch thick pieces

→ Bread & Spread

02 - 4 slices rustic or sourdough bread

03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

04 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Optional Additions

05 - 2 tsp honey or hot honey for drizzling

06 - Small handful fresh arugula or baby spinach

07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels.

02 - Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry halloumi slices 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp, then remove and set aside.

03 - Butter one side of each bread slice.

04 - Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Layer fried halloumi evenly on top. Add arugula or spinach and drizzle with honey if desired. Season with black pepper.

05 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

06 - Wipe skillet clean and return to medium heat. Grill sandwiches 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese is warmed through.

07 - Remove sandwiches, slice in half, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

Halloumi has this miraculous high melting point that lets it get gloriously golden and crispy without melting away into the bread.
It's ready in under twenty minutes, which means you can have restaurant-quality comfort food on a weeknight without the guilt.
The contrast between the salty, squeaky cheese and buttery toast feels like a little flavor revelation every single time.

02 -

Halloumi's melting point is higher than most cheeses, which is exactly why it gets crispy and golden instead of melting flat—this is the whole reason the sandwich works.
Drying the cheese before frying really does make the difference between a crispy exterior and a sad, steamed piece, and it only takes thirty seconds of your time.

03 -